INTERNAL ONLY - CUPE LOCAL 5478 Guest Support Worker- SHELTER Temporary Full-Time
About the role
Job Title: Guest Support Worker INTERNAL ONLY - CUPE LOCAL 5478 Reports to: Guest Services Supervisor and Housing Manager Location: Mercy House and O'Callaghan's Haven (Shelter), St. John’s Employment Type: Temporary Full-Time (3 Months) Type: Union Hours: Evenings, Overnights and Weekends Position Summary 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 July 7, 2026 (2026GOCH006)
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INTERNAL ONLY - CUPE LOCAL 5478 Guest Support Worker- SHELTER Temporary Full-Time
About the role
Job Title: Guest Support Worker INTERNAL ONLY - CUPE LOCAL 5478 Reports to: Guest Services Supervisor and Housing Manager Location: Mercy House and O'Callaghan's Haven (Shelter), St. John’s Employment Type: Temporary Full-Time (3 Months) Type: Union Hours: Evenings, Overnights and Weekends Position Summary 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 July 7, 2026 (2026GOCH006)