About Sojourn House
Sojourn House provides Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing services to newly arrived refugees coming from all parts of the world. We provide a safe place and an inclusive environment to people who have had the refugee experience. We are dedicated to providing the best possible settlement services and programs that help residents transition and integrate into the community. With decades of experience and being one of the first refugee housing facilities in Toronto, we take pride in being a leading organization in refugee care.
In support of its commitment to a healthy, safe workplace and community, it is recommended all staff have up-to-date vaccinations for COVID-19 with a vaccine approved for use in Canada.
About the Roles
The Overnight Support Worker position provides administrative and client support to ensure the security of Sojourn House and clients within its facilities during overnight hours and to provide emergency response, crisis intervention, and conflict mediation to refugee shelter and transitional housing program clients as may be required. Shifts are 8 hours in length on Friday and Saturday nights for a total of 16 hours.
This position requires the Overnight Support Worker to be alert and aware at all times during the shift.
There are two (2) opportunities available as a Weekend Overnight Support Worker:
Position 1 Location - 101 Ontario St. (Main Shelter)
Position 2 Location - 165 Grange Avenue (Family Shelter)
Please indicate in your cover letter if you have a preference of location.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Information Based Settlement Counselling -- Provide accurate information related to settlement counseling for any resident who might seek support on the overnight shift.
- Crisis Intervention and Counselling -- Provide supportive counseling and crisis management related to various population issues.
- Conduct Intakes, Follow Ups and Exits -- Ensure effective intake and referral to assigned primary worker including referrals and advocacy, and complete exits ensuring returns of house supplies such as linen, etc., and implement the client survey.
- Documentation - Accurate documentation regarding case management on SMIS, incident reports, overnight communication/fire and maintenance logs.
- Administration -- Accurately complete all settlement related forms, including work permits and applications, and any backup case management correspondence with settlement related professionals; shift exchange forms, occupancy reports, petty cash management, tokens, taxi vouchers, laundry funds.
- Communication -- Accurately communicate information at shift change with incoming staff, written and verbal communication with their shift partner, the clients, management, and external stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with Fire Regulations/Emergency Protocols -- Maintain high standards of hygiene, safety, and security in the facility. This includes assisting clients to evacuate the building, conducting facility check rounds, ensuring cleanliness, and maintaining ongoing daily organization of linen closet.
- Walk the Floor - Interact with clients outside the office and on the floor and perform safety-related shift responsibilities including bed checks nightly.
- Issue Management and Conflict Resolution -- Identify and manage issues and resolve conflicts in a timely and effective manner.
- Compliance with Agency Operational, Organizational Policies -- Understand and comply with Sojourn House policies and procedures, Shelter Standards, Code of Conduct, and Social Work Ethics.
- Attend training, monthly staff meetings, etc. as directed.
- Other Duties - as required.
Required Education \& Required Competencies:
- Minimum requirement: 2 Year Community College Diploma in Community Service Worker or Social Service Worker.
- 2 to 3 years minimum experience in shelter/residential-care environment.
- Current Standard First Aid/CPR certificate required.
- Relevant training in trauma informed care, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and de-escalation required.
- Knowledge of client groups -- refugee children, youth and separated youth and refugee families requiring high maintenance and supports.
- Knowledge of refugee and settlement issues.
- Knowledge of social work practices and ethics.
Other
Rate: $21.64/hour (2025 rate)
Hours: 16 hours/week (Friday and Saturday overnight)
