Support Worker (Nora Hendrix Place)

About The Hogan’s Alley Society (HAS)

The Hogan’s Alley Society (HAS) is a Vancouver-based non-profit organization whose mission is to advance the social, political, economic, and cultural well-being of people of African descent (Black People) through the delivery of inclusive housing, built spaces, and culturally informed programming. For years, the Society has been a leading advocate for people of African Descent in Metro Vancouver who have endured the legacies of so-called urban renewal, residential displacement, and the attempted erasure from Vancouver’s historical narrative.

About Nora Hendrix Place (NHP)

Nora Hendrix Place is a 52-unit temporary modular social housing facility located in the heart of Hogan’s Alley Block. It is specifically designed to accommodate Black and Indigenous individuals at risk of homelessness. These units serve as temporary housing until residents can secure a more permanent housing solution. Each unit is self-contained, featuring a private bathroom and kitchen facilities. Additionally, a minimum of 10% of the units are wheelchair accessible.

Since its establishment in 2019, Nora Hendrix Place has been operated in partnership with Hogan’s Alley Society (HAS), with a focus on developing internal capacity as a culturally informed housing provider. Recently, HAS has assumed full operational responsibility for Nora Hendrix Place, taking over from its previous co-operator, Atira. As part of this transition, HAS is actively recruiting new staff members for Nora Hendrix Place and has introduced additional positions within the facility. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the support services offered and improving the overall wellbeing of residents.

This transition marks an important milestone for HAS as it moves towards becoming a culturally informed housing operator. It aligns with the broader vision for Hogan’s Alley Block, which aims to develop an asset-based model that empowers racialized communities to actively contribute to city-building efforts and address longstanding economic, social, and political disparities.

Scope of Role

Reporting to the Building Manager, the Support Worker is responsible for the day-to-day work of supporting residents at Nora Hendrix Place. The support worker will collaborate with residents and staff to provide a range of services, including case planning/management, day-to-day physical, emotional, and social support, life skills assistance, information, and resources. The Support Worker also works collaboratively with other direct service staff, cultural supports, families and with external service providers and government ministries involved in the care and support of residents.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assess the general well-being of residents and make referrals to service providers as applicable.
• Help develop individual case plans.
• Work with residents to identify their goals and map out their unique journey while living in the building.
• Support and accompany residents to medical, ministry, and/or legal appointments.
• Conduct regular safety checks on residents throughout internal and external property.
• Liaise with relevant community partners regarding residents’ various needs.
• Provide one-to-one support, accompaniments, and advocacy.
• Document relevant information about resident wellbeing to ensure continuity of care.
• Other responsibilities as directed by the building management team

Skills/Knowledge/Experience

• Two (2) years' experience working in a similar role.
• Experience and knowledge about mental health diagnosis, medications, treatment and support resources.
• Knowledge of Black and Indigenous community and health resources.
• Understand the ongoing impact of colonialism and the residential school system.
• Have a clear understanding of Black history in Canada, and experience working with immigrants and refugees.
• Have knowledge of the legacies of so-called urban renewal, residential displacement, and the attempted erasure of the people of African Descent in Metro Vancouver from Vancouver’s historical narrative.
• Basic sound knowledge of relevant physical health issues (e.g. HIV and Hepatitis C), including diagnosis, treatment, and support resources.
• Must demonstrate clear, direct and sensitive verbal and written communication skills.

Training/Education Required

• Minimum, a diploma or certificate in a relevant discipline (e.g. community support worker, mental health and addictions worker or social services worker) with a minimum of two years of experience (depending on education) as a support worker working with people affected by trauma and who may also struggle with substance use and or mental wellness. The equivalent combination of relevant experience and applicable skill-based training may be considered.
• Must complete an acceptable Criminal Record Search report.
• Must hold a current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate.
• A current Crisis Prevention Institute certificate or Non-violent crisis intervention training is an asset.
• Lived expertise is invaluable, as is living in the community in which you work. HAS strives to hire staff who reflect the people we serve.
• Food safe certification.
• Valid B.C. driver’s license and access to a vehicle
• Mental Health First Aid is an asset.
• Harm reduction and Naloxone training.
• An educational background in social work or equivalent is an asset.

Personal Attributes:

• Flexible - able to adapt to an ever-changing environment and open to taking on diverse tasks whenever needed.
• A quick thinker who can make decisions without agonizing and who knows when to reach out to others for guidance and support.
• Committed to working with people struggling with substance use and comfortable working in a harm reduction environment.
• Strong consultative and relationship building skills.
• Embraces the mission, vision, values and philosophy of Hogan’s Alley Society.
• Ability to de-escalate conflict and crisis situations.
• Put residents first and work to include them in all decisions that affect their lives.
• Well-developed understanding of and commitment to anti-oppression work and intersectionality.
• Committed to working with residents who may be struggling with substance use, brain trauma and cognitive impairment, and/or mental illness.
• Understands and is comfortable working within a harm reduction environment and while you support tenants who choose abstinence, you understand abstinence is just one option for those struggling with substance use.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the risks associated with programs that serve vulnerable populations.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Understanding of trauma informed care and support.

Closing date:

Positions will remain open until filled.

Thank you in advance to all applicants.

Hogan’s Alley Society acknowledges that we work and organize on the ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations. We offer our commitment to working in good relations with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples and to working in solidarity to address the long-lasting impacts that colonialism, genocide, and systemic racism have had on Indigenous peoples.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Application question(s):

• Please tell us briefly how your lived experience and/or close connection to the Black or Indigenous communities in Canada have prepared you for this role.
• Do you have prior direct experience working with vulnerable populations? Please explain.

Work Location: In person