Housing Support Worker (349 George Street)

Employment Type: Full-time

Department: Housing Services

Union: Included (CUPE)

Salary: Level 3 - $26.42/hr

File #: 23-HHS-39

Posting Date: April 18, 2023

Posting Close: May 2, 2023

Dixon Hall is a multi-service agency located in the heart of east downtown Toronto committed to realizing the vision of a city where everyone thrives. Since 1929, we have been touching the lives of thousands of our community’s most vulnerable residents by providing a range of programs and services across every stage of life. We create lasting solutions to end poverty, social injustices, and isolation in Toronto. We value respect, diversity, integrity, care, compassion, and accountability.

Reporting to the Manager, Housing Access, or their designate, the Housing Support Worker will support the successful transition of clients to long-term housing and assist those clients to maintain stable housing.

Responsibilities

Transition to Housing

• Explore the neighbourhood with the client to familiarize them with key local resources.
• Assess client needs and align them with services and support in the community that will lead to a successful transition; provide referrals and warm transfers to appropriate services as required.
• Support the transition of clients to appropriate housing.
• Develop and implement housing preparation plans for clients in collaboration with other Housing Support Workers.

Stabilization in Housing

• Connect clients to professional services and social support networks in their community.
• Prevent evictions whenever possible.
• Advocate for clients with social service and financial support providers.
• Connect clients with local resources and support services.
• Arrange and maintain regularly scheduled and intermittent home visits with clients.
• Assist clients to move to another unit or property in an organized, well-planned manner if eviction is unavoidable or the client has decided to move.
• Support tenants in maintaining their housing, including:
• Advocate for clients and liaise with property manager(s) and landlords.

Programming

• Design responsive community-based programs with community safety and stability in mind.
• Support tenants and community members to develop and implement community-building activities and special events (e.g. community meals).
• Identify programming needs and arrange for external organizations, tenants, and/or community members to deliver programs (e.g. education on tenant rights and responsibilities, harm reduction supports, etc.)

Administration and Organizational Responsibilities

• Maintain client files.
• Operate in an effective, efficient and client-centred manner to achieve the best outcomes for the client.
• Actively participate in departmental and agency meetings and events.
• Work under the guidance of the agency and program policies and procedures.
• Maintain appropriate documentation for statistics and client files.
• Provide information for funder reports as necessary.
• Provide letters for clients.
• Work collaboratively with the shelter and housing team, other Dixon Hall staff, and volunteers.
• Escort clients to hospital, doctor appointments, court, etc., as requested.
• Meet regularly with Manager to discuss individual, team, and the overall effectiveness of client services.

Position Qualifications

• Must be qualified to legally work in Canada for the employer.
• Ability to collaborate with individuals, client groups, agencies, and other organizations.
• Experience working with all levels of professionals in community agencies and government offices.
• Demonstrable crisis intervention, de-escalation, counseling, conflict resolution, and advocacy skills.
• MUST be fully vaccinated (two [2] doses) against COVID-19 with a vaccine that has been approved for use in Canada.
• Degree or diploma in social services or equivalent.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong written and verbal English language communication skills; other languages an asset.
• Effective at building good interpersonal relationships; ability to be flexible and patient when interacting with clients, peers, and volunteers.
• Emergency First Aid/CPR certification preferred
• Able to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening check with a ‘Clear’ or satisfactory result that meets the operational requirements of the Agency.
• Knowledge of the political, structural, and sociological reasons for homelessness and poverty in the City of Toronto.
• Previous experience working with people experiencing homelessness or who have challenges in obtaining and maintaining housing.
• Excellent customer service, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Dixon Hall is dedicated to fostering an inclusive selection process and work environment, guided by their Race Relations and Employment Equity Policies. If selected for an interview, please inform the hiring manager or the People and Culture team of any accommodations you may require during the interview process.

To achieve their goal of inclusivity and diversity, Dixon Hall actively seeks exceptional candidates from varied backgrounds and with lived experiences. Individuals who self-identify as being from marginalized communities, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or who have experienced homelessness, are strongly encouraged to apply.

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