Summary
Description
The Breaking Barriers Program is an integrated approach to service delivery across our shelter, hotel, drop-in housing programs to provide targeted supports that assist program participants and shelter residents to take steps toward better health, security and sustainability. We are dedicated to creating a community where all individuals have a space to call home. The Housing Support program assists our clients through the creation of individualized housing plans that respect each clients’ needs, goals and autonomy. We offer one-on-one supports to assist the client in exploring a range of practical housing and housing stabilization options.
This position is responsible for assisting Hotel, Hostel and Drop-In clients in finding and maintain housing through direct outreach and on-going support. The Housing Support Case Worker position is a key member of our Breaking Barriers team and is expected to work closely with the Intake workers and life management, health & wellness and income security teams. This role reports to the Shelter Manager Rexdale. This is a unionized position.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintains Hostel Standards and adheres to the CONC code of Conduct.
- To identify and assess the needs of clients, with a view of developing an appropriate short and long term housing plan.
- Ensure integration and effective, creative coordination of client-centered supports between the Sustainable Housing team, the Intake Staff and the Life Management, Health & Wellness and Income Security Teams.
- To provide ongoing assistance to address client needs leading towards obtaining secure and sustainable appropriate housing.
- Meet individuals with all clients to review their entitlements and to assess their housing needs to offer assistance in accessing permanent accommodation.
- Conduct Housing outreach to potential landlords and community residential support services.
- Provide Individual services with a focus on securing and maintaining housing, including eviction prevention, landlord and tenant mediation, etc.
- Fully document activities and outcomes and provides monthly report to supervisor.
- Assist the agency in program development through the identification of service gaps.
- Identify partnerships specifically in the area of housing to enhance housing support to clients.
- Ensure that services delivered are efficient and effective through an outcome evaluation model.
- Participate in agency/staff committees as time allows.
- Assist the agency in maintaining accessible, relevant, responsive and quality services.
- Deliver services in a way that reflects the racial, cultural, linguistic, and gender specific needs of the community being served.
- To provide ongoing counselling, case management services and group workshops.
- Training and support of volunteer, students and new staff members as designated by the Manager.
- Observe Hostel standards in program delivery and adhere to the Staff Code of Conduct.
- Observe confidentiality policy, and use appropriate avenues to share and acquire information on clients.
- Attend training and staff development workshops that have been set out by CONC and that is agreed upon by the Manager.
- Working collaboratively with Intake staff, life management, health and wellness, income security and drop in teams.
- Make sure that housing opportunities are promoted at both shelters and the drop in.
- Help clients to develop their self-advocacy skills.
- Training and support of volunteer, students and new staff members as designated by the Manager.
- Observe confidentiality policy, and use appropriate avenues to share and acquire information on clients.
- Attend training and staff development workshops that have been set out by CONC and that is agreed upon by the Manager.
- Complete all housing reports as directed in a timely manner.
- Ensures a positive, professional and harassment free work environment.
- Other duties as designated by Manager of Shelter Programs and Director of Hostels & Housing.
Required Qualifications:
- Passion for the important work of supporting vulnerable individuals in their pursuit of improved health and well-being, including knowledge/expertise in one or all of our four program areas- Life Management, Health & Wellness, Employment and Sustainable Housing.
- Community college diploma or B.S.W. or equivalent and a minimum of 2 years’ experience in Housing Clients, Advocacy and Counselling.
- Meditation skills to support with housing retention as required.
- Knowledge of housing resources in Toronto.
- Knowledge of community housing resources.
- Ability and knowledge to do community outreach to develop housing stock and landlord inventory.
- Ability to work in a team setting.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Excellent communication skills – both oral and written.
- Thorough working knowledge that can be demonstrated pertaining to relevant laws/legislation affecting tenants including the eviction process, etc.
- Ability to assist with said process and the housing tribunal process.
- Thorough knowledge of community services and support programs for homeless men in Toronto (eg: shelters, addiction, mental health, social services etc)
- Knowledge of the court and criminal justice system in Ontario.
- Solid professional boundaries.
- Strong advocacy and community development skills.
- A valid Ontario Driver’s License
- Demonstrate conflict resolution and crisis prevention/intervention skills.
- Computer skills and knowledge.
- Contribute positively to team functioning and team safety.
- Ability to speak a second language is an asset.
Note: Equivalencies for all qualifications listed may be considered.
