HPP - Housing Outreach Worker - Jobs in Smithers, BC

Job Description

Smithers Community Services Association is a non-profit organization that believes in raising the bar on what it means to do a good job. As a member of the Smithers Community Services team, you are fully engaged in your work, you take personal responsibility for your experience with the Association, you are a professional who operates from a place of ethics and integrity and you are prepared to evolve, change and grow as a result of working here.PROGRAM: Homelessness Prevention ProgramPOSITION: Housing Support Worker (21 - 35 hours per week - Negotiable)PROGRAM SUMMARY:The Homeless Prevention Program connects people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homelessness with stable accommodation and appropriate services.The Program is guided by these principles:

• Program services are accessible and Client focused.

• Operations are transparent and accountable.

• The service environment is safe, secure and welcoming.

• The sector works collaboratively to improve service effectiveness and client experience.

POSITION SUMMARY:The Housing Outreach Worker will help individuals, who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, secure and maintain safe, stable accommodation and connect them to appropriate services.The Housing Outreach Worker focuses on the prevention of homelessness by working with individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless due to crisis or transition. The Housing Outreach Worker provides outreach services that directly engage people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homelessness by assessing Clients’ needs, assisting with personal goals, and connecting individuals and families with stable accommodation and appropriate services.REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: Reports To: Goodacre Place Manager Direct Reports: None PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:The Housing Outreach Worker provides the following services to people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless:

• Engage people “where they are at”, encourage program participation;
• Conduct an intake and assessment, and develop a case plan with each client;
• Refer clients to appropriate services and programs, including social services;
• Connect clients to appropriate housing options;
• Accompany clients to appointments when appropriate and needed.

The Housing Outreach Worker works with Clients currently placed as tenants and supports them to maintain their housing and their ability to independently, by providing:

• Rental Supplements
• Tenancy support and skills training;
• Follow up and ongoing tenant support, as appropriate;
• Education, resources, and supportive relationships, to rental property owners to support and maintain Client tenancies, where appropriate.

The Housing Outreach Worker will create linkages and partnerships with other local service providers to ensure optimal service delivery to Clients, including participating in local and regional initiatives in order to improve the quality of services to people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.The Housing Outreach Worker will ensure:

• Rental Supplements are only disbursed for approved amounts to eligible Clients;
• A minimum of ten (10) unique Clients receive a Rental Supplement per month;
• Each Client provides consent using the Client Consent Form; and
• All Rental Supplements are logged in the Homelessness Services System Database (HSS Database) by the fifth business day of the following month.

In addition, the Housing Outreach Worker will:

• Work with Clients to strengthen family and community relationships by identifying participants’ strengths and building on their capacities.
• Meet with service providers, working with people who are hard to house and experiencing homeless, explain HPP services, and determine willingness to collaborate or refer.
• Identify potentially available rental property, determine property owners’ major concerns, learn where support is lacking, and seek willingness to collaborate.
• Continue to use and share the Shared Supports Housing Toolkit.
• Provide required reports to BC Housing, PGNAETA, SCSA board, etc.
• Gather evidence to determine success and provide an evaluative final report according to the contract terms.
• Collect data to inform community leaders, decision makers and governing bodies to influence policy change.
• Seek opportunities for continued financial support and partnership.
• Attend and participate in SCSA activities, special events and training.
• Performs other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:Education

• Related post-secondary training and a minimum of three years experience in a similar position or a combination of relevant training and experience.
• Related training includes Social Service Worker Diploma

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience working with people who are experiencing homelessness.
• Knowledge and understanding of the circumstances surrounding and leading to homelessness.
• Experience with Client file management, data entry, and reporting.
• Knowledge of First Nations culture and other cultural awareness training an asset.
• Possesses or is willing to acquire current certification in Occupational First Aid, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention

Skills and Abilities

• Proven experience providing individualized service to people who face many challenges in their daily lives.
• Demonstrated experience working in teams and cultivating collaborative relationships to address shared interests and goals
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, and comfortable taking initiative and finding creative solutions to address an array of concerns.

• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule that is conducive to meeting Client needs and capacities.
• Employs effective time management strategies to address competing priorities in a demanding environment.
• Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Communicates in a compassionate and respectful manner using active listening skills and remaining calm and professional in challenging situations.
• Facilitates learning that addresses anger management, life and social skills.
• Basic Level 1 technical skills required

Working Conditions

• Meeting with Clients at the Emergency Shelter during regular working hours.

Personal QualitiesThe team members at Smithers Community Services Association possess similar personal characteristics while at the same time are encouraged to bring their diverse thoughts, opinions and styles to their work. We highly value our team members and support each person to be successful in their role. Individuals who possess the following qualities are the best fit in our organization.You are:

• Grounded in a people-first approach, working diligently to achieve the goals and objectives of the Clients and the organization
• Open, self-aware and authentic with a desire to nurture this in others
• A strategic, critical thinker, accountable for your actions, modeling personal responsibility and initiative in your decision-making
• Flexible in your style, take pride in your work and contribute with the whole team in mind
• Focused on genuine dialogue that is collaborative and straight-forward with an insatiable curiosity about the people and the community you serve
• Collaborative, proactive and solution-focused in your approach, with the intent to find win/win solutions

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Be familiar with and adhere to the philosophy, policies and procedures of the Association.
• Represent the Association positively and professionally at all times.
• Understand and be committed to terms of confidentiality, and sign a pledge of confidentiality.
• Undergo a Criminal Record Search as and when required by the Association
• Actively participate in regular performance evaluations.
• Possess a valid Class 5 Driver’s License and have access to a vehicle.

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