Housing Support Worker

Job Ad: Housing Support Worker

At Shelter Nova Scotia we provide places to stay and services to promote stability for marginalized individuals. You will contribute to a community without judgement with spaces and places for people to belong.

About the Facility

The Hub supports people who are experiencing homelessness through a connection to Coordinated Access System (CAS), support with housing applications, and provides food, clothing, shower, and laundry access (laundry and shower are intended for those who sleep outside). It also serves as a space to build connection and belonging among those who are housed but experiencing isolation and loneliness. The Hub also administers a fund to disperse to people in need of non-recurring prevention and diversion funds.

Requirements

• Successful candidate must have post-secondary experience.
• Favourable Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse Registry Check will be required.
• Must have Standard First Aid/CPR Level “C” or be willing to acquire within the first 6 months of employment.
• A valid driver’s license, own vehicle and insurance and a current driver’s abstract that is satisfactory.

Hours of Work

40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, occasional evening and weekend work may be necessary. This is an awake position, staff are required to stay awake, alert, and vigilant at all times while on duty.

Salary

$30.87 per hour

Benefits Upon completion of probation

· 3 weeks’ vacation

· 12 paid personal days (96 hours)

· Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

· 2% RRSP Match

· Health & Dental

Shelter Nova Scotia is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community without judgement. We value people for who they are, the uniqueness they bring and the opportunities to learn from our differences. We welcome applications from members of diverse communities.

Job Description: Housing Support Worker

Shelter Nova Scotia, located in Halifax, is a not-for-profit charitable organization governed by a volunteer board of professionals and operated by skilled employees. We believe in a community where everyone has a safe and affordable home.

Summary: Reporting to the Hub Coordinator and Director of Practice and Development of Shelter Nova Scotia, the Housing Support Worker is responsible for supporting individuals from the By-Name Data who are experiencing homelessness.

Responsibilities

Client Service Delivery

• Ability to become proficient in and adhere to a strict policy of confidentiality, code of conduct, policies and procedures, mission, and mandate of Shelter Nova Scotia.
• Must possess a mature, professional outlook with an ability to experience sound judgement while treating clients with dignity and respect.
• Proven attention to details and organizational skills.
• Ability to remain awake, alert, and vigilant while on duty.
• Ensure clients receive specialized, client-centred engagement, and case management while serving as the liaison between community organizations.
• Engage regularly and respectfully with clients and respond to queries and requests in a timely manner.
• Connect with clients in their respective environment; this will include onsite and offsite visits, such as shelters, libraries, etc.
• Engage with clients in a manner that is client-directed, strengths-based, and culturally aware to identify goals.
• Assist and accompany clients by supporting them with eviction prevention, housing searches, and referrals to housing.
• Be knowledgeable about the impact of poverty and homelessness and affordable housing.
• Maintain client confidentiality while accurately and professionally documenting and storing sensitive information.
• Perform First Aid and/or CPR when required.

Facility Operation

• Assist direct service employees maintaining the daily operations of the facility including drop in, building security, proper storage of deliveries and donations, and daily cleaning, etc. as required.

Action Planning

• Complete referrals to the By-Name Data and participate in Coordinated Access meetings.
• Promote life skills among chronic and episodic homeless clients that have moved from shelter to more permanent and stable housing.
• Conduct assessments and interviews with potential and participating clients of the program, as required.
• Develop and implement housing plans/case plans to assist clients in establishing goals.
• Monitor progress and evaluate program results for each client.
• Perform duties that relate to preparation for moving or assisting clients moving out.
• Provide ongoing support, in-reach/outreach and referrals while building trusting relationships.
• Where possible, identify risk factors and intervene before they become a crisis.
• Provide crisis de-escalation where necessary and provide mediation services if required.
• Remain abreast of relevant legislation and policy as it relates to our clients and Residential Tenancies.
• Complete Trusteeship referrals as needed.
• Participate in on call duty where applicable.
• Attend Case Conference and group meetings as needed.
• Other duties, as required.

Admin

• Complete case notes and required paperwork as applicable.
• Record and update appropriate information in HIFIS and/or Incident Reports as required.
• Prepare additional HIFIS and other progress and evaluation related reports on a regular basis.
• Liaise with other Case Managers in the community as required.
• Create and maintain accurate statistics.
• Complete VI/SPDAT as required.
• Follow policies and procedures.
• Liaise and familiarize yourself with other existing agencies that may be of assistance to some of our clients.
• Other duties, as required.

Occupational Health and Safety

• Be knowledgeable of the Nova Scotia OH&S Act and regulations and abide by same.
• Comply with the employee responsibilities as outlined in the Internal Responsibility System for OH&S and cooperating with occupational health and safety initiatives.
• Responsible for following safe work procedures; using personal protective and safety equipment as required.
• Reporting any illness or injury immediately to their manager; reporting unsafe acts and unsafe conditions.

Other

• Support volunteer and student placements by modeling professional behavior.
• Support new employee orientation and training by assisting with training and knowledge transfer.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Monitor, track, and report petty cash spending monthly.

Working Conditions

• To best serve the clients, a mix of days and evenings may be required. Occasional weekend work may be necessary.

Hazards

• Exposure to hazardous material (e.g. body fluids), sharps (e.g. needles), chemicals and noxious agents (e.g. infectious material).
• Hazards associated with working in physical contact with clients with possible exposure to body fluids, infections, and communicable diseases.
• Clients may exhibit unpredictable or volatile behaviors due to mental health and addictions issues (diagnosed or undiagnosed).

Mental, Visual and Physical Demand

• Working with guest groups often lead to ambiguous situations that are stressful for the employees, management, and guests. Issues encountered are not easily unraveled, and solutions are at times difficult to address and achieve.
• High stress environment, requiring sensitivity and confidentiality, and significant degree of visual and mental acuity.
• Challenging, fast pace and constantly changing environment, with multiple interruptions and competing demands.

Technical Competencies

• Degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Human Services or a Diploma from a recognized educational institution with relevant experience such as human services, social services, healthcare, or a combination of education and experience is required.
• Certification in the following or the ability to obtain: Standard First Aid/CPR Level “C”; Non-Violent Crisis Intervention; Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST); Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS); Safe Food Handlers certification.
• Successfully obtain Child Abuse Registry check and/or Government of Canada Personnel Screening or Criminal Record Check.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Knowledge of mental health and addictions is an asset.
• A valid driver’s license, own vehicle and insurance and a current driver’s abstract that is satisfactory.

Hours

40 Hours per week per assigned schedule