Resident Support Worker - Jobs in Pictou, NS

Job Description

The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia

• “Effective, just and humane responses to the causes and consequences of crime”

Provincial Office: Suite 1, 541 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville NS B4C 2S1Phone: (902) 429-6429 Fax: (902) 406-7619Position Title: Resident Support Worker (On Call) - John Howard Society’s Pictou Community Hub – 199 Elliott Street, Pictou Nova Scotia, B0K 1H0 Location: Pictou, Nova Scotia Date: July 16, 2021 ________________________________________________________________________________________________ About Us: The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia (JHSNS) has been actively serving our communities since 1950. Our mission is effective, just and humane responses to the causes and consequences of crime. We work collaboratively with clients, government and community agencies to support individuals and families who have come into conflict with the law or who are at risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system. Our core activities include direct service provision, community education, research and resource development and advocacy. We seek capable, dedicated people to join our team and engage in this exciting and rewarding work.The Resident Support Worker (RSW) reports to the House Manager or in their absence, the Northeast RegionalDirector. The RSW delivers a wide array of support and services to men charged with a criminal offence who are released from court pending trial. Our primary goal is to enhance public safety while meeting identified criminogenic needs as determined by risk/needs assessment. The John Howard Society uses an anti-oppressive framework to support the identification, prioritization and planning of appropriate case management for men.General Accountability:

• Responsible for utilizing the Social Determinants of Health to provide systems navigation and integration support to men exiting incarceration from Provincial Correctional Facilities.
• Help clients navigate systems barriers and support connection with appropriate community resources and support networks while employing a lens that is trauma informed and culturally sensitive.
• Provide community leadership with cultural humility/competency for working with clients. The incumbent must possess a firm understanding of provincial corrections, the criminal justice system and support services and resources available in Pictou County.

• Work in close coordination and collaboration with Nova Scotia Correctional Services and other agencies to engage in intensive, supportive case management processes.

Working Conditions:

• Rotational Shift Work, including days, nights, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
• The position requires moderate amounts of walking, climbing stairs, standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, and both scheduled and unscheduled interactions with others.
• The position is fast-paced, demanding, and at times stressful, requiring significant mental effort to analyze information, problem solve and support people.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:This list is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position, rather it provides a general overview.

• Work closely with Nova Scotia Correctional Services, and a variety of government and community partners, meet with soon to be released and/or newly released clients to ascertain their individual needs, interests and goals in order to assist them in integrating in the community. Develop individual support plans that engage available resources across the social determinants of health, including financial support, housing, basic needs (food, personal care items), wellness, community support, cultural support, employment options, among others.

• Apply a person-centered approach, which includes using culturally appropriate/sensitive approaches for service delivery. Work within the scope of support available through JHSNS, and engage expertise of other community and government resources as needed and appropriate.

• Maintain regular connections to a variety of communities within Nova Scotia, including the African Nova

Scotian Community, BIPOC Community, LGBTQ2s+ community. Share current information and learnings about available resources, programs and services with their JHSNS team to ensure clients are receiving the best level of support possible through JHSNS.

• Act as liaison and advocate for clients with government and community agencies, ensure connections are made and supports are accessible; accompaniment support will be provided to clients as needed/appropriate.

• Liaise with the Halifax Regional Office’s Programs Team to connect clients to other supports available through JHSNS.

• Provide direct programs and services in conjunction with the program team including, Life Skills,

Parenting Skills, Employment Readiness Training, etc.

• Ensure that clear and accurate support plans, case notes and client files are recorded and/or kept up to date; this is essential. Develop written support plans for clients and written reports summarizing ongoing case management as required.

• Serve as ambassador to JHSNS while carrying out work throughout the community. Ensure conduct is professional and collaborative, and represents JHSNS in a positive image.

• Follow policy and procedures to ensure safety and security at all times.

Travel: Periodic travel will be required to meet clients as identified in the case plan and to meet community partners as required.Experience & Qualifications: Required:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Must be able to work as part of a team.

• Demonstrated experience in front-line service delivery using strength-based, action-oriented approaches for systems navigation across the Social Determinants of Health.

• Previous experience in conducting in-depth needs assessments, case management processes (including record keeping), developing support plans and report writing.

• Must complete a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Note that positive results will not necessarily preclude employment. We require these background checks as part of site clearance required for clearance for entry into Provincial correctional facilities.

Assets:

• Experience working with diverse populations in a support role.

• Experience providing client-driven supports that promote capacity building, independence, informed choice and social inclusion.

• College Diploma or University Degree in a relevant discipline (i.e. Social Sciences, Human Services,

Occupational Therapy, Social Work, etc.) or a demonstrated acceptable equivalent.Competencies & Skills:

• Subject matter expertise in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Experience working with marginalized adults and/or communities, particularly criminalized populations.
• Knowledge of human rights legislation and related law.
• Demonstrated track record of working effectively within and across equity-seeking communities including consultation and consensus-building.
• Strong communication skills in both oral and written. Communicates effectively with individuals who experience mental health difficulties; communicates effectively with other organization personnel and community/government partners.
• High degree of cultural competency or cultural sensitivity.

• Ability to facilitate the learning of others through effective coaching, consulting and presentation skills.
• Experience developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs and/or initiatives is an asset.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to make recommendations and decisions in ambiguous circumstances.
• Strong organizational and time management skills required. Able to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to change efficiently and effectively.
• Work efficiently as a team member and independently. Ability to be flexible, work positively and collaboratively as a team member.
• Proficiency with technology, including familiarity with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Experience utilizing a trauma-informed approach. Training/Certification in the following is considered an asset: Mental Health First Aid, ASIST, NVCI, Standard First Aid, WHMIS 2015.

Hours of work: This is a casual on call position. Job Type: CasualSalary: From $18.00 per hourSchedule:

• On call

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Pictou, NS: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

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