Overnight Addiction Support Worker

Job Type: Permanent Full-Time (3 days on and 3 days off, 7pm-7am)

Pay: $54,634 per annum + $2 overnight allowance

As an Addiction Support Worker, you are front‑line, working as part of a team, interacting directly with our clients in our shelter, the majority of which are homeless and under the influence of drugs and or alcohol. The primary responsibility is to ensure that clients’ needs are assessed and met appropriately, while clients are visiting our shelter.

• Completes admissions and discharges of individuals, including those who are under the influence of drugs and alcohol
• Monitors clients’ safety and well‑being, ensuring their withdrawal symptoms are being monitored appropriately, and getting support when needed
• Provides one‑on‑one support to clients who need extra care and attention, including assisting with showering
• Monitors the outside of the building, conducting rounds and picking and/or sweeping up garbage around the building; and if necessary, with the help of a team member, assists clients that are sleeping in proximity to the building inside or finds a safe place for them
• Monitors the line‑ups, assessing highly intoxicated clients and brings them into the shelter first, physically assisting them if needed
• Attends to crisis situations (e.g. seizures, disagreements, overdoses) both inside and outside, focusing on defusing situations before they erupt
• Interacts with other addiction agencies and community members, community services including police and EMS
• Completes daily and nightly chores, including cleaning and laundry
• Follows established protocols, ensuring bodily fluids are properly cleaned up and the area is disinfected
• Provides clients with information regarding treatment options and makes referrals as required
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures and can reference them from appropriate sources
• Ensures compliance with regulatory standards (MSDS, OH&S, WHMIS, etc.), which includes assisting in maintaining cleanliness of the building both inside and outside
• Supports other programs in the agency as needed, by working a shift in PSH, Outreach or Detox/Stabilization

We are looking for an Addiction Support Worker to join our Shelter program. The ideal candidate would have the following:

• A minimum two‑year program related to Human Services, from a Public Post‑Secondary Educational Institution, or in progress towards one
• Front‑line experience working with vulnerable populations and a desire to work with people who are socially disadvantaged
• Role‑modelling Alpha House’s values and being a positive ambassador when interacting with the public, partners and businesses
• An understanding of addictions including withdrawal management, harm reduction, stages of change, trauma‑informed care, crisis management and crisis counselling, and the impact of mental health issues
• Must be tolerant, non‑judgmental with a high degree of compassion and empathy toward the homeless and those struggling with addictions and/or mental health
• Proven crisis management, problem‑solving skills, rapport‑building and advocacy skills
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to communicate showing respect and dignity as well as with discretion and maintaining confidentiality of clients
• A well‑developed sense of diplomacy, including conflict resolution, de‑escalation and people‑management skills
• Team player with strong written and oral English communication skills
• Ethically responsible practices with staff and clients alike, including a thorough understanding and appreciation of the Protection of Persons in Care Act
• Computer literacy, including effective working skills in MS Word, Excel and Outlook

• Be able to physically assist clients from prone to sitting or standing, and vice versa
• Provide a Vulnerable Sector Search, valid within the last six months, that does not contain any results material to the position

Alpha House is dedicated to providing safe, caring and respectful environments for individuals dealing with addiction and mental health challenges. Our team is passionate about making a difference in the lives of those we serve, offering comprehensive support and resources to help individuals on their journey to recovery and stability.

• Meaningful work supporting vulnerable populations
• Medical benefits after six months of continuous work
• Personal development and training opportunities

If this role sounds like something you are interested in, we urge you to apply.