Program Worker, Adult Drop-In

Primary Responsibilities

• Support the Team Lead in planning and preparing meals for up to 75 people, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, in accordance with City of Toronto and Public Health requirements and safe food-handling practices.
• Complete daily program set-up and cleaning/sanitizing of program spaces, and follow infection prevention, environmental safety and safe food-handling practices.
• Welcome participants, provide orientation to new clients, communicate program expectations, and support the consistent application of drop-in guidelines.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming and inclusive program environment by building rapport with participants, addressing concerns and upholding the Drop-In Code of Conduct.
• Respond to crisis situations using appropriate de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies.
• Support overdose prevention and harm reduction practices by following established protocols, including monitoring shared spaces and responding to suspected overdoses and other medical emergencies in accordance with agency procedures.
• Build rapport with participants and provide informal support, referrals and supportive engagement to assist with immediate concerns and connection to appropriate resources and services.
• Collaborate with internal and external resources to coordinate information sessions and service contacts for program participants, such as Lunch and Learns, Ontario Works, nutrition services and other community resources.
• Facilitate activities and events that promote participant engagement and social connection
• Provide operational support and guidance to volunteers, peer workers and student placements, as appropriate.
• Collect and accurately record daily service-use data and track the distribution of program supports and supplies; support the Team Lead with data entry into program tracking tools as required.
• Submit requests for food, supplies and other program materials to the Team Lead or Program Manager.
• Assist with receiving and unloading weekly food deliveries.
• Develop and distribute basic program information and outreach materials.
• Participate in occasional community outreach activities to promote the program and connect with potential participants and community resources.

Required Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in Social Work, Social Service Work, Community Development/Work, Addictions and Mental Health, Human Services, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum two years of experience working in a community-based, social service, drop-in or similar setting, preferably supporting people experiencing homelessness, poverty, mental health and/or substance use challenges.
• Experience working in a low-barrier or drop-in environment is considered an asset.
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR certification required and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Current Food Handler Certification required and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Demonstrated skills in crisis intervention, de-escalation, conflict resolution, group facilitation and supportive, client-centered interactions.
• Experience preparing and serving food in a community, group or similar setting, with the ability to follow safe food-handling practices and established meal plans.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with participants, work collaboratively with colleagues and community partners, and respond appropriately to challenging or changing situations.
• Demonstrated cultural humility, awareness of cultural safety, and ability to work respectfully with people from diverse cultural, social and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Knowledge of LAMP Community Health Centre, the South Etobicoke community, and/or a second language that is reflective of the community being served are all considered assets.

Comprehensive Health & Wellness Coverage

Growth, Purpose & Community Impact

Please apply through the portal.