Housing Stability Worker - Guelph, Canada - Stepping Stone

Description

Our not-for-profit client Stepping Stone is looking for a Housing Stability Worker in Guelph


Organization Overview:

Stepping Stone is a community-based agency that believes in the Housing First philosophies and practices.

We strive to improve the quality of life for people who are struggling with chronic homelessness, significant mental health issues and substance misuse.

We offer this by providing shelter support and supportive, affordable housing to our participants with individualized, participant-driven support plans.

The Stepping Stone team collaborates with community services within Guelph-Wellington to help support these plans and to offer our participants wrap-around supports as needed.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Housing Stability Worker will assist people that are homeless in navigating the shelter program as well as support individuals at risk of homelessness to remain housed.

They will take the lead role in ensuring that all people are provided with adequate and appropriate support that will address the complex factors contributing to their history of unstable housing or homelessness.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Experience of working with those who have experienced mental health challenges, addictions and trauma
• Respectful, supportive and engaging approach to persons with physical disabilities, addictions, mental health and other life challenges
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills and experience working with community organizations as well as an understanding of issues related to poverty and homelessness
• Strong interpersonal and resilience skills
• Must have exemplary communication, conflict management, organization and problem solving skills
• Ability to work professionally as a team member with staff, participants and community members
• Experience working within a nonprofit and/or social services environment preferred
• Ability to work sensitively and effectively with people from various abilities, life situations and cultural backgrounds
• Ability to carry and operate cleaning equipment
• Experience using a Case Management System (i.e. HIFIS) and tools (i.e. VI-SPDAT)
• Current First Aid / CPR certification, Naloxone training and Vulnerable Sector Police Check or willingness to obtain at hiring
• A valid Driver's License, vehicle and insurance with 2 million liability coverage. You must be willing to travel throughout Guelph and Wellington County)
• A minimum two year postsecondary education in a related field of study (i.e. social services, social work, addictions, mental health, community development etc.) or relevant work experience
• A minimum of two years' experience working in the social services field

Overview of Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support individuals in arranging tenant insurance and everyday housing repair/maintenance; followup to ensure completed on a short term basis
• Conduct screening and assessment to determine the appropriate housing response and ongoing wraparound services; ensuring the organization and delivery of these services is established by liaising and collaborating on a regular basis with local service providers
• Advocate on behalf of individual to ensure appropriate service delivery
• Collaborate with client in the formulation of a Crisis Care Plan that is reviewed and modified with client on a regular basis and provide crisis intervention when necessary
• Assist in developing financial literacy skills, including budgeting and rent payment as well as ensuring food security is established at the time of move in
• Support participants at appointments (e.g. Food Bank, Ontario Works, medical, psychiatric, counseling etc.)
• Encourage and support participants in becoming actively engaged in their community through social activities, volunteering and attending community events
• Take part in case conferencing tables to advocate for client, contributing recommendations for case management
• Maintain excellent documentation on each case and each contact with the participant and using this documentation to evaluate project outcomes, goals and progress on a regular basis
• Be willing to help the Stepping Stone Support Staff as needed and perform other duties as defined by the Program Manager as well as take part in team meetings to enhance program delivery

Environment / Schedule:

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required
• 35 hour regular work week (70 hours / pay period)
• Work with clients and staff in the community and directly on the shelter and PSH sites
• Exposed to stress due to dealing with clients in difficult personal circumstances

Compensation and Benefits:

- $25.00 / hour starting wage

• 2 weeks vacation / year (on an accrual basis)
• 7 sick days / year (on an accrual basis)

- $100 / month cell phone reimbursement & $100 / month gas allowance

• Extended Health & Dental benefit package available after (3) months of employment
• An environment that supports co