Housing Stability Worker, Huron Shelter - Jobs in Goderich, ON

Job Description

HURON COUNTY Housing Stability Worker, Huron Shelter & Exeter/Goderich Sites

• Application Deadline: August 4, 2021 -

Full-time, Contract (approx. 2 months, August 26-October 31, 2021)Job Summary:The Housing Stability Worker will support individuals who are homeless, or are at risk of homelessness, and experiencing persistent/chronic homelessness, with a focus on supporting them to achieve housing stability. Supports will be provided in a manner that is consistent with CMHA Middlesex's Principles of Care which follow the Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Trauma and Violence-Informed Care and Harm Reduction Models while also prioritizing inclusion and support for diversity, in order to engender a safe and welcoming environment for all. This role works collaboratively with the Choices for Change staff team and in consultation with the Social Service Department of Huron County.This position has a start date in late August and an end date of October 31, 2021. The successful candidate will be eligible for optional enrollment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan.The position will be a community-based position within Huron County work day and ; if this contract is extended, this position would transition to work out of the Huron Shelter in Goderich (shelter anticipated to be operational from approximately November to mid-April). When shelter is operational, staff members will be assigned to either Afternoon or Night shifts.For candidates who require a request letter in order to apply for a police check, request letters will be provided for candidates that move forward from the interview stage of the recruitment process.Job Description and Primary Responsibilities:Shelter Services

• Provide a welcoming, safe and trusting environment for participants
• Engage hard-to-engage participants and develop relationships of trust
• Protect and promote the welfare, dignity, and individual rights of participants at all times, understanding trauma and violence and the impact these have on participants’ lives and behaviours
• Provide triage, initial mental health and/or addiction screening, SPDAT, GAINSS, and other required intake processes, coordinate and facilitate with participant linkages to recommended services and supports in the community
• Provide information regarding resources found within both the broader mental health and addiction system and the community in general
• Provide health teaching and information regarding a variety of coping techniques and strategies, e.g. grounding, breathing techniques, self-care, nutrition, sleep hygiene, techniques to enhance overall well-being, the completion of crisis plans
• Provide crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and use negotiation skills, as necessary
• Engage Emergency Services when it is determined that additional intervention is required
• When appropriate, act as liaison with caregivers and/or support providers who are involved with the participant to facilitate a coordinated approach to service provision

Housing Support & Outreach Services

• Support participants to secure housing of their choice
• Provide outreach to the homeless population, ensuring connection to services and basic needs are met
• Champion participant’s individual capacity for independent, community living
• Advocate, connect, and refer participants with appropriate housing services, supports, and resources (formal and informal), based on their needs
• Support landlords, as necessary, in conjunction with the participant; and mediate with landlords, as necessary
• Motivate and support participant to achieve their needs / goals and work towards goals based on their strengths, abilities, needs and preferences
• Create or update Crisis Plan
• Support individuals with physical and mental health concerns, and liaise with clinical Choices for Change staff
• Assist participants to successfully remain in their housing, providing prevention and diversion strategies to avoid homelessness
• Each staff member is expected to maintain a caseload of 10-15 participants

Team Work

• Participate as an active member of a multi-disciplinary team
• Attend and actively participate in staff and group meetings
• Coordinate work, as needed, with co-workers
• Act as a resource to other staff
• Seek out and listen to input from other staff
• Provide support and encouragement to other staff as needed, (e.g., assistance with challenging participants, coverage for vacation, sick time)
• Share responsibility for work loads
• Contribute to a positive team environment

Job Specifications:Required Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in a relevant field of study e.g. social work, psychology, or a related discipline
• Demonstrated ability to work with participants who live with multiple challenges related to marginalization, mental illness, substance use, complex health challenges, street level sex work, poverty, homelessness, and trauma
• Training in crisis intervention and crisis resolution, including ASIST
• Extensive knowledge of community resources, service & support programs, and barriers participants face in accessing same
• Working knowledge of a variety of treatment, intervention, and support strategies
• Computer literacy
• Ability to assess level of risk in regards to participants
• Valid Driver’s Licence, adequate insurance and access to a vehicle to carry out job duties
• Current, clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
• Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly

Preferred Qualifications / Experiences / Qualities

• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience working in mental health, preferred
• Proficiency in the areas of crisis intervention, crisis resolution, and community support
• Experience working in a community-based setting; preferably with an established network of service & support resources
• Written and verbal communication skills
• First Aid & CPR, WHMIS
• Bilingual in both official languages is an asset

Hours of Work:

• 70-hours averaged over a two-week period; hours scheduled to meet the needs of this program
• When shelter is operational, shifts will be Afternoons or Nights; all shifts are “awake” positions
• After the shelter has closed (tentatively April 16, 2021 – end of contract, October 31, 2021), shifts will be Days or Afternoons.

Application Deadline - August 4, 2021:Our recruitment process allows us to learn about your previous work experience, your qualifications and your commitment to fulfilling our vision. Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and resume.While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those individuals being considered for a position will be personally contacted by someone from the interview team.Vz6YPN0dVB