Full Time Housing and Community Supports Worker

The Housing and Community Supports worker provides housing search and placement supports to current residents of Sutton Youth Services as well as participating in resident related casework in partnership with residential program case workers.  This position also works as a part of the YHSS aftercare team in providing follow-up housing support for clients which have moved into the community.

Program

• Assist Clients with obtaining and maintaining suitable housing & provide advocacy as needed
• Meet with residents and/or primary workers to provide guidance and information regarding all available housing options
• Facilitate housing assessment specific to individual youth clients to provide the most appropriate support/housing options
• Research, compile and maintain housing options, document acceptance criteria and procedures
• Provide regular scheduled, mandated life skills programming and workshops related to housing stability
• Liaise with and make regular, ongoing contact with Landlords concerning possible vacancies
• Provide statistical reports of number of apartment searches, placements, etc.
• Create Housing Map of Pro Housing First Landlords in York Region
• Create Service Agreements with Landlords
• Provide housing support, advocacy, and referals to homeless, at risk, and low to moderate income level youth in York Region
• Process applications and documents for youth living in the transitional program
• Assist clients with applications for social assistance and liaising with Ontario Works/ODSP/Rent Geared to Income Housing
• On a regular basis facilitate housing worker-related group programming
• Help clients to re-establish themselves in the community
• Make all appropriate program referrals to peer service workers (wrap-around, education, employment, outreach, etc.)
• Landlord mediation and client crisis intervention
• Participate in shelter team support on-call rotation

Administrative Responsibilities

• Prepare case notes (intermittently throughout each working day) and share them via electronic means to relevant individuals involved in the client’s circle of care while maintaining client’s confidentiality
• Ensure that the privacy and confidentiality of clients is maintained within established standards, Policy and Procedure
• Presents case reports and progress of clients at regularly scheduled team meetings
• Be involved in ongoing professional development and to attend Staff / Development meetings.
• Work as a member of the team to ensure that the program operates efficiently and effectively (and to ensure that other staff’s responsibilities are covered when they are away)
• Participate in and represent the organization at external committees & forums
• Participate in internal committees and/or activities relating to the organization (e.g. joint staff, annual general meeting, other social recreation events, etc.)
• Perform other related duties as requested from time to time by the supervising manager

Service Responsibilities

• The incumbent will promote positive and supportive attitudes towards youth who are experiencing homelessness
• Promote programs and activities that empower youth to work towards their goals
• Act as an advocate and be a positive role model for the youth in the community
• Develop effective working relationships and partnerships with community members, representatives of other departments, agencies and co-workers
• Represent the Salvation Army and youth we serve at community meetings

Organizational Responsibilities

• The incumbent will adhere to standards that are consistent with the values & philosophy of The Salvation Army and the Residential Services Department and the Regional Municipality of York
• Participate fully and constructively in staff meetings and in service training
• Engage in formal evaluation sessions with Executive Director at 3 months during first year of employment and annually thereafter
• Ensure all employees read and follow the Policy & Procedures Manual and the Employees Handbook
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters pertaining to clientele and coworkers of The Salvation Army Sutton York Housing and Support Services
• Become familiar with the provision of the position description & operations manual, which will be provided for each job position
• As required and is applicable, make suggestions that will improve efficiency, working conditions or procedures to Executive director; and represent the Organization in a professional manner

Education/Certifications:

• Bachelor of Social Work preferred
• College diploma in Social Sciences field (minimum)

Experience:

• Previous experience with people experiencing homelessness (one to three years)

Required Skills/Knowledge:

• Excellent oral, written, communication skills. Word processing, spreadsheet/graphing and computer database skills are essential
• Must have thorough knowledge and understanding of youth issues
• Knowledge and understanding of Mental Health/Addictions
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of and a commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression and equity.
• Problem solving skills essential.  The responsibilities associated with this position demand a high degree of confidentiality
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Must have good interpersonal/time management skills
• Good knowledge of community resources
• Valid Driver’s License is a requirement
• Knowledge of the Tenant Protection Act
• Working to find housing and providing life skills training for homeless and t-risk youth in York Region
• Ability to facilitate regular workshops based on housing supports and housing stability life skills programming

Successful candidate will be required to provide upon hiring:

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

HOURS: 40 hours per week. Monday to Friday 9:00am -5:30pm, 30 minutes non-paid meal break included)

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.