Community Shelter Worker - SFS

About the Job:

Reporting to the Community Shelter Supervisor, a Community Shelter Worker is responsible for providing front line support to families (youth, family, single adjust or couple). The individual’s main responsibilities is to provide and support clients through housing strategies. Provide shelter support, provide shelter services and create housing search opportunities and engage in housing focused conversations through motivational interviewing.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

• General responsibilities including shelter welcome packages and welcome files
• Providing support to clients whom are facing challenges including Poverty, homelessness
• Have intentional housing conversations with those in the shelter during the first two weeks
• Provide passive housing search materials to those that have been in the shelter two weeks or less
• Create Individualized Housing Plans with those that have exceeded two weeks in shelter and are receiving more staff attention to operationalize their housing plan
• Circulate throughout the facility and engage with any of those that have stayed in the shelter, using motivational interviewing and opportunities to engage in housing focused conversations
• Rapid Re-Housing or Permanent Supportive Housing program
• These staff play a critical role in connecting longer-term shelter guests to Coordinated Entry
• These staff also play a critical role in getting those shelter guests that are eligible for Rapid Re-Housing or Permanent Supportive Housing ‘document ready’ so that they are imminently house-able should a vacancy become available in a housing program in the community
• Other assessments as required(i.e.mental health status exams, wellness checks, etc.)
• Perform additional duties as required/delegated
• You may be required to administer naloxone in response to suspected opioid overdoses, and must complete appropriate training to recognize overdose symptoms, safely administer naloxone via nasal spray or injection, and follow emergency protocols including contacting emergency services. You will receive training within the first eight weeks of employment.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in Social Work, Social Services, Health Services, or equivalent
• 1+ years Supporting the homeless population
• Knowledge of tenant population, diversity issues, anti-discrimination practices, and systemic reasons for homelessness
• Strong knowledge of Housing First Principles
• Experience working with families experiencing or at risk of homelessness
• Ability to apply principles of housing first principles approach in day to day work and interactions with clients
• Strong communication skills, assessment, risk management and crisis de-escalation
• Proficient in MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)
• A vehicle, valid driver’s license, and adequate insurance coverage
• Valid Certification in First Aid & CPR
• Training in ASIST and CPI
• Vulnerable Screening Level 3

Reporting Function:

The Community Shelter Worker reports to the Community Shelter Supervisor. They do not have any management/supervisory responsibility. They work with clients and internal staff at all levels within the organization.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Saturday and Sunday: 3:30pm-12am
• Able to work well with internal and external clients
• Able to sit for prolonged periods of time
• Able to answer and communicate telephone calls and general computer use
• Staff will work in an environment designed to accommodate animals of various sizes and temperaments, and must be comfortable performing duties in a pet-controlled setting with exposure to noise, fur, and unpredictable animal behaviour
• Staff may be required to administer naloxone in response to suspected opioid overdoses, and must complete appropriate training to recognize overdose symptoms, safely administer naloxone via nasal spray or injection, and follow emergency protocols including contacting emergency services. Staff receive training within the first eight weeks of employment
• Computer screen use (multiple screens if applicable) for prolonged periods of time
• Able to lift up to 20lbs (product, documents, etc.)
• Travel by vehicle to community sites for client support as required

Ship Values:

• Compassion, Hope, Inclusiveness, Respect, Professionalism
  

“SHIP strives to be equitable and inclusive in all that we do. Equity is a core value, and we are committed to providing an inclusive selection process. We encourage applicants from equity deserving communities including women, Black, Indigenous, other racialized groups, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, individuals with disabilities and others who will contribute to and enrich the organization and its values. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes, and work environments. Please advise the People and Culture Department of any accommodations needed in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process”.

Please note that we use automated screening tools as part of our recruitment process and are reviewed to support fair and equitable hiring practices

About Us:

Services and Housing In the Province (SHIP) is a Provincial leader in the broader public sector that builds strategic partnerships and programs that support the fundamental rights for Housing and Health Services throughout the Peel Region, Dufferin County, Region of Waterloo and surrounding areas.

Our commitment to increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness is at the forefront of every employee we hire. We value compassion, hope, inclusiveness, respect, and professionalism.

Our organization has supported the region for over 35 years and employs over 550 passionately engaged employees ranging from office administration, nurses, and service health specialists to housing specialists all dedicated to the community, clients, and families.

Accessibility:

“SHIP strives to be equitable and inclusive in all that we do. Equity is a core value, and we are committed to providing an inclusive selection process. We encourage applicants from equity deserving communities including women, Black, Indigenous, other racialized groups, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, individuals with disabilities and others who will contribute to and enrich the organization and its values. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes, and work environments. Please advise the People and Culture Department of any accommodations needed in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process”.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before Friday November 10, 2026.

Why Work For Us?

Work-Life Balance

SHIP believes a healthy work-life balance is essential for both professional success and personal well-being. We strive to create a company culture that values and supports the well-being of our employees, while also pushing innovation in our organization

Our Vision
Quality Housing, Quality Services, Quality Lives

Our Mission
To increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness

Our Culture
Leader and innovative partner in the community. Our programs welcome employees into our caring, compassionate, and innovative culture. We listen; we know what it means, and why it matters.

Our Commitment
People are at the forefront of our success. Below are just a few ways our full-time permanent staff have personal and professional success:

• Competitive Salaries with Annual Performance Reviews

• Comprehensive Health Plans

• Group RRSP (5% Employer Contributions)

• 12 Paid Health, Wellness, and Sick Days

• 10 Paid Vacation Days

• 3 Paid Personal/Floating Holidays

• Generous Parental and Family Leave

• Learning and Development Opportunities

• Travel Allowances

• Employee Assistance Program

• Company Culture to be Proud of

• Possibility to Create a Real Impact

35+

Years focused on Clients, Tenants, Staff, and Families

5,000+

Clients and Residents served annually

20+

Programs and Service offerings in Southern Ontario

500+

Dedicated, Respectful, Compassionate and Professional Employees

Saturday and Sunday: 3:30 PM-12:00 AM
Union | 15 hours per week