Full Time Housing Worker (union position)

Description

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 Program Service Manager and works as part of team with Case Managers, 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 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 CTI 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) in SMIS
• Prepare SAMIS monthly along with other monthly reports as required
• Ensures that Housing Help Database is kept up to date for client in program
• In consultation with the Program Service Manager be a back-up for the Community Follow-Up Worker
• Participate fully and constructively in staff meetings and in-service training
• Read and follow the policy and procedures manual, the Employee’s Handbook and the Toronto Shelter standards
• Perform additional duties when required

WORKING CONDITIONS :

• This is a permanent full time position based on 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Work is performed in an emergency housing facility, subject to high client levels of stress and crisis intervention will be required
• There will be exposure to : dirt, bodily fluids, bodily waste; drugs and alcohol, noise, dealing with angry and abusive people, verbal abuse, and odours

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS :

• Community College diploma in Social Services field
• Certificate in First Aid / CPR, Crisis Intervention and Conflict Resolution
• Valid Ontario Class G Driver’s License and a current copy of a Driver’s abstract for review and verification that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required (no vehicle required)
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE :

• Good knowledge of community resources
• 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
• Knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES :

• 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
• Strong understanding of and commitment to social justice issues, equity issues, anti-racism, anti-discrimination, and anti-oppression
• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.

e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening

Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities

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.