Full Time Housing Worker

The role of the Housing Worker is to provide direct support to the clients in obtaining and maintaining suitable housing; to enable the clients to realize their goals around independent living and provide support and advocacy as needed. The Housing Worker reports to the Supervisor of Case Management and works as part of team with Counsellors, Community Follow-Up Workers, and other Centre staff

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure clients receive proper customer service
• To provide the clients an opportunity to be housed as quickly and as effectively as possible
• To meet with clients to provide guidance and information regarding all available housing options
• Build relationships with housing operators in order to compile, maintain and post a list of potential housing options for clients
• To update the Housing Registry to include new housing options
• To make regular, ongoing contact with housing operators concerning possible vacancies
• Coach and support clients as needed to access appropriate services
• Provides case management which includes: Intake; assessment of housing history, barriers to housing, immediate and ongoing needs (ID, financial, medical, clothing, and furniture); work with the client in goal setting/housing plan; monitor and follow-up on client’s progress.
• Participates in Case Management meetings
• Provides system navigation, community support connections and crisis intervention
• Provides eviction prevention services which includes negotiating and mediating with landlords and others on behalf of the client
• Advocate on behalf of the client as required and appropriate
• Assists in the development and facilitation of housing orientation sessions and other relevant workshops to program participants
• Provides mentoring and modeling as part of social and life skills education
• Keep accurate records and documentation (e.g. incident reports, log notes and case notes)
• Prepare statistical monthly and other reports as required
• Ensures that Housing Help Database is kept up to date for client in program
• In consultation with the Supervisor of Case Management be a back-up for the Community Follow-Up Worker
• Perform additional duties when required

Education/Certifications:

• Community College diploma in Social Services field
• Certificate in First Aid/CPR, Crisis Intervention and Conflict Resolutio

Experience:

• One to three years of prior related experience, including frontline casework experience in a social service environment
• Previous experience providing individual support to people living in poverty, dealing with mental health issues, addictions, social isolation and/or homelessness

Required Skills/Knowledge:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills (computer skills essential)
• Well-developed skills and ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Proven ability to constructively give and receive feedback
• Highly developed understanding of and proven ability to communicate appropriate professional boundaries
• Good knowledge of community resources
• Strong understanding of and commitment to social justice issues, equity issues, anti-racism, anti-discrimination and anti-oppression
• Knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act
• Valid Driver’s License (no vehicle required)

Successful candidate will be required to provide upon hiring:

• A clear vulnerable sector screening
• A clean driver abstract
• Participate in our online Armatus Abuse Training and Health and Safety training required upon hiring, as well as updated annually

HOURS: 37.5 per week

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process.  If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

Internal Applicants, must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.