Client Support Worker (CSW) - Casual

Pregnancy Pathways began as a collaboration of some 25 organizations that came together to address the housing and support needs of pregnant homeless women in Edmonton. Radius Community Health & Healing, which runs inner-city health and wellness programs, operates the Pregnancy Pathways program that includes a dedicated residence for 12 women with on-site support services. In addition to experiencing homelessness, program participants may face challenges with trauma, addictions, and mental health issues, require assistance to access prenatal care, and need support to be empowered to make decisions about the care of their infants.

Client Support Workers provide 24-7 on-site support to Pregnancy Pathways’ Clients, and report to a Wellness Coordinator/Team Leader.

Client Support Workers:

• Work with the Wellness Coordinator and program participants to develop and work toward their goals.
• Teach and guide program participants to access income support, identification, banking services as well as mental health, addictions, and physical health services.
• Assist program participants to gain confidence with a range of life skills including budgeting, shopping, and meal preparation.
• Assist program participants to address family and personal stressors.
• Guide mothers to further develop skills to take care of their babies and children, and to navigate Children's Services processes.
• Help program participants to build effective problem-solving and inter-personal skills.
• Help create a sense of community in the Pregnancy Pathways residence including assisting with the organization of recreation and cultural events.
• Work as part of a Team to coordinate supports provided to Clients.
• Must have open availability.

Applicants must indicate which one or more of the above positions they are interested in when applying.

Please note that a valid drivers’ license and a reliable vehicle with $2 Million PLPD vehicle insurance and proof that you can carry work-related passengers will be required if working the rotating shifts.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• An in-depth understanding of the background and challenges faced by pregnant women experiencing homelessness, including the impact of trauma on women and children, and of street culture.
• Experience working in a residential environment.
• Enhanced problem-solving skills for women dealing with trauma.
• A track record of working effectively with Indigenous people; familiarity with Indigenous culture is an asset, as the majority of program Clients identify as Indigenous.
• Experience with the practical application of Harm Reduction and strength-based strategies.
• Experience teaching/guiding mothers on appropriate techniques in raising babies and children.
• A background in organizing appropriate cultural and recreation events.
• Criminal Record, Vulnerable Person and Child Welfare Checks will be required; in the event of any convictions or concerns, we will review the information available to determine if it impacts eligibility for employment.
• Client Support Workers require valid CPR Certification; Naloxone training will be provided.

Peer Support

We have committed to ensuring our Team of Client Support Workers includes individuals who can provide peer support, drawing on his or her own personal lived experience with sustained recovery regarding mental illness, addictions, and/or homelessness/poverty, with a willingness and ability to share such experience with program participants. The belief that recovery is possible for all who experience mental health, traumatic and/or substance use challenges is fundamental to the practice of peer support. Within the peer support role, a Client Support Worker will work with Clients to provide emotional, social and practical supports, using his or her own personal life experiences with mental illness, addictions and/or homelessness/poverty as a reference. Candidates may choose to disclose the nature of their relevant lived experience in their application if they wish to have their lived experience considered as a qualification as a Client Support Worker. Please note that not all Client Support Workers will have related lived experience, and disclosure of such information is completely optional.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $19-$24 per hour.

• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP): All employees have access to confidential counseling and access to a wide range of resources for personal and professional challenges. Our EAP is here to support your overall well-being.
• Benefits available to all permanent, full-time employees after a defined waiting period:
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits: Premiums are fully covered by Radius.
• Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, and Critical Illness Coverage: Mandatory enrollment, employees are responsible to pay premiums.
• Lifestyle Spending Account: Wide variety of options available to spend an annual allowance.
• Group Retirement Savings Plan.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Radius Community Health and Healing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where all employees are respected and valued. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and join our team, and we are committed to providing equal opportunities for all qualified applicants. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities will be provided upon request.

Land Acknowledgement

Radius respectfully acknowledges that we are located within Treaty 6 territory, and Metis Nation of Alberta Region 4. We acknowledge this land as the traditional home for many Indigenous Peoples including the Cree, Blackfoot, Metis, Nakota Sioux, Dene, Saulteaux, Anishinaabe, Inuit, and many others whose history, languages, and cultures continue to influence our vibrant community.