SHIPSHEY·Kitchener, Ontario
The Relief Worker provides back-up support, counseling, and crisis intervention to clients experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges in an emergency shelter setting. They assist clients with daily living activities, medication observation, and the development of community supports to foster independence.
This position will be for our three programs, (84 Frederick St Transitional Program, University Avenue Transitional Program and Edith Mac Men's Shelter)
Reporting to the Program Manager, the Relief Worker will primarily be responsible for providing back up support and counselling to clients experiencing homelessness and/or mental health challenges in the an emergency shelter setting. They will be able to understand and diagnose negative mental health symptoms or addictions, their effects, and their treatment.
They will be a resource and an advocate in their comprehensive understanding of crisis management and the impact homelessness and/or addictions may have on overall mental health to support individuals in their overall wellbeing.
Their main goal is to ensure that clients with experiencing homelessness and/or mental health challenges receive the best support possible to enable them to access and achieve independence in their daily activities.
• Compassion, Hope, Inclusive, Respect, Professional
Services and Housing In the Province (SHIP) is a Provincial leader in the broader public sector that builds strategic partnerships and programs that support the fundamental rights for Housing and Health Services throughout the Peel Region, Dufferin County, Region of Waterloo and surrounding areas.
Our commitment to increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness is at the forefront of every employee we hire. We value compassion, hope, inclusiveness, respect, and professionalism.
Our organization has supported the region for over 35 years and employs over 550 passionately engaged employees ranging from office administration, nurses, and service health specialists to housing specialists all dedicated to the community, clients, and families.
“SHIP strives to be equitable and inclusive in all that we do.
Equity is a core value, and we are committed to providing an inclusive selection process.
We encourage applicants from equity deserving communities including women, Black, Indigenous, other racialized groups, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, individuals with disabilities and others who will contribute to and enrich the organization and its values.
We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes, and work environments.
Please advise the People and Culture Department of any accommodations needed in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process”.
Why Work For Us?
SHIP believes a healthy work-life balance is essential for both professional success and personal well-being. We strive to create a company culture that values and supports the well-being of our employees, while also pushing innovation in our organization
Our Vision Quality Housing, Quality Services, Quality Lives
Our Mission To increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness
Our Culture Leader and innovative partner in the community. Our programs welcome employees into our caring, compassionate, and innovative culture. We listen; we know what it means, and why it matters.
35+
Years focused on Clients, Tenants, Staff, and Families
5,000+
Clients and Residents served annually
20+
Programs and Service offerings in Southern Ontario
500+
Dedicated, Respectful, Compassionate and Professional Employees
Market context
In Ontario, behavioral-health roles are typically driven by ongoing need in community, outpatient, and support settings serving people with mental health or substance use challenges. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for experience with diverse populations plus a high school diploma or GED, with a bachelor’s in social work or a related field preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show relevant client-facing experience and readiness to work with varied needs.