Housing Support Worker (Cupe 70.23) (Pft)

Scope of Position:

• To provide support to individuals and families who have been identified, based on the approved assessment process, as requiring rehousing and/or housing stabilization supports.
• To support individuals and families who are staying in the emergency housing program, housing with related supports program, living in affordable housing developments or in community housing settings and those who require additional supports to obtain and retain safe, affordable and permanent housing

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To identify and assess the needs of individuals and families using the appropriate assessment tools (VI-SPDAT, SPDAT) and to reassess throughout the time of service to monitor progress and the effectiveness of the supports provided
• To maintain appropriate client records and service delivery data in the relevant departmental software program (e.g. HIFIS)
• To implement Housing First and harm reduction strategies with clients to increase safety and improved wellness
• To help individuals and families connect with employment services and/or obtain financial assistance from government or private sources
• To support individuals and families to access and navigate existing community resources and services including medical services, legal resources, mental health and substance use supports to enhance long term housing stability
• To maintain contact with Landlords to ensure that there are no issues impacting tenancy
• To recommend for supervisory approval the financial assistance and services needed to resolve current tenancy problems
• To work independently with individuals and families, on site and within different locations throughout Haldimand and Norfolk, including home visits
• To support individuals and families in emergency housing to find and obtain permanent housing
• To provide housing stabilization supports, assistance, and basic skill training to individuals and families in order to establish and maintain an independent and stable living situation within the community, based on the goals identified by the person receiving support
• Once housed, ensure that a person centered plan is created with each individual and family receiving support to prevent future homelessness
• Participate in team de-briefing and training session in order to remain up-to-date on homeless prevention practices and strategies
• Other administrative tasks as assigned and related to the delivery of the Homelessness Prevention Services program

Requirements
Knowledge and Experience:

• Additional training and/or certification in mental health, addictions and/or trauma counselling would be considered an asset
• Grade 12 plus a diploma in an additional program of over two years in a related discipline (Social Services Worker, Social Work, Human Services, Addictions, Violence Against Women Counsellor)
• Over two year, up to and including three years’ experience in a Social Services related position with emphasis on providing direct support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability, ongoing crisis and trauma, and at extreme risk for mental health, addictions or other health related behavioral challenges, preferably in an outreach setting.
• Training and/or experience in motivational interviewing and the use of assessment tools such as the VI-SPDAT and SPDAT are considered an asset

Skills and Abilities:

• Experience using homeless related data bases such as HIFIS Experience reading and interpreting legislation, such as the Residential Tenancies Act and related regulations
• Working knowledge of community services and supports
• Valid Ontario Driver’s Licence and access to a reliable vehicle
• Computer knowledge in corporate standard software (Microsoft Office) and department specific software, including database programs
• Experience working directly with people who are high risk for violent behavior.
• Experience working directly with people who are experiencing homelessness or who are at imminent risk of being homeless
• In depth knowledge and understanding of the risk factors for homelessness and the barriers to achieving housing stability for vulnerable people
• Understanding of housing first approaches to homelessness prevention
• Excellent interpersonal skills

Benefits
Status: Permanent Full Time
Employee Group: CUPE Local 4700
Salary: $26.70 - 33.37 per hour (2022 rate)
Division: Health and Social Services
Department: Social Services and Housing
Reports to: Program Manager, Homelessness Prevention
Location: This position will be required to work remotely with the occasional office days located at 12 Gilbertson Drive, Simcoe
Posting Period: May 23, 2023 to June 5, 2023
The Corporation of Norfolk County is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.
Successful applicants are required to provide the Employer with a current Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector where required and verification of education.
Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those to be interviewed will be contacted.