Community Support Worker, Vancouver (Casual)

Are you passionate about connecting with and supporting individuals living in the DTES community? Do you possess strong interpersonal skills, a client-centered approach, and a desire to work within a Christian Organization? Are you adaptable and able to work effectively in a multi-ethnic and socially diverse environment? If so, we have an opportunity for you!

This position offers a starting hourly salary range of $23.82-$26.03. This is a casual position with flexible and varying hours, scheduled based on program needs and availability.

Due to the nature of the participants, we serve, only female candidates will be considered for this position.

This position will be responsible for assisting the Outreach Team as they minister to community members living in the neighbourhood of Union Gospel Mission, Vancouver. ‘Ministering’ entails forming relationships, loving, praying, declaring the good news of Jesus Christ and making disciples, as well as assisting guests with material needs. The job may include making referrals for housing, clothing, shelter, recovery and a wide variety of other sundry duties as dictated by the needs of the individuals we serve.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Model Christ in word and deed.
• Provide support to community members who visit the Centre, including material and relational supports, as well as referrals to external services. Liaise with other service agencies in the area.
• Build strong relationships with community members. When appropriate, encourage them to explore Christianity.
• Maintain accurate records, including important information about community members for future reference.
• Maintain the Centre and office space in a clean and presentable condition
• Participate in staff meetings, training and spiritual development opportunities.
• Plan specific projects, programs and initiate activities under the direction of the Supervisor.
• Monitor age, sobriety, and gender of community members coming into the Centre, where appropriate.
• Maintain daily security, e.g., secure all gates and doors when no events are occurring.
• Perform other duties as required by your supervisor.
• Adhere to all UGM published policies, practices and procedures, including Occupational Health and Safety.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Agreement with UGM’s Mission Statement (see www.ugm.ca) and Statement of Faith.
• Personal knowledge and experience of the saving work of Jesus Christ.
• Understanding of the importance of a high level of confidentiality within the organization and its clientele.
• 12 months of related work or volunteer experience in a community service provider organization, foundation or ministry preferred.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team under the direction of a supervisor.
• Post-secondary education or equivalent experience preferred.
• Basic English skills (verbal, reading and writing).
• Basic computer skills (Excel, Word and Outlook).
• Complete UGM Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Course.
• Class 5 Driver’s License preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Work Location

Work is generally performed indoors, with up to 50% of the time spent outdoors in all types of weather.

• Physical Requirements

Duties require extended periods of standing and/ or walking. Duties require occasional periods of climbing, pulling/pushing items, lifting/carrying items, keyboarding, reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Employees are required to look at a computer screen for up to 25% of the time. Must be able to lift up to 50lbs occasionally.

• Work Conditions

Working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate. Work is performed amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, and noises. Regular environmental exposures to cold, heat, and water. This position is required to work in an environment often dealing with clients in crisis situations. The ability to function independently and frequently under pressure, while managing multiple concurrent tasks including emergency situations is an ongoing expectation of this position.

• Hours of Work

This position works a rotation of day, afternoon, evening and overnight shifts. Weekend, evening or overnight work may be required. Moderate overtime may be required. Work on statutory holidays may be required. Due to this position’s on-call nature, the employee is required to provide a means of immediate communication. 

• Hazards

Job requires frequent interaction with the public some of whom may be upset, abusive, and/or violent. Job requires working frequently with people in unhealthy conditions and may include exposure to bodily fluids, lice and bedbugs. Employee is required to hear information about clients’ lives which may be troubling or upsetting and may cause emotional issues including vicarious trauma.

• Other

Due to the nature of the job, and our commitment to a safe environment, the candidate is subject to a criminal record check and must submit a current Driver’s Abstract.