HRC Prevention and Diversion Case Manager

The Shelter Diversion Pilot Program for Brantford-Brant is centred on decreasing the inflow of people into the Brantford homelessness system of care requiring male or co-ed emergency sheltering beds. Diversion shall concentrate efforts to ensure safe and appropriate living accommodations are sought prior to admittance into emergency shelters or shelter overflow. Diversion is not simply saying “no” to providing emergency sheltering for person(s) who have exhausted all of their alternate housing options; diversion is working to prevent person(s) from entering emergency shelter services whenever other safe housing options are available. This helps to ensure emergency sheltering beds are used as a resource only when necessary.

This is a permanent, full-time position with 37.5 hours per week. The work schedule is determined in consultation with your supervisor and may vary according to requirements of responsibility. Applicable shifts include a ½ hour unpaid meal break.

Shifts: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday

Program:

• Individuals who have safe and appropriate housing alternatives to emergency shelter are to be supported in accessing and maintaining those alternatives.
• Prevents the use of emergency sheltering in Brantford whenever possible by providing individualized supports.
• Assisting persons seeking shelter to identify immediate alternate housing arrangements and when necessary to connect them with services and financial assistance to help them return to permanent housing.
• Utilizes HIFIS to secure in-flow and out-flow diversion indicators that will provide a narrative of homelessness experiences in the community, thereby supporting evidence-based investments in housing and homelessness solutions.
• Provides a range of individual/family, group, and community interventions to address homelessness and to reduce the risk of homelessness, including but not limited to short-term crisis intervention, ongoing case management, training and education, and community development and networking.
• Interviews, assesses, and verifies urgency of situation and collaboratively problem solves with individuals and families who are homeless/at-risk of homelessness, responding with appropriate housing, basic needs, and other supports; Assesses personal and family circumstances (e.g., health, finances) to provide intervention and/or referral to appropriate community resources.
• Explores options with clients and problem solves to avoid eviction and to make appropriate referrals and follow-up; Advocates with professionals and community agencies on behalf of the individuals and families (may include short-term and longer-term interventions); Provides mediation between landlords/utility companies and tenants so that current tenancies can be maintained as appropriate.
• Administers and facilitates a range of municipally and provincially mandated programs and services including Brantford Brant Homelessness Prevention Assistance, Trustee Service, ID Clinic, Housing First Case Management, and Outreach/Housing Search Assistance; Assists tenants to maintain eligibility for Rent Subsidy by explaining rent subsidy eligibility requirements. Assists tenants to obtain, complete and submit verification of income forms and documentation or Internal Review requests (liaises with OW/ODSP for completion of required documentation, etc.)
• Facilitates case conferences and community meetings, provides skill building opportunities, and educates tenants on their rights and responsibilities as well as on local community resources and services that may be of assistance.
• Develops and maintain networks and positive relationships with community agencies services and programs to stay current on available resources and represents the Housing Resource Centre by educating community on services and the housing needs of low-income residents.
• Identifies service issues/gaps/needs and brings to the attention of Program Services Manager in timely manner and participates in the development and implementation of appropriate processes for effective and efficient program delivery; Participates in self-evaluation of performance to enhance effectiveness and program delivery

Financial and Administration:

• Prepares and/or inputs appropriate forms, monthly statistical recording, and reporting, and maintains case notes; Communicates continually and effectively with team members and is an active and cooperative team member; Participates at staff meetings, in-house training and in ongoing development of relevant skills/knowledge.

Community Outreach:

• Promotes Healthy Communities by working with existing (or developing) Community Resource Centers (or neighbourhood associations) to encourage involvement in recreational and social activities, promoting positive citizenship in the housing community, pride in the community, reduction in vandalism, and mediating social conflicts, where appropriate.
• Prepare, deliver, and promote programming throughout the community through program flyers, promotional materials, and community presentations.

Perform other position related duties.

• A post-secondary degree in Social Work or another related social science, or equivalent education.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certification and CPR/First Aid Certification would be an asset or willing to obtain.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:

• Minimum of two (2) years of prior related experience as a Case Manager working with marginalized clientele in a social service setting.
• Demonstrates skilled knowledge in conflict resolution/mediation, non-violent crisis intervention, and strengths-based interventions with diverse populations and stakeholders, including vulnerable and marginalized populations.
• Experience in statistical gathering, report writing, and case recording, as well as mathematical ability to calculate and analyze eligibility for entitlement; Education and experience in research and program evaluation considered an asset
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Support for and an understanding of the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada.
• Working knowledge of pertinent provincial and federal legislation and guidelines related to mental health, income support programs, employment and the Housing Services Act, the Residential Tenancies Act, Child Welfare Act, and social assistance legislation.
• Familiarity with municipal policies and procedures, as well as local community agencies and service providers.
• Demonstrated understanding of mental health issues, impacts and treatment and the relationship between mental health and housing/homelessness.
• Proven ability to provide supports to people with mental health concerns as demonstrated through experience in community mental health or homelessness prevention and/or related fields.
• Maintain information in confidence as required.
• Participate as an active and responsible team member.
• Participate in mandatory orientation training.
• Participate in regular supervision and performance appraisal process.
• Represent the organization in a professional and engaging manner.
• Must comply with all Salvation Army policies and procedures and associated legislation.
• Treat the property of The Salvation Army with due care and caution.
• Self-motivated and disciplined.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, integrity, and adaptability.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive, productive, and supportive relationships with the community, volunteers, and staff.
• Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license, own vehicle, and insurance; a current driver abstract that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.
• Provide an original copy of a 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.

Successful candidates must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. We will provide reasonable accommodation if the successful candidate cannot be vaccinated due to grounds protected by human rights legislation in Ontario.

Successful candidates will be required to provide a satisfactory Criminal Record Check and/or Vulnerable Sector Screening.

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.

You must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.