Bipoc Residential Case Worker - Halifax, Canada - Coverdale Justice Society

Description

This opportunity is designated for Black, Indigenous and people of colour.

Coverdale Justice Society (Coverdale) is a non-profit charitable organization that supports women, girls and gender diverse individuals who are involved or at risk of involvement in the criminal justice system in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Coverdale delivers residential, community, youth justice and court support services that address the needs of marginalized and criminalized persons.

The society's programs are governed by a volunteer board of directors and directly operated by a team of skilled professionals trained in the fields of social work, law, social and human services, addictions, mental health, and criminal justice.

Caitlan's Place is a community bail and supported housing program in Halifax that offers flexible and voluntary support services for women and gender diverse individuals who are experiencing poverty, mental illness, addictions, homelessness, and the criminal justice system.

Coverdale understands that without access to housing and services, many are trapped in a homelessness-jail cycle—rotating in and out of jail, detoxification centers, and emergency health care.

This revolving door keeps women trapped in a cycle of crime and survival.

Caitlan's Place provides 15 single-occupied rooms and on-site 24/7 staffing and wrap-around support services that respond to the social determinants of health and justice.

Summary

Under the supervision and direction of the House Director, the BIPOC Residential Caseworker is responsible for the delivery of cultural and gender specific, trauma informed and restoratively driven support services to women and gender diverse individuals residing at Caitlan's Place using the principles of housing first and harm reduction.

This includes but is not exclusive to; intakes and discharges for the residence, crisis intervention, eviction prevention, life skills training, cultural program delivery, community referrals, advocacy, restorative conferencing, bail supervision, property maintenance and household duties.

The BIPOC Residential Caseworker maintains a caseload of clients as assigned by the House Director and as a member of a highly collaborative team, attends weekly case conferences and monthly team meetings.

The Residential Caseworker is a member of the on-call system, which is a rotational responsibility shared amongst staff.


Population Served

Caitlan's Place provides supportive housing to women, trans and non-binary individuals (18+) who are experiencing homelessness and the criminal justice system including those on bail supervision.

Clients with complex needs may experience a variety of barriers when trying to access and maintain housing and other services including physical health, mental health, and substance use challenges and varying levels of abilities and life skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain confidential and accurate records within the program including records, logs, reports and statistical information.
• Monitor the program and clients to ensure a welcoming, safe, supportive environment that meets standards of care.
• When changing shifts with an incoming worker; ensure that they are fully informed of any current physical facility problems or client concerns in the residence.
• Answer phones and greet visitors as required.
• Implement harm reduction strategies. Clients do not have to be clean and sober to engage in the program.
• Identify and make plans to address issues of concern that could impact the residents' court matters.
• Respond to conflict and inhouse issues through restorative conversations and conferences.
• Encourage involvement in household responsibilities and facilitate life skills development.
• Model positive, healthy behaviors and build rapport with clients, supporting them as they practice setting boundaries, effective communication skills, conflict resolution, and contribute to a safe, respectful environment.
• Facilitate biopsychosocial activities and educational programs.
• Follow all agency and department protocols and policies and procedures.
• Report any problems or concerns to the House Director of Caitlan's Place.
• Provide the clients with support, advocacy and referrals to external resources. These include; Legal Aid, Income Assistance, mental health support, housing, community agencies, etc.
• Provide clients with information and support including; crisis intervention and life skills training.
• Manage crisis situations.
• Ensure standard operating procedures are maintained during assigned shifts.
• Routinely inspect the residence and grounds.
• Ensure all residents with specific residential requirements and restrictions are meeting their obligations.
• Maintain close working relations with government and social agencies with whom the society conducts professional relations.
• Work closely and receive direction from the Director of Caitlan's Place.
• Attend meetings (internal and external) and tr