Housing Stability Worker, Supported Housing of Perth Program ("SHOPP")

POSITION SUMMARY: Reporting to the Supervisor of Housing Programs, the Housing Stability Worker, with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Huron Perth, Addiction and Mental Health Services ("CMHA HP AMHS") will be part of the Supported Housing of Perth Program ("SHOPP") – Fixed Site Program. Using a “Housing First” framework, this Program provides intensive case management services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in North Perth (Listowel), coupled with a portable housing benefit and other financial supports, to assist with Housing Stability and social inclusion.

SHOPP is a collaborative project between the Social Services Department of the City of Stratford, CMHA HP AMHS, John Howard Society of London & District, Optimism Place, and Stratford/Perth Shelterlink. The Housing Stability Workers form a team that provides support to residents of two housing complex sites in Listowel, one site houses youth, the other families. Staff work 9am-5pm Monday to Friday with flexibility for evening and/or weekend coverage based on client and program needs.

The Housing Stability Worker is a social worker, or equivalent, who provides intensive case management supports to individuals and families facing severe struggles relating to homelessness, including mental health challenges, physical health impairment, legal and justice issues, historic discrimination and trauma, victimization, addictions and stigma. The Housing Stability Worker will be responsible for ensuring that participants with complex needs are receiving the supports necessary to help them reintegrate into the community, achieve Housing Stability, and reach their personal goals. The incumbent will perform other duties as required, which may include, but are not limited to, data entry, report generation and community education. As well, the incumbent may be required to work flexible working hours as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree or diploma in health or social services, and registration with a professional college.
• Minimum of three years work experience in a social service field.
• Ability to work independently and within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Knowledge of * Homeless Individuals and Families Information System*(HIFIS) and Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (SPDAT) is an asset.
• Strong and demonstrated understanding of the issues and challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, including mental illness, addictions, legal and justice issues, victimization, and abuse.
• Knowledge of community resources and services available in North Perth and surrounding areas.
• Ability to work independently and within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Able and willing to promote harm reduction practices and anti-oppression practice.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and counselling skills.
• Strong ability to assess, advocate and problem solve in conflict and/or crisis situations.
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated computer literacy.
• CPR and First Aid Certified.
• Crisis prevention training is an asset.
• Vulnerable Sector Screening – Police Check.
• Valid Driver’s license, reliable vehicle and automobile endorsement insurance. Ability to travel throughout Perth County.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

General

• Advocate on behalf of clients with other service providers, maintaining collaborative working relationships.
• Protect the confidentiality of clients, while ensuring that client information is only released or obtained by the agency with client consent.
• Engage in community awareness, education and outreach as designated and appropriate, representing the agency in a professional manner.
• Participate in internal agency committees and/or outside community committees as appropriate.
• Adhere to policies and protocols as outlined in the Human Resource and Procedure Manual.
• Attend and actively participate in any team and staff meetings, the Annual General Meeting and periodically scheduled strategic planning and team building events.
• Assist with the orientation and training of new agency staff, volunteers and interns/students as designated and need.
• Provide coverage of CMHA Huron Perth services for other team members as needed.
• Participate in training to further develop skills required to perform the duties of the position.
• Participate in ongoing evaluation of service delivery and personal performance.
• Actively participate in the supervisory process with immediate supervisor.
• Support and actively participate in the constant evolution and growth of the agency.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Case Management

• Implement the screening and intake process for participants, conduct an assessment of the individual/family, determine their daily living requirements, and develop a plan of support which includes identifying priorities and goals. This plan will be developed in conjunction with other SHOPP team members, where possible.
• Communicate the participant’s goals and plans to other SHOPP team members in order to ensure seamless support for the participant.
• Promote the personal empowerment of each participant through coaching, mentoring and support. Maintain consistent communication, set up regular meetings, and track participants’ outcomes.
• Support the participant with securing permanent accommodation and financial assistance, as well as the acquisition of daily life skills in areas such as hygiene, medication management, cooking, cleaning, shopping, and budgeting.
• Establish and coordinate a support network of social, medical and other community resources. Ensure that linkages are maintained through non-intrusive follow up, reminders, and occasionally accompanying participants on their appointments.
• Establish a crisis plan for the participant.
• Advocate on behalf of the participant in navigating the social services and healthcare systems. Ensure accessibility and availability of services and assist in mediating issues. Teach conflict resolution skills, where possible, and follow up on issues to ensure resolution.
• Consistently complete documentation, including reports and case notes, and collect data as required. Work with partnering agencies to ensure participant records are being appropriately recorded, maintained and submitted to the Social Services Department – City of Stratford.
• Work collaboratively with other SHOPP team members as well as the staff at CMHA Huron Perth, attend regular case conference meetings and staff training as required.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all client and agency information.
• Other duties as assigned.

Administrative

• Maintain a complete, accurate and comprehensive clinical record of each client contact.
• Report statistics about clinical activities using designated agency format as required.
• Complete monthly, annual and other reported documentation as required in a punctual and comprehensive manner.
• Maintain administrative and clinical records, including client files and data entry, as per Policy and Procedure Manual.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $25.20-$31.20 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• First Aid Certification (preferred)

Work Location: In person