Program Worker

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Program Worker is responsible for providing leadership and designing and leading activities to help tenants become engaged in the community, stay active, improve their fitness and have fun.

The assigned duties are planning, organizing and implementation of a blended service continuum of supports, resources, programs and community engagement activities for tenant participants of HLMS.

Promote social inclusion, sense of belonging, and participation engagements in programs. The incumbent responds to inquiries about program activities and community information and ensures all participants and the drop-in receive the required services in a timely way and are treated in a respectful, sensitive manner whilst maintaining confidentiality.

• Degree in Social Work in a related field, a degree in Community Services, or related experience in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in serving people who have experienced homelessness and / or precariously housed, mental health and / or addiction issues, and poverty.
• Standard First Aid certification, Conflict Resolution, Documentation Skills, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training ASIST.
• Demonstrated skills in program design implementation and facilitation.
• Leadership training and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding mental health and components of recovery.
• Knowledge of social recreational programs.
• Experience working with families, youth, the senior population, and persons living with mental health concerns.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Strong creativity, group engagement and facilitation, and relationship-building skills and building community partnerships.
• Experience working with documentation databases and systems such Yardi (property management financial system) or similar applications, Pirouette, OCANs, and other client management information systems.
• Strong computer skills including email and word processing.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation including the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), Mental Health Act, Child and Family Services Act, Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), Social Housing Reform Act, Ontario Fire and Building Codes.
• Ability to drive and having a valid Driver’s License is considered an asset.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.

OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Researches, plans, implements, and coordinates individualized and group events with the involvement of tenant participants, taking attendance, and collecting other relevant data.
• Ensures the programs and activities match the physical capabilities, age, and cognitive needs of the participants.
• Provides guidance and assistance to the community in identifying the social recreational events, which they may want to organize, either locally or for HLMS as a whole.
• Schedules the use of the Drop-in space, equipment use, and ensures the facility and equipment are used and maintained properly .
• Leads such activities as arts and crafts, sports, music, dramatics, or games.
• Facilitates educational programs and conducts research to improve the lives of participants. Engages in supporting participants in life skills and any participant-identified activities requested.
• Provides direct support to the Drop-in space and ensures attendance and other pertinent data are collected.
• Identifies trends and issues with participants of the program and is able to deal with them effectively .
• Leads classes and provide instruction for recreational activities.
• Provides instruction including lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in recreational activities,
• Maintains communication of upcoming programs to participants by contributing to monthly mailers.
• Documents program attendance and pertinent interactions, of both groups and individuals, in case management software.
• Facilitates drop-in meals and special events, socializes, addresses concerns, and intervenes in conflicts.
• Supervises volunteers and ensures that events and activities are run without issues.
• Ensures a safe inviting Drop-in space and be aware of the health and behaviour of those in attendance and follow up when necessary.
• Responds to incoming outgoing calls and enquiries.
• Reports conflicts and incidents in accordance with HLMS practices.
• Handles all incidents and provides crisis support for tenant participants in the Drop-in until a backup and other supports are in place and informs the Program Manager as soon as possible.
• Completes all incident reports as required, and ensures that appropriate staff is notified of all incidents, concerns, and / or disruptions to routines.
• Participates in and represents the organization at external committees and forums as assigned including committees of the Toronto Drop-in Network.
• Participates in internal committees and meetings relating to the organization (IE Staff meetings, Annual General Meetings, Strategic planning, or other working groups as they occur).
• Keeps the Manager or Supervisor informed and up to date on relevant issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Program Manager, or the Director of Support Services.

Community Development

• Organize and facilitate group activities and community events, such as building meetings, life skills programs, meal programs, social recreation programs, and organizational events.
• Using trauma, inform tenants and encourage their participation in organizational and community activities.
• Identify and encourage tenants to pursue leadership opportunities .
• Encourage and assist tenants to become members of the organization .

Administration

• Write notes and incident reports for tenants into Information Software Database (Treat).
• Maintain necessary documentation for tenancy management and workplace inspections.
• Maintain tenancy meetings on monthly basis.
• Maintain confidentiality and obtain consent when sharing information, except in emergency situations.
• Maintain accurate records of cash advances.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Model the organizational values, policies, and professional ethics and demonstrate commitment to the strategic direction.
• Demonstrate active support for organizational direction and priorities in own actions.
• Proactively engage in program and organizational change activities.
• Model and promote a culture where everyone is accountable for making sure decisions and goals are met and projects / tasks are completed.
• Identify and remove barriers to service excellence.
• Demonstrate personal commitment and culture to wellness.
• Participate in a work culture of positive thinking, initiative and creativity.
• Commitment to improve professional knowledge to recognize trends and issues and deal with them effectively.
• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with allied community agencies and professionals and participate in community committees and internal HLMS committees as required.
• Comply with the policies of HLMS including those pertaining to the confidentiality of clent information.
• Represent the agency in a positive manner with clients, colleagues and the community at large.
• Attend regular supervision meetings with the Support Manager for the purpose of reviewing work expectations and performance evaluation.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to household pests, bodily fluids, cleaning chemicals and some smoking environments.
• Working hours are 35 hours per week including weekends. On occasion, must be able to work outside of regular office hours.
• Requirement to travel to and work from other HLMS locations as required.

Special Requirements :

As a condition of employment, a successful police record check is required.

Please apply with a cover letter and resume in one document at careers@HLMS on or by November 22, 2024.

Hiring Rate : $27.50 per hour