Shelter Support Worker: Weekend Evening Shift 3:30pm-11pm

Shelter Support Worker

Reports To: Program Director

Location: Kirsten’s Place, Olds

JOB FUNCTION

Reporting to the Program Director, the Shelter Support Worker provides direct, front-line support to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence within a safe, trauma-informed, and client-centred shelter environment.

Kirsten’s Place, located in Olds, Alberta, provides temporary emergency shelter for individuals and their children fleeing domestic violence. Services are grounded in trauma-informed and empowerment-based practice and focus on emotional support, safety planning, resource navigation, advocacy, and stabilization to support clients in rebuilding lives free from violence.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Client Support and Engagement

• Engage respectfully and professionally with clients and their children throughout their stay, modelling healthy boundaries and relationships.
• Provide trauma-informed emotional support and assist with conflict de-escalation and resolution when required.
• Support clients in following individualized safety plans and progressing toward identified goals.
• Assist with after-hours emergency placements outside of the shelter, when required, until formal intake and onboarding can occur.

Care, Connection, and Daily Living Support

• Provide compassionate care and meaningful connection to clients, recognizing the role of supportive relationships in healing and stabilization.
• Assist clients with daily living needs as appropriate, including meal support, shared activities, playing games with children, and facilitating positive social interaction.
• Foster a welcoming and emotionally supportive environment while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Use trauma-informed judgement to determine when social engagement is appropriate versus when clients require privacy or reduced stimulation.

Risk Awareness and Safety Assessment

• Remain vigilant to indicators that a client or family may be unsafe to remain in the shelter due to escalated behaviour, substance use, or other safety concerns.
• Demonstrate the ability to recognize early warning signs of escalation, impairment, or risk to self or others.
• Respond to safety concerns in accordance with organizational policies, including de-escalation, consultation with supervisory staff, and implementation of alternative safety measures or placements when required.
• Accurately document observations, incidents, and actions taken, ensuring timely communication with the Program Director or designate.

Shelter Operations and Safety

• Maintain a secure environment by enforcing shelter policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
• Monitor entrances, exits, and security systems to ensure ongoing facility safety.
• Report and document hazards, incidents, and safety concerns in a timely manner.
• Assist with daily shelter operations including meal preparation, laundry, inventory management, and housekeeping in compliance with AHS standards.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation of client interactions and incidents.
• Demonstrate flexibility to meet operational needs and ensure client safety.

Collaboration and Teamwork

• Contribute to a respectful, supportive, and professional team environment.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards and organizational codes of conduct.
• Collaborate with Caseworkers and other staff to provide coordinated, holistic support.
• Communicate effectively with team members, community partners, and emergency services as required.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, including medical incidents, conflicts, or safety threats.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, training, and ongoing professional development.
• Support shelter and outreach operations as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Understanding of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and de-escalation techniques.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations is preferred.
• Clear Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Intervention Check.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to obtain.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and boundary-setting skills.
• Ability to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Emotional resilience and capacity to work in a crisis-based setting with exposure to trauma.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• This position requires the Support Worker to remain on site for the full duration of their shift unless emergency evacuation procedures are implemented.
• Commitment to self-care and resilience-building practices is essential.
• Flexibility and adaptability are required to meet changing client and operational needs.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties, responsibilities, and expectations may change at any time based on the operational needs of the organization, evolving client needs, or legislative and regulatory requirements. Kirsten’s Place reserves the right to modify this job description at its discretion.