Housing First Worker

Full-Time
Full-Time – 37.5 hours/week
Eligible for benefits after 6 months
Eligible for pension after one year

MAIN FUNCTION: The Housing First for Youth Program takes a recovery-oriented approach to ending homelessness that centers on quickly moving people experiencing homelessness into independent and permanent housing and then providing additional support and services as needed. Housing First works on overall life stabilization starting with housing and then moving on to other identified goals between client and worker.

REPORTS TO: Housing Programs Supervisor of BGC Durham

DUTIES:

1. Perform intake assessments for Housing First Program candidates using SPDAT and enter youth in HIFIS.

2. Coordinate with Ontario Works Trustee for the youth to ensure open communication.

3. Assist program participants in housing search and procurement.

4. Collaborate with the program participant in the foundation of a comprehensive service plan that is reviewed and modified with the program participant on a regular basis.

5. Perform regular and ongoing house visits which could be phone calls, FaceTime, zoom, etc. with program participants.

6. Provide outreach, case management, counseling, advocacy, and other needed services to clients.

7. Actively participate in relevant committees and collaborate with other service providers.

8. Maintain written and computerized records, compile reports, and complete program documentation on HIFIS and other reports/documentation as needed.

9. Assist program participants in managing their money to ensure housing stability.

10. Coordinate/monitor referrals to mainstream community services.

11. Educate, inform, and advocate for program participants regarding benefits and entitlements (OW, ODSP, etc.)

12. Work with a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency team to provide desired social and clinical services to program participants.

13. Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory standards.

14. Assist program participants towards self-sufficient living.

15. Other related work as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Child and Youth Worker Diploma or equivalent and two years of related experience working with youth.
• Knowledge of Housing First principles is an asset.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the life experiences and diverse needs, identities, and cultural backgrounds of at-risk youth in underserved communities.
• Knowledge of the community including knowledge of local programs and services for youth and local youth populations.
• Knowledge of Landlord/Tenant rights is an asset.
• Skill in establishing trusting relationships with youth.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and negotiate effectively with a range of community groups and service providers across sectors.
• Community development experience.
• Second language an asset.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and some weekends as needed.
• Maintains workplace in a neat and organized manner.
• Assume responsibility for awareness of health and safety issues and bring concerns to the attention of the Health and Safety Committee as appropriate.
• Proficiency in computer skills.
• Valid class “G” driver’s license.
• First Aid and C.P.R. certification.
• Punctual, meticulous, reliable.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Generally, 37.5 hours – five-day work week
• Schedule developed to accommodate the needs of the youth or as directed by the supervisor.
• Hours will include evenings and occasional weekends.
• Regular travel throughout the community (mileage paid - $125 biweekly)

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to jdallaire@bgcdurham.com by February 23, 2024. We thank all those who apply but be advised that due to the large number of applications received, acknowledgement will only be forwarded to those applicants invited for an interview. *This opportunity is being posted internally and externally simultaneously.

BGC Durham is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environment. Please advise the agency of any accommodations needed to ensure your access to a fair and equitable process. Any information received to accommodate will be addressed confidentially.

Application deadline: 2024-02-23

Job Type: Full-time

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Ability to Commute:

• Durham, ON (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-02-23