Resident Support Worker

Position Title : Resident Support Worker

Posting Number : #24-43

Reports to : Assistant Manager of Community Services

Union : BCGEU

Compensation : $26.60-$28.82 per hour

Schedule : 8 : 30am-4 : 30pm, Monday-Friday (70 hours bi-weekly)

Posting Closing Date : May 14, 2024 at 4pm

Organizational Focus :

Pacifica Housing has been providing safe and affordable homes for almost 35 years. We are a rapidly growing organization dedicated to meeting the housing and support needs of our community.

As such, we are committed to building our fast-growing team with a culture that supports our people and reinforces our core values of authenticity, leadership, respect, and social justice.

Pacifica is proud to be a Certified Living Wage Employer by The Living Wage for Families Campaign.

Position’s Primary Objectives :

This position provides comprehensive case management services for residents who require temporary and on-going support by :

• Assessing individuals and families identified by Resident Services, to provide appropriate supports and referrals to other community agencies where necessary;
• Working collaboratively with Resident Services and the Manager of Resident Services to address issues negatively impacting tenancies; and
• Developing and managing case plans to promote family wellness and housing stability.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Using a strength based client-centered approach, provide comprehensive temporary and ongoing case development and management services to promote long-term housing stability, including :

• initiating contact, assessing needs and building therapeutic relationships with individuals and families identified by Resident Services requiring a variety of supports;
• identifying resident strengths and barriers to stability and assisting residents in addressing challenges;

working with individuals and families to become familiar with each resident’s situation and developing an individualized case / service plan including advocating / supporting :

• access to government agencies;
• substance use;
• rental assistance;
• mental health;
• hoarding;
• family violence;
• facilitating regular support meetings with individuals and families, and providing ongoing support based on need;
• providing or facilitating the provision of training and education for Activities of Daily Living (ADL), life skills, financial literacy, coping strategies etc.;

transporting and assisting residents to and from appointments based on need; and

providing ongoing updates in both oral and written form to the Assistant Manager of Community Services and client case management challenges.

2. Collaborate with Resident Services and other agencies to support identified individuals and families, address ongoing challenges, assess family safety and maintain housing, including :

accept, assess and review Resident Services referrals with Resident Services Coordinators and the Assistant Manager of Community Services;

Eviction prevention by working closely with the resident to meet expectations of the RTA

communicate and meet with Resident Services on a regular basis to update and assess ongoing resident needs in written and oral form; and

where child and family safety is a factor, meet reporting obligations as indicated by child welfare standards and work collaboratively with outside agencies.

3. Establish and manage successful relationships to advocate on behalf of clients’ and support long-term housing stability, including :

• assessing clients’ stability in housing placements through regular and on-going contact;
• mediating complex issues with other community service providers, stakeholders and clients;

coordinating and participating in client move out activities

coordinating repairs and remediation of units within guidelines and approved budgets.

4. Maintain case files and perform a variety of other functions, including :

• collecting and maintaining complete records and program statistics following the principles and intensive case management process;
• maintaining concise and accurate client files including current case notes and information about each client’s progress with their respective case plans;
• representing Pacifica Housing in meetings and professional settings;
• attending and participating in case conferences, staff meetings, training sessions and workshops;
• assisting in the development and implementation of policies and procedures;

contributing to ongoing learning and evaluation processes as part of the pilot for program improvements; and

reviewing, training and overseeing work assignments for practicum students.

5. Perform related duties, tasks and projects as required.

Requirements

Qualifications (minimum Education and Experience requirements) :

Note : An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Education :

• Diploma in Social Work or Psychology, OR Counselling, Mental Health or Addictions Worker qualifications or other related social services field from college or university
• Conflict resolution / crisis prevention training and experience required

Experience :

Minimum of one (1) year recent related experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Demonstrated knowledge of the impacts of addiction, mental health, homelessness and poverty
• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals who have multiple barriers to stable housing
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and be part of an integrated community team
• Knowledge of local community resources
• Knowledge of the psychosocial rehabilitation model
• Awareness of harm reduction and Housing First’ theory and practice
• Demonstrated conflict management / crisis prevention skills
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients, staff and community professionals
• Proficient in MS Office programs including Word, Outlook and Excel
• Knowledge of the Residential Tenancy Act
• Experience working with the Residential Tenancy Branch

Additional Criteria for Role :

• First Aid Certification is required.
• Naloxone administration training is required.
• Must have valid driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle with a minimum of $2 million liability business class’ insurance.

As Pacifica Housing works with vulnerable populations, We require all staff to successfully clear a Vulnerable Sectors Criminal Record Check run by the Ministry of Justice and to be double vaccinated for COVID 19.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the applicant providing proof of criminal record check and vaccination status prior to commencing employment.

Please note : While this position is posted externally concurrently, members within the collective bargaining unit will receive first consideration in the appointment.

Benefits

• A mission driven and meaningful working environment.
• Competitive salary from a Certified Living Wage Employer.
• Minimum six (6) percent vacation accrual rate, excellent benefits package and union pension plan for permanent staff working 20+ hours per week (includes extended health and dental, life insurance, and more).
• Employee assistance program.
• Wellness time for permanent staff working 20+ hours per week.
• Career development and internal advancement opportunities.
• Organization and individual training opportunities.
• Dog friendly offices.

Pacifica Housing advises all employees, contractors and volunteers of the risk of violence, injury and harm that is present in the execution of their duties.

Pacifica Housing is committed to providing a safe and risk-free work place, however, we acknowledge the inherent risk in social housing and direct support work while in homes and in other support relationships.

Pacifica celebrates diversity and what makes you uniquely you. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your culture, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, and diversability.