Mental Health Housing Support Worker - 1 Year Contract - Habitat Services

We are hiring for a full-time 1 year contract position.

The Housing Support Worker will work with tenants with mental health issues living in private sector boarding homes and non-profit housing monitored by Habitat Services.

Housing support work is conducted both on and off-site in homes, and in various locations in the city of Toronto.

The Housing Support Worker will work as a member of the Habitat Services Housing Support team, providing individual and group support to tenants from diverse backgrounds.

Support to groups includes implementation of group activities of interest to tenants, coordination of outings and excursions, and facilitation of tenant meetings.

Individual support is tenant-centered and includes : providing information and referrals; informal counseling; advocacy;

accompaniment and practical assistance.

Habitat Services seeks a candidate who has :

• an ability to build rapport with individuals who are socially isolated
• an understanding of recovery approaches to mental health, community development and harm reduction
• familiarity with community resources and crisis services
• experience in crisis intervention, mediation, and advocacy
• experience with groups
• a collaborative approach to teamwork
• strong interpersonal skills
• experience with housing settings for people living with mental health issues
• experience in offering practical assistance and informal counseling
• strong organizational and time management skills
• flexibility and the ability to respond to client needs and preferences
• computer and documentation skills
• cultural competency working with diverse populations including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, LGBTQ2S communities
• related post-secondary education or equivalent experience
• minimum two years experience in community mental health and / or housing

Additional assets include :

• Lived (i.e. personal) experience of the mental health system and / or homelessness, and a willingness to use the knowledge and skills acquired
• Knowledge of HIV / AIDS and related health concerns
• A second language (Cantonese and / or Vietnamese)

COVID-19 considerations :

Habitat Services is committed to protecting employees' health and safety by providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate to the task.

This job requires face-to-face contact with home operators and residents. Candidates must be willing to follow Habitat Infection, Prevention, and Control (IPAC) protocols & guidelines, including wearing a mask where required, as well as other PPE when needed.

In accordance with Habitat Services’ COVID-19 immunization policy, all candidates offered a position from October 7th, 2021 onward must be fully vaccinated (2 doses) and provide proof of their vaccination as a condition of employment.

Habitat Services will follow the Human Rights guidance in supporting individuals who are legally entitled to accommodation.

The work requires travel to different sites in the city of Toronto, and moderate physical activity such as climbing stairs.

These are full-time 1 year contract positions. Habitat Services is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from all equity-deserving groups.

Accommodation during the hiring process is available upon request for individuals with disabilities who are selected for an interview.

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Salary : $49,076. The position also includes a comprehensive benefits package upon completion of probation.

Please submit your cover letter and resume through Charity Village to the attention of :

Rebecca Norlock, Director, Housing Support Program

Application deadline : Open until filled.

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