Connective is a dynamic non-profit organization that provides innovative programming in the social services sector. We strive to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all.
The Shelter Worker will provide 24/7 support to homeless and street-involved adults at 405 Alexander (Whitehorse Emergency Shelter). This role involves ensuring the safety, well-being, and dignity of shelter users while delivering person-centered, trauma-informed, housing-focused and culturally appropriate services. The Shelter Worker will assist in meeting basic needs, promoting independence, and connecting individuals to community resources. The Shelter Worker will play a critical role in providing compassionate, respectful, and effective support to individuals in need, ensuring their safety and dignity while fostering pathways to independence and stability.
LOCATION
Whitehorse, Yukon
STATUS
Unionized
WHAT WE OFFER?
- Committed Living Wage Employer.
- 2022, 2023 and 2025 Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice Award from NEOC.
- 2023 High-Performance Culture Award from Supporting Lines.
- Competitive benefits package, including health, wellness, and pension plan.
- Career and personal development, with the ability to grow in a diverse range of programs and departments.
- Access to a range of staff mental health supports, including an in-house counsellor, Employee Family Assistance Program, and Critical Incidents Stress Management.
- Access to On-Demand Pay to withdraw earned wages before payday.
- Connective is part of a portability program where employees moving from a CSSEA-member employer to Connective will port their service hours for vacation and wage purposes (within last 12 months).
REPORTING AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
- Reports and is accountable to the Program Manager or their designate
- Participates as a member of the Connective Services Team to ensure quality and continuity of services for service users
- Liaise with staff and volunteers of community and government agencies as required, to contribute and take part in a network of community and housing organizations to address the challenges and barriers experienced by our service users
- Liaise with the staff and other community partners as necessary to ensure timely communication and integrated team approach
- Works in collaboration with the all shelter staff to ensure the service user needs are effectively met
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Shelter Operations:
- Provide 24/7 emergency shelter services, ensuring a minimum of 24 dormitory beds and up to 30 overflow beds are available nightly.
- Maintain a safe and welcoming environment for shelter users, including monitoring targeted spaces for individuals who may be severely intoxicated.
- Ensure adherence to shelter policies, including harm reduction and overdose response protocols.
- Assist in the provision of basic needs such as food, clothing, sanitation, and health care.
Client Services:
- Conduct intake assessments within 72 hours of admission and complete them within one week. Assessments include housing history, income sources, health status, and support needs.
- Refer to Outreach Worker for further housing-focused supports.
- Contribute and support case plans with shelter users, focusing on housing-first principles and individualized goals.
- Offer life skills resources to enhance independence, including programs and organizations that teach cooking, cleaning, and financial management.
- Offer harm reduction supplies and education, ensuring safer use practices.
- Build supportive relationships with shelter users, including connections to family, friends, and community.
Collaboration and Referrals:
- Refer and connect individuals to appropriate community services, including mental health, substance use, and housing supports.
- Work in collaboration with the outreach workers to ensure seamless communication
- Maintain service delivery relationships with partners such as but not limitedto the Referred Care and Opioid Treatment Services Clinic (RCC), CYFN, Downtown Outreach Clinic, MWSUS, Bloodties, Safe at Home, and FASSY.
- Collaborate with Yukon First Nations and other cultural organizations to provide culturally safe and appropriate services.
Safety and Incident Management:
- Monitor and respond to safety concerns, including managing incidents of intoxication or disruptive behavior.
- Follow the incident reporting matrix and in accordance to the policies and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with emergency response protocols, including overdose prevention and evacuation procedures.
Administrative Duties:
- Maintains extensive records and case notes in accordance with the policy and procedures manuals of the society
- Contributes to quarterly/monthly progress reports for service users
- Participates in staff meetings and community partners as instructed by the Program Manager
- Other duties as subsequently negotiated
- Utilize Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS) as specified by management
- Submit daily and nightly statistics and reports as required.
- Participate in ongoing program evaluation and continuous improvement initiatives.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Functions independently, while remaining a crucial member of the care team
- Adheres to Connective policies and procedures
- Shift work, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Receives benefits and works within the working conditions as outlined in the collective agreement and personnel manual
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
- One year’s experience working with vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use.
- Knowledge of housing-first principles and harm reduction approaches.
- Demonstrated and clear ability to respond well in crisis situations
- Extensive knowledge of community resources
- WHMIS certification is preferred.
- Naloxone training is preferred.
- Non-violent crisis intervention and de-escalation training.
- Trauma-informed practice and harm reduction training.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Knowledge of Yukon First Nations culture and history is preferred
- Experience working in a trauma-informed, person-centered environment is preferred.
REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to successfully complete a RCMP Vulnerable Sector Check.
- TB Screening.
- Ability to work in a culturally safe and gender-affirming manner.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Current Emergency First Aid Certificate
Important: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada, observe their weekly hours limit if under a temporary or study visa, and provide proof of eligibility if selected for the role.
INCLUSION
At Connective, we value and accommodate unique differences to ensure that our staff have the opportunity and are supported to thrive. To build a strong and representative workforce, we strongly encourage applications from BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+ people, immigrants, and people with disabilities or other marginalized communities.
For more information on Connective’s services and locations, visit our website at https://connective.ca/
