City : Hamilton, ON

Category : FT - Full Time,Corporate Administration Offices

Industry : Social Assistance

Employer : Good Shepherd

Hours of work: The successful candidates must be available for 12-hour shifts.

Who We Are

At Good Shepherd, we are committed to providing hope and enhancing dignity and self-determination for individuals and families. To learn more about Good Shepherd, visit our website at www.goodshepherdcentres.ca.

Good Shepherd is preparing to launch a new, innovative shelter that will provide emergency accommodation to individuals and domestic partnerships currently living in encampments- we are seeking a Senior Harm Reduction Worker.

This housing-focused shelter program, will offer stand-alone units for residents (and their pets) on a city-owned site at Tiffany and Barton Streets. The program team will provide intensive, adaptive supports and services to residents with highly complex barriers to finding and sustaining housing in the community.

This role is an incredible opportunity for someone with a passion for social justice and a genuine desire to serve those facing complex challenges. As part of this pioneering team, you'll play a crucial role in delivering compassionate, adaptive shelter support to individuals and families, including those with unique needs.

If you're ready to help us create impactful change in our community, we'd love to have you on board.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Lead high-impact case management and counseling efforts, using advanced skills in Harm Reduction to address the needs of diverse clients. Tailor support to individual goals and readiness, with a focus on long-term resilience and independence.
• Design and implement skill-building and educational programs on mental health, addiction, and life skills that go beyond basic support, equipping clients with the tools for relapse prevention, community re-engagement, and sustainable well-being.
• Conduct in-depth assessments to inform strategic, individualized service plans that address complex client needs.
• Supporting and guiding Harm Reduction Workers as necessary.
• Provide crisis counseling and stabilization for clients in high-risk situations, applying expertise in de-escalation, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practices.
• Independently design, lead, and evaluate life skills programming, harm reduction strategies, and daily living skills development, ensuring that each program component enhances clients' ability to navigate their environments confidently and with dignity.
• Foster strong community partnerships and represent the organization in collaborative networks, advocating for client needs and ensuring access to comprehensive, coordinated resources that support long-term recovery and integration.

What You'll Bring to Our Team

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in the housing and homelessness sector, with a focus on residential settings
• A diploma or degree in a human services discipline
• Addictions Certificate from a recognized college a strong asset
• Several years of progressive experience in the areas of development, implementation, and some experience in evidence basis analysis
• Extensive knowledge of the social service system and community resources
• Expertise providing counselling and case management to individuals who are experiencing or have experienced a complex history of substance use and mental health concerns
• Crisis intervention and risk assessment skills, with well-developed problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Criminal Justice system
• Demonstrated knowledge of crisis intervention de-escalation strategies and interventions and an ability to remain calm in crisis situations
• Demonstrated ability to recognize and respond to the emotional, psychological and physical needs of individuals reacting to a crisis situation
• CPR certification or willingness to be certified is required
• Committed to anti-racist/anti-oppressive practice and to the mission and values of Good Shepherd
• Demonstrated understanding of workplace health and safety practices and understanding of an employee's responsibility under current legislation.
• A valid driver's license is an asset for this position.
• Fluency in a language in addition to English an asset

What We Offer

• Be a part of a caring TEAM THAT SUPPORTS OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
• Support for continuing EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Staff recognition programs along with access to self-care supports and EMPLOYEE /
• FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
• POSITIVE and ENCOURAGING atmosphere
• Make a difference and provide HOPE
• Extended benefits

Good Shepherd, a ministry of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, is an equal opportunity employer operating within an anti-racist and anti-oppression framework. We strive to establish workplaces that reflect and are enhanced by the rich diversity of the community we serve.

Good Shepherd welcomes and encourages applications from all people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you need accommodations, please contact Human Resources at 905-528-5877.

Good Shepherd has a mandatory verification of COVID-19 vaccination policy. More information on the full policy requirements and accommodation allowances will be provided to those selected for an interview.