Direct Support Worker I - U

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:
This role is focused on providing a secure environment, additional coordination, and support to the tenants of various facilities. The role contributes to the broader mission and values of The Salvation Army, upholding standards of service that reflect its spiritual and social commitment to the community.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Incumbents may perform all, some, or similar range of duties as below.

• Monitor client activity and maintain a calm, supportive presence to ensure safety, well-being, and adherence to facility guidelines.

• Conduct regular room checks, property rounds, and inspections in accordance with established safety and security procedures.

• Support client admissions, including orientation to the facility, intake interviews, and documentation of personal and health-related information.

• Maintain detailed and accurate records, including logs, incident reports, client files, intake forms, and service data using designated systems (e.g., HIFIS, SMIS).

• Assist with medication storage and administration according to policy, including proper documentation.

• Support daily operations by assisting with meal service, basic housekeeping, and general upkeep of the facility.

• Support client care by providing practical, emotional, and motivational assistance, reinforcing case plan goals, and facilitating access to internal and external services.

• Prepare and deliver clear and timely shift exchanges to ensure continuity of care and communication across teams.

• Assist in coordinating and supervising leisure, educational, and therapeutic activities as part of client programming.

• Ensure supplies, donations, and client belongings are managed and stored in line with organizational procedures.

• Support clients in accessing basic needs such as identification, income support, referrals, and housing-related resources.

• Enforce program rules and behavior-based restrictions, and monitor client adherence to curfews, itineraries, and scheduled activities as directed by the supervisor.

• Respond to crises using approved de-escalation and intervention techniques; initiate emergency protocols when required.

• May coordinate with external agencies such as social services, police, corrections, and health providers as needed and as directed by the supervisor.

• Participate in regular staff meetings, training, and supervision sessions to support continuous improvement and service quality as assigned.

• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and trauma-informed environment aligned with organizational values.

• Collaborate with internal case management and interdisciplinary teams to identify client needs, progress, and service adjustments as directed by the supervisor.

• Remain awake and alert during all assigned shifts, including overnights, ensuring a consistent staff presence.

• Works cooperatively with health care team members, attends staff meetings and training sessions, and participates in staff replacement coordination when delegated to ensure consistent service delivery.

• Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all interactions and documentation.

• Represent the organization in a respectful and professional manner, reflecting the mission and values of The Salvation Army.

• Other related duties as assigned.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT:
Internal: Ministry Unit leadership, staff, and volunteers.
External: contractors, vendors, service agencies, community organizations, guests/clients of ministry unit in person.

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reports directly to the Residential Services Supervisor.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:

• May be involved in minor financial transactions on a regular or relief basis and is expected to exercise sound judgment in the use of organizational and personal resources.

• May be authorized to handle small amounts of cash, including disbursements and collections.

• May have access to confidential and sensitive information and is expected to maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed indoors within a ministry unit or facility.

• The role requires standing, walking, bending, and lifting of items up to 40 lbs.

• The incumbent may interact with individuals displaying challenging behaviours.

• This role may require shift work, work over weekends, statutory holidays and extended hours.

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of High School diploma plus a specialized coursework or formal post-secondary certificate program.

• Certification in Food Safe, First Aid and CPR.

• Experience and Knowledge Requirements:

• At least one year of related experience is a minimum requirement for this role.

• Knowledge, experience understanding and compassion for working with people experiencing homelessness, addictions, mental health and trauma.

• At least basic computer skills with willingness to learn.

• An alternative level or combination of education and experience may be acceptable.

• Skills and Capabilities:

• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.

• Ability to offer personal care in a respectful manner, to assess and report changes in physical and emotional well-being and to offer a compassionate approach to each client and their family.

• Good oral and written communication skills.

• Display initiative in identifying and completing work to be done.

• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professional ethics, with a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to follow detailed instructions accurately.

• Adaptability to change and frequent interruptions.

• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment and take the initiative.

• Demonstrated attention to detail with good analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and the ability to work effectively with staff, clients, families, volunteers, and visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds.

• Demonstrated patience, understanding, and professionalism in all interactions.

*Work Schedule*:

Hours: 11:30pm to 7:30am, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday

32 hours weekly

Disclaimer:
This job profile is a generic, territory-wide representation of the job class and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not replace or supersede the official job description as defined in the applicable collective agreement. For specific duties, responsibilities, and terms of employment, please refer to the collectively bargained job description.

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $18.21 to $18.21 with a maximum of $18.21.

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.