Careers at Stepping Stone

Part-Time Life Skills Worker

Program Overview:

Stepping Stone is a community-based agency that believes in the Housing First philosophies and practices. We strive to improve the quality of life for people who are struggling with chronic homelessness, significant mental health issues and substance misuse. Our shelter program provides individuals a place to stay and staff support 24/7, along with wrap-around health care services on site to help people experiencing homelessness transition to housing and successfully stay housed.

Job Summary:

The Life Skills Worker is part of a team supporting individuals/families who experience mental health and substance use issues to enable them to fulfill the goals identified in their individualized support plan. Life Skills Workers provide support for individuals/families we serve in the areas of supportive listening, crisis intervention and prevention, skills development (life skills, social skills, interpersonal and problem-solving skills), vocational and leisure support. The Life Skills Worker will assist clients in developing skills towards sustainable independent housing.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Passion to support individuals and groups living on a low income who have support needs within a supportive environment.
• Experience in case planning/management with individuals and assisting them in developing life skills.
• Respectful, supportive and engaging approach to persons with physical disabilities, addictions, mental health and other life challenges.
• Experience supporting group activities.
• Must have exemplary communication, conflict management, organization and problem solving skills
• Proficient computer skills including MS Office and Google Suite (Google Docs, Sheets, etc.) and electronic record keeping and data collection systems.
• Ability to work professionally as a team member with staff, participants and community members.
• Maintain professional boundaries and relationships
• Experience working within a non-profit and/or social services environment preferred.
• Ability to work sensitively and effectively with people from various abilities, life situations and cultural backgrounds.
• Current First Aid / CPR certification, Naloxone training and Vulnerable Sector Police Check or willingness to obtain at hiring.

Overview of Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for individual housing stability and life skills support such as identification, bus pass applications and daily activities of living.
• Provide diversion support, assessment and documentation within our data management system (HIFIS)
• Responsible for facilitating community inclusion activities.
• Responsibility to refer, connect and liaise with community supports as required by individual/family such as mental/physical health supports
• Core team responsibilities such as documenting relevant information according to agency and program requirements including shift logs, incident reports, documents needed for housing purposes and care plan updates.
• Engage in rapport building with individuals while doing on the floor tasks such as meal delivery and bed checks.
• Provide direct support to individuals/families with disabilities and health challenges by assisting with medication reminders, ensuring safety, supporting hygiene needs (e.g., washing bed linens, facilitating laundry), and helping with cleaning tasks.
• Support children in developing and enhancing essential life skills, fostering greater independence, and promoting overall well-being (applicable at our family shelter sites).
• Assist with meal planning, preparation, and delivery to residents, ensuring proper nutrition is provided in a safe and supportive environment.
• Work to create a safe, supportive, and purpose driven atmosphere and promote cooperation between residents.
• Expertly de-escalate conflict and manage behavioural concerns to ensure a safe environment for all staff and participants.
• Responsible for working in a safe, healthy manner and ensuring safety of the community and participants.
• Responsible for conducting building checks and ensuring safety of the community and participants.
• Perform housekeeping chores including laundry, clean staff offices, property maintenance such as garbage and snow removal and keeping the supervisor up to date with these needs
• Ability to carry and operate cleaning equipment up to 50 pounds

Working Environment / Schedule:

• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts including days, evenings and weekends
• Work with clients and staff directly on the PSH site
• Exposed to stress due to dealing with clients in difficult personal circumstances
• Complete safety checks which includes overdose response when needed
• Establish and maintain a helping relationship with program participants while upholding appropriate professional boundaries
• Assess complex situations and make appropriate decisions independently with minimal supervision, and as part of a team

Compensation and Benefits:

• $24.37 / hour starting wage.
• 2 weeks vacation / year (on an accrual basis).
• 7 sick days / year (on an accrual basis).
• Extended Health & Dental benefit package available after (3) months of employment.
• Eligible to enroll in Group Retirement Savings Plan after (1) year of employment.
• An environment that supports continuous learning.