INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Student Placement Front Line

CompanySHIPSHEY
LocationMississauga
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJuly 24, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The student will provide front-line support to families and individuals experiencing homelessness by implementing housing strategies and motivational interviewing. Key duties include creating individualized housing plans and connecting long-term guests to Coordinated Entry and supportive housing programs.
Internship Type
student
Company Size
244
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
SHIP has championed the fundamental right of housing for over 30 years. As a respected health service and housing support provider, we advocate for Healthy Housing™ by forming lasting relationships with landlords and developers. We advocate for mental and physical health services through in-house service teams and partnerships with community-based agencies. SHIP is known for our record of identifying gaps in available service provision and directly addressing those needs. Many of our programs and service models have gained national attention within the health care field.
About the Role




About the Job:

Reporting to the Community Shelter Supervisor, the student will be responsible for providing front line support to families ( family, single adult or couple).

The individual’s main responsibilities are to provide and support clients through housing strategies.  Provide shelter support, provide shelter services and create housing search opportunities and engage in housing focused conversations through motivational interviewing.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

  • General responsibilities including shelter welcome packages and welcome files
  • Providing support to clients who are facing challenges including Poverty, homelessness
  • Join in intentional housing conversations with those in the shelter during the first two weeks
  • Create Individualized Housing Plans with those that have exceeded two weeks in shelter and are receiving more staff attention to operationalize their housing plan
  • Circulate throughout the facility and engage with any of those that have stayed in the shelter, using motivational interviewing and opportunities to engage in housing focused conversations
  • Rapid Re-Housing or Permanent Supportive Housing program
  • These staff play a critical role in connecting longer-term shelter guests to Coordinated Entry
  • These staff also play a critical role in getting those shelter guests that are eligible for Rapid Re-Housing or Permanent Supportive Housing ‘document ready’ so that they are imminently house-able should a vacancy become available in a housing program in the community
  • Other assessments as required (i.e. mental health status exams, wellness checks, etc.)
  • Perform additional duties as required/delegated

Qualifications:

  • Post-secondary education in Social Work, Social Services, Health Services, or equivalent
  • 1+ years Supporting the homeless population
  • Knowledge of tenant population, diversity issues, anti-discrimination practices, and systemic reasons for homelessness
  • Strong knowledge of Housing First Principles
  • Experience working with families experiencing or at risk of homelessness
  • Ability to apply principles of housing first principles approach in day-to-day work and interactions with clients
  • Strong communication skills, assessment, risk management and crisis de-escalation
  • Proficient in MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)
  • A vehicle, valid driver’s license, and adequate insurance coverage
  • Valid Certification in First Aid & CPR
  • Training in ASIST and CPI
  • Vulnerable Screening Level 3

Reporting Function:

The Community Shelter Worker will report to the Community Shelter Supervisor. They will not have any management/supervisory responsibility. They will work with clients and internal staff at all levels within the organization. 

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

  • Hours are as determined by the Manager 
  • Average amount of physical effort is required.
  • Able to sit/stand for prolonged periods of time
  • Able to answer and communicate telephone calls and general computer use
  • Able to lift up to 20lbs (product, documents, etc.)
  • Vehicle travel to sites for visits/walk-throughs and open doors as required.


Ship Values:

  • Compassion, Hope, Inclusiveness, Respect, Professionalism


“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”. 


Please note that we use automated screening tools as part of our recruitment process and are reviewed to support fair and equitable hiring practices

Key Skills
Motivational InterviewingCrisis De-escalationRisk ManagementHousing First PrinciplesCase ManagementAssessmentMS Office SuiteFirst Aid & CPRASISTCPICommunication SkillsVulnerable Sector Screening
Categories
Social ServicesHealthcareGovernment & Public Sector