mental health technician

specialist

support worker

shelter worker

counselor

Services and Housing In the Province (SHIP)

I accepted my role with excitement. Over a few months, I realized those hopes were misplaced. Management likely wants to succeed, but those I worked with were grossly inexperienced and unable to actually create meaningful change. I tried not to contribute to the negative culture, but when I was routinely unsupported by supervisors and management, it’s hard not to sympathize with frustrated and silenced staff. I even accessed the anonymous reporting tool that went straight to the ED or whoever the top dog was. It took months — like, at least three months — for them to acknowledge that I’d messaged them. By that point I’d given up on getting any support internally. Part of the issue is they either hire inexperienced staff for vulnerable front line work — they’re either frustrated with the lack of support from mgmt and become bitter or toe the company line and get promoted as a yes man. Any staff they hire with experience are sidelined as problems because they highlight the routine mistreatment towards clients and staff. It’s really disappointing. But they do have a good PR team! They’re shiny image - and strong stats because they do well supporting low acuity folks - give them political power. Unfortunately this just reinforces their belief that they’re doing good work, when I’m actually they’re the highest barrier agency I’ve worked for in the area.

Being a past employee I can say it was good when i started back in 2018 but all changed in 2020 when i left. Massive turnover in board members, Management and staff. No loyalty to staff or at least they pretend to support you through all their communications but do not give raises, Managers and staff get more and more adhoc work added to their plate daily. Upper management does nothing but pad their salaries and add more and more projects to their plate without enough staffing or training. New staff are just thrown into roles and there is gross mismanagement of how clients are treated through evictions, lack of care and real day-to-day operations. Workers who are unionized just do as they please and pretend to do the work but just cover with notes. No proper IT system in place to help staff succeed. Culture is at its worst ever. I learned here that nepotism, how you charm people and who your close to goes a long way and longtimers who know how to play the games there talk their way out of things while good staff are let go or fleeing. Would never go back also due to discrimination, sterotypes and microaggressions.

SHIP is a great place to work because they care about their employees and clients, and work to make sure their needs are provided. A typical day for me involves homes visits and phone calls with my clients, writing reports and assessments, and working with client's various professional and personal supports. The management at SHIP provides quality feedback to their employees and is available when needed. The workplace culture is very supportive and fun, and the people at SHIP are all fantastic. The hardest part of the job is trying to work/coordinate with landlords and other community organizations who my not be familiar with SHIP, which causes obstacles when trying to get clients the support they need. The most enjoyable part of the job is when you and your client successfully connect with/obtain a much needed support (e.g. family doctor) or when the client achieves a milestone that you played a role in helping in. 

Coworkers are fantastic but Senior Leadership is embarrassingly out of touch. They say they care about staff wellness and work-life balance but that isn't true at all. They don't support staff and ignore any problems brought to their attebtion. What you're told the job will be in the interview and what you wind up doing will be completely different. Suddenly they will move the goal posts to set you up for failure. As an agency that is supposed to be a pillar for mental health surely couldn't do a worse job caring for the mental health if their staff. Stay away unless you know someone in Senior Leadership personally, then you'll be fine.

Working at SHIP has been a been a great experience. The company fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. There is a strong focus on employee development and well-being, management actively supports career advancement through training programs and mentorship. The inclusive culture promotes open communication and teamwork. Overall, I feel valued and motivated as part of a dynamic team committed to excellence.



A typical day volunteering at Angela's Place include completing wide variety of tasks like signing children into the playroom; setting up different play areas; engaging playfully with the children and attending to the children immediate needs. As a volunteer, I have learnt the importance of sharing time with others. For instance, when I attend for volunteer duty, I am freeing up valuable time for full-time employees and parents. The most enjoyable time of volunteering is working with the children. The children have a lot of energy and playing with them, seeing their smile and laughter are priceless.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Team support, the team is willing to support each member to achieve the organization's goals

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Accountability- balancing the support to the clients and maintaining standards of care

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Culture of respect and emphasis on maintaining a diverse workforce 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Supporting the emotional needs of the clients and total care of the animals

Large, growing organization serving individuals struggling with mental health and addictions issues, with supportive housing, and a host of therepeutic services.

The Covid pandemic complicated things, but the organization is well positioned via the dedicated staff to meet the needs of clients. 

Organization has a suite of permanent housing, transitional housing for youth, and shelter services for families. I found my colleagues very easy to work with. 

I had a bad experience working here. It was the first time in my professional career that I was discriminated against and treated unfairly while working here. I wouldn't recommend anyone to work here. There is a reason why there is a high turnover rate at this company. 

Unique services provided to clients in a large geographic area. 
Upper management can move ahead with too many ideas before support staff are prepared. 
Good pension, benefits. competitive salary


Top Job Titles	Average salary
Mental health technician 26 salaries reported	$63,116 per year
Specialist 21 salaries reported	$62,538 per year
Support worker 12 salaries reported	$64,779 per year
Shelter worker 5 salaries reported	$33.46 per hour
Counselor 4 salaries reported	$65,254 per year

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