INTERNAL ONLY - Guest Support Worker SHELTER Full-Time Permanent

The Guest Support Worker plays a key frontline role in delivering compassionate, responsive, and trauma-informed care to individuals who are homeless, precariously housed, or experiencing complex challenges related to mental health, physical health, or substance use. As part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team, this position is often the first point of contact for Guests and is essential to creating a welcoming, respectful, and safe environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a consistent and compassionate presence for Guests by addressing basic needs such as food, hygiene, shelter /housing , and emotional support, while upholding professional boundaries and respecting individual autonomy.
• Build rapport through respectful, non-judgmental engagement, utilizing trauma-informed, harm reduction, and person-centered approaches to support Guests facing complex challenges, including homelessness, mental health, substance use, and physical health issues.
• Identify and de-escalate potential crises using sound judgment and established intervention strategies, maintaining a safe and inclusive space for all Guests, staff, and volunteers.
• Work collaboratively with internal staff and external partners, including healthcare professionals, social workers, and outreach services, to support continuity of care and ensure Guests are connected to appropriate resources.
• Adhere to policies, procedures, and health and safety protocols, ensuring consistency with trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
• Maintain accurate , timely notes and contribute to organizational learning through clear communication and electronic documentation , as necessary .
• Actively participate in team meetings , , training, and continuous quality improvement initiatives to strengthen services and uphold the mission and values of The Gathering Place.
• Perform light housekeeping duties as required including kitchen set up/take down, room preparation, cleanup of spills etc .
• Completion of offsite errands as necessary
• Other duties as required

Qualifications & Skills

• Post-secondary education in healthcare, mental health, social services , or a related human services field.
• Experience working in shelters, residential care, or community-based support settings.
• Strong knowledge of community resources available to individuals experiencing homelessness , mental health & addictions issues and marginalization.
• Demonstrated understanding of harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and person-centered support.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, problem-solving, and critical thinking in fast-paced environments.
• Comfort working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and perform physical tasks as required .
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• A strong commitment to social justice and improving outcomes for the most vulnerable.
• Clear Record of Conduct and Vulnerable Sector Check are required .

Equivalencies in education and experience will be considered.

Closing Date: EOD Monday, July 27, 2026

(2026GOCH007)