Warming Centre Support Worker

Who We Are

For more than 130 years The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church each year we help more than 2 million people providing necessities such as food clothing and addition we support people experiencing unemployment addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission vision and values of hope service dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

Position Purpose Summary:
The Warming Center Support Worker is responsible for monitoring the activities of participants using the Mobile Warming Station to ensure compliance with program rules and expectations as well as providing a safe and clean space for all.

Accountabilities:

Client/Program Support:

• Work alongside Outreach Program Coordinator/Team Leads to ensure job duties are completed as needed.

• Travel to designated outdoor locations in Calgary using Salvation Army fleet vehicles and support the set up and take-down of a temporary Mobile Warming Station structure. Driving the fleet vehicles will be a requirement.

• Welcome record attendance and connect with participants accessing the Warming Station.

• Maintain a safe friendly supportive and inviting environment.

• Work compassionately with those using the Warming Station.

• Serve and maintain supply of hot meals and refreshments to those visiting the Warming Station.

• Build meaningful and empowering rapport with clients experiencing systemic vulnerabilities and walk alongside them as they identify their immediate needs and goals.

• Effectively resolve conflicts among participants and de-escalate situations when needed.

• Refer participants who are looking for housing and other supports to a Resource Specialist when necessary.

• Ensure participants adhere to rules and guidelines to maintain a safe environment.

• Check for contraband in the space through general observations and period check of the space.

• Maintain daily recordkeeping and reports as required. Utilize HMIS for recordkeeping of all unique visitors of the Warming Station.

• Ensure facility both internal and external are maintained in a clean and orderly fashion.

• Regularly debrief with Team Lead on-duty regarding program observations including best practice continuous improvement initiatives as well as participants personal needs and behaviour.

• Respond appropriately and effectively to emergencies.

• Work collaboratively with key stakeholders such as volunteers community partners inter-departmental associates.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a temporary part-time position (December 1 2025 - March 31 2026). Hours of work are 22.5 hours per week and weekly schedule is Saturday - Monday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.

• Will be working in an outdoor setting where temperature and weather are subject to fluctuate.

• Works in an outdoor Mobile Warming Station structure set up as a safe warm and dry place for homeless adults to get temporary shelter from the cold.

• May have to deal with angry people and verbal abuse.

• Will be in contact with individuals who may present poor mental well-being may be in crisis ill using alcohol and drugs and who may not be attentive to basic personal hygiene health and safety practices.

• May experience unpleasant odours associated with participants use of alcohol and drugs and/or lack of personal hygiene.

• Work schedule affecting lifestyle.

Education Experience and Qualifications:

Education Qualifications and Certifications:

• High school diploma plus specialized courses in addictions social work or working withhomeless individuals.

• Current Emergency First Aid or Standard First Aid certification with Level A or C CPR from an Alberta approved training provider.

• Naloxone Training.

• Police Information Check (PIC) with Vulnerable Sector Search

• Incumbents with a Social Work diploma or degree must be registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers.

• Must have a class 5 drivers license and satisfactory Drivers Abstract with no restrictions. Must be comfortable driving larger fleet vehicles during inclement weather conditions. Driving is a requirement of the position. Preferred minimum 5 years of driving experience.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• Have two but less than three years prior related experience including frontline experience in a social service environment and a solid understanding of the issues surrounding homelessness.

Skills and Capabilities

• Ability to work effectively with homeless individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

• Display a high level of initiative effort and commitment towards attending to the Warming Station needs.

• De-escalation and crisis management skills.

• Skills in Trauma-Informed Care Mental Health First-Aid and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention would be an asset.

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions internal equity and candidate experience skills and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.