Crisis Worker And Alternate Shift Coordinator
Main Street Project
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
My previous experience with the Downtown Watch prompted me to do more to serve the homeless and marginalized members of the community. With the conflict management skills that I developed patrolling the streets, and my Emergency Medical Responder training, this was my next step towards a career as a first responder. It also gave me insight into the field of addictions, mental health and harm reduction.The time I spent working at Main Street Project is unforgettable and continues to have the most impact throughout the rest of my life. Not only was the work deeply meaningful, I also had the opportunity to collaborate with my coworkers as we improvised creative strategies to defuse crisis situations. As a team, we may not have always seen eye-to-eye, but we all had one goal – to ensure the well-being of our clients.* Monitored the mental and physical condition of clients in the Intoxicated Persons Detention Area. Trained by Winnipeg Police Service to do a body search on female clients if no female officer was available. Determined when detained clients were sober enough to be safely released. * Supervised approximately 70 clients who stayed in the emergency shelter each night. Used discretion when permitting clients to enter, based on their level of sobriety or distress, and therefore their potential to disrupt others. Watched for alcohol and/or drug use that could pose a danger to other clients or staff. Calmly attended to disruptive clients to understand their needs – sometimes all they needed was someone to listen.* Coordinated the evening shift of seven staff members, filling in when the full-time supervisor was unavailable. Delegated tasks as required, prepared staff scheduling and compiled shift status reports for management.