Shelter Support Worker

We are seeking a compassionate and energetic Shelter Support Workers to join our team. Shelter Support Worker is responsible for supporting the daily operations of Kirsten’s Place and assisting the Case Worker in providing trauma-informed, client-centered care. This role plays a key part in creating a safe, calm, and welcoming environment for individuals and their children fleeing domestic violence. The Shelter Support Worker helps maintain the shelter’s day-to-day functioning, offers emotional support, and contributes to a positive shared living space by assisting with daily routines and household responsibilities. Kirsten’s Place, located in Olds, Alberta, provides temporary shelter for individuals and their children fleeing domestic violence. We offer trauma-informed support focused on individualized goals, safety planning, emotional well-being, resource navigation, and advocacy to help families begin to rebuild their lives free from violence.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all shelter residents by supporting daily operations such as meal preparation, household cleaning, laundry, and tidying of communal areas.
• Support the implementation of the monthly meal plan, including arranging for groceries, preparing meals, and ensuring safe food handling practices are followed.
• Engage with clients and their children in a respectful and trauma-informed manner, offering emotional support and modeling healthy communication and boundaries.
• Assist clients with implementing house rules and shelter protocols and communal living expectations in collaboration with the Caseworker.
• Create opportunities for clients, including children and youth, to connect with one another through inclusive, age-appropriate activities that foster a sense of community.
• Work closely with the Caseworker and other shelter staff to ensure coordinated and consistent support for all clients.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and training sessions to support shelter planning, reflective practice, and professional development.
• Communicate effectively with all team members, maintain confidentiality, and adhere to MVESS’s ethical guidelines and operational policies.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in social services, crisis intervention, or a related field.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care, crisis de-escalation techniques
• Clear Police Intervention Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Intervention Check
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to obtain.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and boundary-setting skills.
• Ability to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work in a team and with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated ability to think critically, problem solve and de-escalate situations in a fast-paced environment that requires prioritization of tasks.
• The role involves working in a domestic violence crisis shelter using a trauma-informed, client-centered approach. You will witness or respond to real-life incidents and events in real-time and require emotional resilience due to frequent exposure to trauma and crisis.

Join us in making a positive impact by providing compassionate support, through our trauma informed case management that focuses on individualized goals, emotional support, safety planning, resource navigation and advocacy to assist our clients and their children as they build a new life free from violence.

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Work Location: In person