Housing Focused Case Worker

The Housing Focused Shelter Case Worker works closely with the Shelter Manager and Housing Focused Shelter Team Leads to intentionally engage shelter users and other vulnerable populations and support them in moving from shelter to appropriate housing.

The Case Worker provides individualized case management to guests with complex needs and barriers to housing. Responsibilities include assessing housing needs, identifying barriers, developing and monitoring housing plans, completing referrals, coordinating with internal and external service providers, advocating for guests, and supporting the transition from shelter to housing.

The Housing Focused Shelter Case Worker also works closely with the broader shelter team to provide a higher level of casework and housing support to guests staying in the shelter. This includes building relationships, having meaningful conversations, providing case management, supporting conflict resolution, and responding to crises as they arise.

The Case Worker recognizes that many guests accessing the shelter have experienced significant trauma and face barriers related to housing, food, health, mental health, substance use, and other basic needs. The role approaches these challenges with compassion, respect, and a focus on meeting people where they are.

Housing support is provided through connection to internal Mustard Seed services, community resources, housing providers, and other supports that can help guests move out of shelter and toward greater stability and independence.

The Housing Focused Shelter Case Worker fulfills the mission of The Mustard Seed by maintaining a high level of professionalism and treating all guests with dignity and respect. Crisis intervention, meaningful conversations, relationship building, case management, housing support, and conflict resolution are regular parts of this role.

Employment Type: Full time
Schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Reporting to: Shelter Manager
City: Saskatoon
Number of Positions to Fill: 2
RFR #: 2325

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as a primary caseworker for community members with more complex barriers to housing. And support shelter workers case planning with other community members in the shelter

• Through a person-centered approach, encourage community members to seek resources and services that support them in achieving their goals

• Meet with vulnerable, elderly or community members with disabilities, to assess and assist in moving them into more appropriate accommodation expeditiously

• Coordinate orderly move-outs with appropriate agencies and provide detailed exit planning to community members in order to support the independence.

• Make referrals and applications to outside agencies and internal programs as appropriate

• Support the preparation of administrative tasks necessary to secure housing, such as connection to income, identification, and housing needs assessment

• Support in the execution of securing housing such as housing search, apartment viewing, landlord engagement and move in as well as follow up after move out

• Be a supportive and proactive member of the team, including volunteers and other visitors

• Enforce shelter rules, expectations, and suspensions with community members when necessary

• Respond quickly to individuals in crisis, including but not limited to physical or mental health concerns, anger and aggression, and interpersonal crises. Must identify the crisis, minimize the harm to the individual and others, use de-escalation skills and assist the individual to explore healthy alternative options

• Adhere to the privacy and confidentiality standards as outlined by FOIP (The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act)

• Model healthy relationships with community members and volunteers through active listening, advising, providing appropriate referrals and being open to spiritual conversations

• Take initiative and use critical thinking to assess situations and make appropriate decisions to support community members

• Practice conflict resolution and facilitate reconciliatory conversations to help maintain housing to community members who have left the shelter.

• Participate in staff training (including FOIP, First aid, NVCI, and SafeTALK), attend staff meetings, and have one-on-one check-in meetings with supervisor

• Collect data and outcomes and maintain accurate client records using FDARP

• Submitted reports both monthly and quarterly on data and outcomes to track housing goals

• Submit incident reports when necessary

• Respect proper boundaries with community members
• Perform other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• 1 year experience working with a marginalized population

• Experience working within the culture of the inner city and/or with the less fortunate

• Ability to work independently and under the direction of Housing Focused Shelter Navigator Supervisor

• Ability to follow organizational protocols of front-line programs to completion

• Ability to multi-task and demonstrate organizational skills with shifting priorities

• A self-starter with the ability to work in a cross-functional team

• Effective written and verbal communication

• Conflict resolution skills

• Experience in case management and advocacy is considered an asset

• Experience working in a volunteer-based organization is considered an asset

• Demonstrated intermediate-level computer skills, including proficiency in email communication tools (such as Microsoft Outlook) and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, with familiarity with HIFIS database systems, SPDAT Assessment Tool.

• Possession of a Class 5 driver’s license, and access to a reliable vehicle with $2 million liability Insurance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• As The Mustard Seed is a Christian ministry, we require our employees sign an agreement indicating that they will respect and not detract from our Statement of Faith

• Position is often fast-paced and requires a moderate amount of mental effort to analyze information and problem solve.

• Physical effort required: moderate amounts of walking, climbing, standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, and daily interactions with colleagues and community participants

• Varied mental and emotional effort required. Must be able to respond appropriately to intense situations, provide conflict resolution, and work directly with community members at risk.

• This position requires training in the use of a two-way radio communication system.

• Employees are to be aware that many of our clients may experience difficulties or impairment at times, which could result in them uttering threats, discriminatory statements, and other insults at your person. This may be in a raised voice, or in seeing unpredictable behaviors up to and including the possibility of them becoming aggressive

• Training on how to respond is provided, but this is to be considered typical working conditions. Many of our clients are unaware of the impact of these comments

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• An Employment Background Check is required for all positions at The Mustard Seed
• As The Mustard Seed is a Christian ministry, we require our employees to agree to respect and not detract from The Mustard Seed’s Employment Values during their employment at The Mustard Seed.
• Must have legal authorization to work in Canada on a full-time basis for anyone other than current employer
• This position requires the use of a personal vehicle for company use. The candidate must have a valid driver’s licence and maintain $2M Vehicle Liability insurance on the vehicle being used.
  
  

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• The Mustard Seed offers a competitive compensation package including 100% employer paid extended health and dental benefits for staff and dependents, matching RRSP after one year of service, and wellness days.
• All The Mustard Seed employees have access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program, which provides support for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, addressing mental health concerns, and focusing on personal development in various areas.

NOTE

• Your privacy is important to us. The information we collect is used solely for consideration for employment.
• We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The Mustard Seed reserves the right to amend job advertisements. No phone calls please.
• Please visit our Careers page to see more job opportunities.