Job Description

Lisgar Supportive Housing for Women

Part-Time

Support Worker

Weekend Overnights 11pm-7am (Friday & Saturday)

Title:

Residential Support Worker

female designated position

Location(s):

Lisgar Supportive Housing for Women, Ottawa, Ontario

Salary:

$23.62 - $26.64 / hour based on experience

Hours

:

16 hours per week (32 Hours Bi-weekly)

Employer:

John Howard Society of Ottawa

Closing Date:

June 3, 2025

About the environment:

Employees at JHS Ottawa say the organizational culture is supportive, innovative, and focused on creating a caring environment for both clients, and staff. At JHS Ottawa, you will find an employer that celebrates the uniqueness of each of its staff members and is committed to promoting an engaging working culture where all employees are encouraged to live their strengths and realize their potential. JHS Ottawa will provide permanent new employees access to a benefit plan, four weeks vacation annually, a Defined Contribution Pension Plan after eligibility waiting period, and opportunities for continual learning and development.

About who we support:

Our employees are supporting a diverse client group including youth and adults, all genders, from a wide cross section of social, ethnic, linguistic and cultural backgrounds who are representative of our broader community. We are accountable to the people we serve by providing the highest quality of service with integrity through the delivery of responsive, innovative and evidence-informed approaches.

About diversity at JHS Ottawa:

The John Howard Society of Ottawa is committed to reflecting and responding to the diversity of the people and communities we serve and is seeking that diversity in applicants for this position. We welcome candidates from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, and all candidates who contribute to furthering the diversity of ideas. We also recognize that people from diverse groups have different needs and require different solutions to gain equal opportunity for success in the hiring process. If you require any accommodation during the interview process, please let us know.

About the role:

The John Howard Society of Ottawa has opened a women's residential program in the heart of Centretown designated for women 18+ who have exited chronic homelessness. In partnership with Minwaashin Lodge we prioritize a minimum of 70% of our units for Indigenous women and strive to contribute to a reduction in the number of women who are living on the street. As a Housing First and Harm Reduction program, we provide permanent homes with wrap around care & support that empowers the women to lead independent lives, as they navigate ongoing complexities related to trauma, mental health, and addictions.


Our team strives to create a community where everyone feels at home. Through the guidance and support of our partnership with Minwaashin Lodge cultural care is provided in-house, and regardless of ancestry, all staff and residents are encouraged to participate in Indigenous programming.



The Support Worker position ensures the daily and weekly routines are maintained by supporting clients' basic needs and working collaboratively with their colleagues to achieve program goals. Successful support workers understand the importance of providing a non-judgemental and inclusive standard of care and are willing to take initiative as needed. Some of the important tasks for support workers include distribution of harm reduction supplies; conducting safety checks; maintaining a safe, welcoming home environment, and providing emotional and practical support as required. During the overnight hours, light housekeeping and meal preparation is also occasionally required.



This is your chance to champion exceptional care and acceptance for an incredible community of resilient women. Candidates most suitable for the role must have a strong understanding of the unique challenges that women exiting chronic homelessness face, along with the ability to maintain a compassionate stance and strong boundary setting skills.

Support Worker Responsibilities:

Maintain a safe and supportive environment Distribution of resident's daily medications Daily food preparation and distribution Ensure that resident care plans are adhered to Participate in daily life skills building sessions and unit care Participate in professional development through participation in relevant training, participation in supervision and through Support Worker development plans Understand individuals who struggle with active addictions, physical and mental health limitations, aggression, and gender specific challenges through a trauma-informed lens.

Program/Building Responsibilities

Intervene and provide support to client crises and basic needs Implement recreation events and meaningful daily activities. Support the residents to follow rules and expectations of building and program Participate in resident case conferences and team meetings Assist in maintaining a positive & collaborative environment for residents and colleagues Complete daily housekeeping and report any building deficiencies Ensure a comprehensive understanding of the Lisgar Supportive Housing Operations Manual and adhere to all protocols associated with that manual Ensure a comprehensive understanding of the policies and procedures manual for the John Howard Society of Ottawa and adhere to all protocols associated with P&P Adhere to all additional security and safety protocols associated with Lisgar Supportive Housing. Actively participate in program evaluation by completing necessary processes and documentation Perform other duties, including shift coverage, as may be occasionally requested.

Report Writing/ Administrative

Maintain daily log notes on SharePoint Produce additional written reports and records as required - Serious Occurrence reports, Aggressive Incident Tracking Submit necessary statistical information as required

As the successful candidate, you will have the following qualifications:

Education:

University Degree/College Diploma in a Social Services program or related field Working towards completion of a diploma/degree A combination of experience and training will be considered.

Preferred Experience:

Experience working with homelessness, addictions, and mental health related issues Experience, personal or professional, with Indigenous communities and cultures Experience in supportive housing/residential programs or a community shelter setting Experience working in a Harm Reduction environment and responding to crisis

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of the unique experiences of urban Indigenous homelessness Knowledge of the unique challenges & needs of women experiencing homelessness Competent in the history, culture, and intergenerational trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples Competency engaging with clients experiencing mental health and substance use issues. Competent using crisis management skills and effective boundary setting skills. Knowledge of relevant legislation (Residential Tenancies Act and Mental Health Act) Basic counselling skills to support client interactions and tasks as directed Strong time management skills to support completion of various maintenance, program and administrative tasks while on shift Competency in written skills to support log entries, report summaries. Bilingualism in languages other that English are considered an asset

Successful Candidates will:

Provide a recent Criminal Record Check for Vulnerable populations Have valid CPR Certification Possess strong time management, interpersonal, and boundary setting skills Have excellent people skills to facilitate relationships with clients, colleagues, supervisors, community members, and our immediate neighbors in the Centretowne area. Be open-minded, flexible, adaptable, and open to learning about Indigenous culture, gender specific health, addiction, harm reduction, and mental health Enjoys being challenged to try new things, and increase professional development Seeking a rewarding, fun, meaningful, and challenging new career journey

You're a fit with our organizational culture, if you mirror our values in the way you work:

You are committed to providing the highest quality of care for your clients, though responsive, innovative, and evidence informed approaches. Driven by curiosity, you adapt to achieve the best results for clients/communities you serve. Celebrating the uniqueness and lived experience of every person is part of your nature, and this conviction creates a sense of belonging, safety, and better outcomes for all. As a leader, you lead in a way that helps employees live their strengths and reach their potential. Lead with compassion and care for others, and help JHS build a culture of listening, mutual support, and meaningful connections.

You're a fit with our organizational culture, if you believe:

In building meaningful connections across our programs, partners, and neighbourhoods fosters inclusion and empowerment. In a person-centred approach, recognizing the value, expertise, and capacity of each individual to make choices that lead to their best self. That systemic inequalities exist, and that all people have the right to be treated with dignity, to live free from discrimination, to have a home, and to access employment, education, health promotion and other supports. In reducing harm to individuals and communities through a non-judgmental approach that builds resiliency and accountability. In the capacity of individuals and communities to adapt, change, and grow while promoting the conditions to inspire positive transformation.
We sincerely thank all applicants who express interest in JHS and this position- only those selected for an interview will be contacted.