Emergency Shelter Housing Worker – Windsor CoH

This is a permanent, full-time position based on 35 hours per week.  The work schedule is determined in consultation with your supervisor and may vary according to requirements of responsibility.

Normal hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 7.5 hours per day, includes half hour unpaid lunch time.

Normal location of work is at 355 Church Street, Windsor Ontario N9A 7G9.

Interested applicants must respond in writing with a cover letter and resume.

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

• Create a safe and welcoming environment for residents in the emergency shelter program by building rapport and developing meaningful relationships with clients by active listening, program offerings, access to our services and being a steady presence throughout the agency
• Maintain a smooth operation of the shelter by providing new and returning residents with an orientation by discussing shelter guidelines and ensuring basic shelter, food and hygiene needs are met
• Administer SPDAT assessment tool with clients and input data into HIFIS software database
• Gather information from assessments and client meetings to identify barriers to housing; develop and implement a client care plan outlining goals and steps taken to achieve them
• Help clients to identify goals, continually monitor and evaluate these goals, and implement discharge plans for clients that have obtained housing
• Actively work to identify barriers tenants face and to support tenants to build the skills required to successfully maintain their housing
• Attend viewings with clients when necessary
• Help to achieve a positive working relationship between tenants and their housing providers and help establish support plans when possible
• Build and maintain relationships with private sector landlords, property managers and building owners to secure and maintain an inventory of appropriate units within Windsor-Essex County
• Present case reports and progress of clients at regularly scheduled team meetings; voice concerns and any recommendations for program development
• Independently provide ongoing case management with clients; conducting check-ins with clients as seen appropriate
• Collaborate with community service agencies to establish support plans for the client
• Conduct referrals and coordinate with relevant community supports engaged in the client’s care plan; assisting the client to identify and obtain resources and supports
• Develop and facilitate life skills training for adults in such areas as, but not limited to: personal hygiene, housekeeping, banking, budgeting, meal preparation, etc.
• Continually monitor client well-being by conducting check-ins, providing emotional support, intervening in crisis situations as appropriate, and encouraging clients throughout their journey to obtain housing and improve well-being
• Advocate on behalf of the client and provide residents with tools that may allow them to do so on their own, assist clients to navigate health, social, and legal fields
• Assist client to apply for social assistance
• Conduct outreach with clients that have been housed to ensure ongoing housing stability
• Aid clients in acquiring affordable housing, coordinate and support their transition from the Centre to permanent housing in the community
• Complete all reports required by funders, the Salvation Army, and supervising managers
• Monitor the general cleanliness of the resource room and take action as appropriate
• Perform administrative duties as required; such as maintaining accurate up to date case files and ensuring appropriate documentation is completed on a daily and monthly basis
• Ensure proper communication among staff members
• Maintain confidentiality of all client records and privileged agency gathered knowledge
• Network with Salvation Army, government, and community service providers to coordinate resources for the benefit of clients and programs
• Engage in the development of inter-personal relationships that promote dignity and respect for all persons working within the shelter, utilizing program services, volunteers, and staff
• Engage outside professionals or agencies who may be able to provide assistance, advocate on client’s behalf with external parties
• Perform other position related duties as required

• Requires completion of a Bachelors or Masters of Social Work degree
• Currently registered and in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW); and/or intention to register
• Preference will be given to candidates who possess a Certificate in Adult Education from an accredited post-secondary institution
• Minimum of two (2) years of prior related experience, this may include experience in a specialized social services program, working with addictions, developmental services and mental health issues
• Experience with program design, implementation, and evaluation is preferred
• A successful candidate in this position will possess traits of initiative, resourcefulness, and flexibility
• Experience researching, developing and facilitating life skills training for adults
• Firm understanding of the social service system, including housing, income support programs, physical/mental/social health, addiction, counselling, employment, etc…
• Firm knowledge of community resources and community organizations
• Must have background and working awareness of harm reduction, trauma-informed care, suicide intervention, crisis intervention, motivational interviewing
• An in-depth knowledge of the issues that the homeless population experiences
• Understanding and support for a Housing First philosophy and issues relating to housing stability for vulnerable population groups
• Familiarity with the Residential Tenancies Act and other applicable legislation
• Knowledge of various social issues pertaining to homelessness and its impact on the families served
• Effective interpersonal skills; ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines; ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Strong networking ability to develop healthy partnerships with new and existing groups and organizations
• Demonstrate an understanding of the psychological and social dynamics of working with individuals who have diverse needs and interests
• Strong computer software skills: WORD, EXCEL, POWERPOINT
• Hold a valid Ontario full Class G Driver’s License and insurance. A current drivers abstract will be required for a liability and risk management perspective
• Provide an original copy of a Criminal Background Check with vulnerable sector screening that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required. The screening is secured either through the national Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or through a local police detachment
• Screening through the Salvation Army Abuse Registry
• An understanding of mission and purpose of the Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda
• Updated First Aid and CPR certificate, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training, WHIMS certificate
• Current medical clearance form with TB test result qualify for working in Class II license lodging home under Government Act
• NOTE: Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered

In support of our commitment to a healthy and safe workplace and community, The Salvation Army (TSA) has a vaccination requirement for all employees in Canada.  The successful candidate will be made an offer of employment on the condition of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and will be required to provide proof of full vaccination, prior to their employment start date. The requirement to be fully vaccinated is subject to provincial/territorial human rights legislation. If the candidate is unable to vaccinate for a reason protected by the Human Rights Code, a request for accommodation can be submitted and written proof satisfactory to TSA will be required.

The Salvation Army will accommodate candidates as required under applicable human rights legislation.

If you require a disability-related accommodation during this process, please inform us of your requirements.

Internal Applicants, please advise Department Heads of your intentions prior to submitting your application.