Casual Float - Emergency Shelter & Van Outreach Support Worker

Casual Float - Emergency Shelter & Van Outreach Support Worker

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POSITION: Casual Float - Emergency Shelter & Van Outreach Support Worker

DEPARTMENT: Emergency Shelter & Van Outreach Services

REPORT TO: Program Managers

HOURS OF WORK: Casual

About The Company Main Street Project (MSP) is a community health centre with a mandate to address the social determinants of health which give rise to issues of addiction, physical and mental health issues and homelessness. MSP uses housing‑first and harm‑reduction principles in the provision of a safe, respectful and accessible place for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in the community. Since 1972, MSP has been providing a range of services to Winnipeg's most marginalized residents, including emergency shelter and nutrition services, drug and alcohol withdrawal management services, health advocacy and support, case management services, housing support services, food bank services and a mobile community outreach program. Are you seeking a career where you can be part of a dynamic, diverse team, and where the mission is centered around ensuring everyone has access to a safe environment that promotes dignity, respect, and self‑determination? Main Street Project is committed to developing impactful and meaningful solutions that drive positive changes in our community. The work you do here will have a lasting, meaningful impact on those we serve. Applicants with lived experience (peers) and Indigenous background are encouraged to apply as we believe you create a rich tapestry of perspectives. At Main Street Project, we believe that the best work happens when diverse minds come together. We believe in building and fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Our commitment to diversity, including embracing Truth & Reconciliation, Decolonization and Anti‑Oppression, is embedded in our culture and drives the success of the organization.

Job Summary

Main Street Project (MSP) operates a low‑barrier, housing‑first emergency shelter with a 120‑bed facility and drop‑in space, as well as a 24/7 Van Outreach program serving Winnipeg year‑round. Our services focus on harm reduction and are free and accessible to all, without requiring abstinence or sobriety. The shelter provides food, beverages, safe access to bathrooms and showers, harm reduction supplies, clothing, and safe daytime sleeping spaces, especially during extreme weather. The Van Outreach program seeks out community members at risk, offering voluntary transport to shelter, warm clothing, resources, harm reduction supplies, wellness checks, and ongoing support for those living in encampments. During winter, additional vans operate to increase outreach and support for houseless individuals.

The Casual Float Support Worker provides flexible coverage across these programs, offering break coverage and extra support as needed. This role assists participants with daily needs, crisis response, eviction prevention, harm reduction, and capacity building. A valid driver’s license is considered a strong asset for this position. Float Support Workers collaborate with participants to promote self‑awareness, self‑worth, increased independence, and well‑being in a safe, respectful, and non‑judgmental environment. They uphold MSP’s core values of harm reduction, choice, equity, and diversity while helping participants build capacity and move forward on their unique recovery and housing journeys.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support and resources without judgement for community members accessing Main Street Project’s programs and services.
• Assist community members in planning, problem‑solving, and addressing immediate needs.
• Drive and operate MSP’s Outreach Vans.
• Provide transport to community members as required.
• Respond to emergency situations, assessing, intervening, and documenting critical incidents.
• Ensure community members understand program area processes and expectations.
• Visit new encampment structures or areas being used as shelter. Monitor, locate, and identify individuals that may need support in accessing services.
• Assist unsheltered community members to reach safety in the event of an emergency weather condition or health emergency.
• Prepare and distribute food for meal service in accordance with food handling guidelines.
• Provide clothing, hygiene and harm supplies in accordance with the values of MSP.
• Respond and de‑escalate potentially aggressive situations according to policy, procedures and training.
• Support Community Members with diversion from shelter.
• Maintain accurate and confidential electronic and file records.
• Collect and submit agency‑required statistics on time and with accuracy.
• Communicate and collaborate with external partner agencies in a professional manner.
• Ensure participants are informed of internal and external resources, services, and programs and, if needed, advocate for clients to access services.
• Remain up to date on MSP policies, internal communications, safety protocols and the collective bargaining agreement.

Qualifications

• Experience working in the field of human services preferably with adults experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance use issues.
• Experience working in an emergency shelter or in an outreach capacity is considered an asset.
• Ability to apply Harm Reduction, Trauma‑Informed Care, Anti‑Oppressive, and Housing First philosophies in day‑to‑day support of community members.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply the principles of the TRC Calls to Action, MMIWG Calls to Justice, and UNDRIP.
• Knowledge in the addiction and mental health fields.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to assess, manage and work in a crisis.
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture.
• Lived Experience: Knowledge gained from personal experiences relevant to the role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office & Online Databases.

Additional Requirements

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Clear Vulnerable Sector Search and a Clear Adult Abuse Registry Check are required. Employee is responsible for any service charges incurred.
• Current CPR, Basic First Aid, and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certifications.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s licence is an asset.

Conditions of Employment

• Ability to meet the physical demands required for the role including being on your feet for long periods, lifting up to 50 lbs., and cleaning duties (bending, reaching, push/pulling, crouching) including working outdoors in extreme weather.
• Exposure to biohazards including but not limited to blood, bodily fluids, and syringes.
• Ability to work with individuals who use substances and/or experience mental health issues.
• Ability to provide support in high intensity incidents including but not limited to medical emergencies and aggressive individuals.
• Comfortable working in an environment where Indigenous ceremonies and practices are actively taking place including Smudging.
• Ability to work with individuals presenting challenging behaviors or experiencing crisis.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Ability to provide individual support as required for case management.
• Ability to respond to service requests from first responders, business owners, community members, or City agencies.
• Ability to embody Main Street Project Core Values: Reducing Harm, Truth and Reconciliation, Anti‑Oppression, Trauma‑Informed.
• Cross‑training at Emergency Shelter and Van Outreach.

Values & Competencies

• Reducing Harm
• Truth and Reconciliation
• Anti‑Oppression
• Trauma‑Informed

Key Competencies

• Collaboration
• Problem Solving
• Crisis Management
• Decision Making
• Verbal Communication
• Service Excellence
• Accountability

Main Street Project offers

• Competitive wages within the nonprofit sector
• Health & Dental Benefits
• Pension Plan
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Paid Sick and Family days
• Shift Premiums
• Employee Assistance Program

Application deadline

Open Until Filled

Main Street Project recognizes the importance of building a workforce that is reflective of the community it serves, where culture, language and perspectives drive a high standard of care and service. Therefore, preference will be given to Indigenous people and those who reflect the people/population we serve. Applicants are asked to self‑declare in their cover letter along with describing how they meet the above qualifications.

We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Other
• Non‑profit Organizations