Temporary Full Time Housing Worker (union position)

position Purpose summary:

To work with the supervisor of case management in supporting New Hope Leslieville in achieving its vision of Housing, Outcomes, Mission and Excellence (HOME) by providing outstanding, client centered service in ways that are aligned with The Salvations Army’s core values and Housing First.

The Housing Worker is responsible to assist clients in navigating the social, non-profit and private sector housing markets to find appropriate, affordable and sustainable housing that meets the clients’ individual needs as identified in the Enhanced Case Management model.

This role is focused on recruiting and retaining landlords and housing partners as a vehicle for supporting clients in exiting homelessness. This role is primarily working with landlords, the New Hope Leslieville case management team and community partners. There is limited client contact with this position.

• Ensure clients receive compassionate, non-judgmental and client centered care
• Receive housing referrals from the shelters case management team
• Provide housing support to a case load of 25-30 clients at a time
• Provide housing information to New Hope Leslieville case management team
• 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 housing
• Participates in Case Management meetings and bring a Housing First focus to conversations
• Provides system navigation, community support connections and crisis intervention as required
• Provides eviction prevention services which including negotiating and mediating with landlords and others on behalf of the client with the Community Follow Up worker
• 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 SMIS 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

To assist supervisor of case management to ensure that all Health and Safety requirements specific to the Hostel are in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

• Comply with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations
• Adhere to the agency’s Health and Safety Program
• Report accidents/injuries/workplace hazards in a timely manner
• Conduct facility security/safety rounds on a regular basis according to policy
• Adhere to all Health and Safety Policies of the agency

Organization Responsibilities:

• Adhere to standards that are consistent with the values & philosophy of The Salvation Army
• Participate fully and constructively in staff meetings and in-service training
• Engage in formal Evaluations Sessions and supervision with Supervisor
• Read and follow the policy and procedures manual and the Employee’s Handbook.  Read and sign a copy of the Toronto Shelter Standards and understand that they will be required to adhere to all guidelines in their dealings with Clients, Staff and Administration. Read and follow the Residential Tenancies Act
• Become familiar with the provisions of the Position Description and Operations Manual which will be provided for each Job Position
• As required and applicable, make suggestions, that will improve efficiency, working conditions or procedures to Management
• Represent the Organization in a professional manner

Education/Certifications:

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

Experience:

• One to three years of prior related experience, including frontline casework experience in a social service environment
• Knowledge and experience in landlord negotiations
• 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 and specifically housing 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)
• Ability to work within the mandate of and embrace the mission of The Salvation Army, exemplifying Christian standards of conduct

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

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.