community liaison

call center representative

wellness coordinator

summer intern

shelter worker

The Mustard Seed

I worked for the organization for 3.5 years, based in Edmonton. I can truly say that with all things considered, it’s been the best place I’ve ever worked but I say that with my role in mind (not all roles are created equal and I can’t speak on the experiences my colleagues in the front lines at the shelters or at community hubs have). In the beginning it was tough as I was under a manager that had no business managing anyone, but after the department restructured, I began reporting directly to the Exec Dir, which changed everything for the better. I felt supported and encouraged, my ideas were welcomed and my boss trusted me to get my work done without breathing down my neck or constantly monitoring my every move. Any feedback I got was given to me in a way that was easy to digest and encouraged me to do better. 

Benefits are great, I felt the culture was positive for the most part (there’s always gonna be a little office politics anywhere you go), and I felt my work-life balance was great. 

I did end up moving on, but only because I’m looking for more upwards mobility in my career that I couldn’t see happening with my particular role. I would have stayed here forever if the opportunity was available. Overall it’s been an amazing place to work and I’ll always look back at my time there fondly.

I worked at The Mustard Seed in Red Deer for just over 2 years and I would have to say it was 2 of the best years of my life. Although my frontline role presented several challenges with the people we cared for, it was a highly rewarding experience and I forever grateful for the opportunity. I gained a lot of confidence in the care giving industry as the team around me and leaders were very encouraging and supportive. This line of work is not for everyone and if people are not cared for by management and do not have a healthy work like balance with good self-care practices, then some may leave empty or angry. I have seen this in other agencies where the staff are not cared for well or the employee does not take very good care of themselves.

The leadership at The Mustard Seed is very caring and cares a lot about each employee, their health, their families and their personal growth. All you have to do is speak with some of the committed volunteers who have been there consistently over the years the organization has been in town, and you quickly hear about an organization that is making a big difference in the lives of many people in Red Deer and beyond. 

That working at the mustard was a very interesting experience. Worked at a hub during the week where no recognition or encouragement to do a better job was ever offered to employees they did not like. Yet working at the homeless shelter during the weekend the praises and acknowledgment received by team lead  made you want to come to work despite the nature of the work. I did not understand the difference in feeling so appreciated and valued on the weekend but during the week  at the community connect centre I felt like I was not doing a good enough job for the supervisor. I felt there was unfairness and no encouragement at  the community centre. I once said to the supervisor about the 3rd day into the job(a job with no training),”hope I am doing a good job”, there was never any reply to that statement. Supervisor asked if I wanted a performance review and I replied yes. Never did get it.  performance review. My position was posted. I was given the last interview and was not hired for the position although I had worked in that position for 5 months. I felt that the supervisor looked right me and not at me. 

You put up with a lot in this role. I started in this role earlier in the week and have noticed a lot of things. I wouldn't be surprised about the high turnover here. Respect others around you, but no need to make friends. Set up your boundaries. Go about your daily duties, do whatever tasks you need to and keep your personal life private.  Its rather disappointing trying to help people, but there is little communication or support about what you're supposed to do or how things work. Members at the Shelter disrespect employees at times, team leads  dont care at times. No proper training of the sort to see what you need to learn. Lots of miscommunication. Tons of it. Things could be done better. 

Pros: Christian company that is openly evangelistic.  Staff are caring and compassionate.  Most if not all have a real heart and desire to serve the vulnerable and disadvantaged population.  Many front line staff work extra for no benefit in order to serve the homeless

Cons:  No focus or end goal by senior management.  Very poor communication between management and front line staff.  Management often makes knee jerk decisions that often result in negative outcomes for front line staff.  Job security is based on favoritism and loyalty.  One bad quarter of donations and jobs are eliminated.  Unless you have a positive personal history with your supervisor or senior manager your job is always in jeopardy.  Very political workplace.  New employees should be careful about what they say and to whom.

It would be highly beneficial if upper management focused on the current infrastructure rather than expansion.  there are many things that are falling apart that need attention.  If these things aren't fixed then staff morale goes down.  The clientele are tough to deal with as it is, more tools, and a better work environment is needed.  Regardless if your a CEO, or front line staff,  all people should be valued equally. Romans 12:4-6:  In the same way, we are many, but in Christ we are all one body. Each one is a part of that body, and each part belongs to all the other parts. We all have different gifts, each of which came because of the grace God gave us.

There was a lot of overdoses when I worked there which made it very difficult and i ended up leaving because I couldn't handle it. As much as they try to train you to have boundaries it's really hard to not care about the people you see coming in and out of there every day. I'm a very compassionate person so  I struggled really hard with keeping my emotions in check. There is a lot of overdoses, death, despair, and tragedy. This of course no dig at the mustard seed as the general goal is to help these people, which they are. It's just a really tough environment to work in and I could've used this information when I first started so that I would know how hard it is to work around the homeless in todays world.

With lawsuits and gossip galore: management with little to no capacity... 

The above sets the tone for their core values to be muffled out. Three hour meetings that are based completley on ego stroking  disfunctional politness. Christian, two faced, biggots and not enough busses in the city to throw them under. Kind of the foundation of the culture I had to endure for almost two years.

Overdoses, physical assaults, verbal assaults - daily situational challenges from the public being served and backstabbing pettiness from the staff internally. 

The Director rarely ever at work and a bunch of mindless opurtunists unwittingly following a spinelless leader. This group of people are the reason Christian culture is so diluted.

If you don't mind commiting half of your week to a organization that pays you low wages and no benefits, all while under the threat of injury, assualt, and gang related violence... This job is for you.

If you do mind, then you may want to consider applying as a practicum student and leaving the workplace for somewhere better (after you complete your degree/diploma).

The only positive might be if your recieve a salary job, because they set you up in a cushy office with a good benefit package and tight-knit job security. 

I removed myself from the workplace after just 3 months, and am fascinated people continue to work there. You got a good supportive frontline team that are in the same boat as you. Which helps.

Great culture, supportive and empowering work place. A typical day at work is spent helping the homeless folks experiencing substance abuse and mental health challenges. Very rewarding career if you are passionate for helping people and making a difference. A good space to give back to the community. Collaborating with other agencies like street nurses etc.
Supportive leadership and lot of trainings and supportive resources.  

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Community liaison 6 salaries reported	$17.00 per hour
Call center representative 2 salaries reported	$20.00 per hour
Wellness coordinator 2 salaries reported	$18.00 per hour
Summer intern 1 salary reported	$15.00 per hour
Shelter worker 1 salary reported	$18.00 per hour

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