Housing Program Worker - Vancouver, Canada - Hogan's Alley Society

Hogan's Alley Society

Verified Company

Vancouver, Canada

1 week ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

About Hogan's Alley Society (HAS)

Hogan's Alley Society (HAS) is a Vancouver-based non-profit organization whose mission is to advance the social, political, economic, and cultural well-being of people of African descent (Black People) through the delivery of inclusive housing, built spaces, and culturally informed programming.

For years, the Society has been a leading advocate for people of African Descent in Metro Vancouver who have endured the legacies of so-called urban renewal, residential displacement, and the attempted erasure from Vancouver's historical narrative.

Community Care is an essential aspect of our mission, deeply rooted in the wisdom of our Indigenous African ancestors and our pursuit of collective liberation.

The idea of "it takes a village" resonates strongly with us, and Community Care embodies our commitment to honouring our heritage as we strive to create a strong, resilient, and tightly-knit community where everyone feels a profound sense of belonging.

Our efforts encompass connecting people of all ages, from our young to elders, through a variety of means, including food, ceremonies, mentorship, as well as commemorative and celebratory activities.

What you will be doing:

As part of the Community Care team and reporting to the Director of Community Care, the Housing Program Worker will play a crucial role in advancing HAS's commitment to create space for Black community development in Vancouver.

The primary responsibility of this position is to deliver the Housing Support Program.

Additionally, as a member of the Community Care team, they will collaborate with other team members to implement the Community Care Strategy for Social Justice Initiatives.

These initiatives encompass various programs, including but not limited to the Black/African Diaspora and Indigenous Cultural Support Program and Land Stewardship & Mentorship Program.

The Housing Support Program offers intervention and advocacy for the Metro Vancouver Black/African diaspora with emergency housing needs to set up housing and avert eviction for folks that experience homelessness and housing uncertainty.
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Primary Responsibilities_

Connect with vulnerable Black/African descent people in Metro Vancouver through outreach services to facilitate the development of individualized housing, service, and safety plans collaboratively with the individual.
Assist individuals in their search for appropriate housing options in the short and long term.
Research community resources and facilitate referrals. Accompany individuals to appointments, services and resources across the Metro Vancouver region.
Provide housing services including housing setup, emergency housing funding to help cover housing costs in the short term while awaiting access to longerterm housing supports, timelimited rental assistance in the context of rapid rehousing.
Provide prevention and shelter diversion services including providing emergency assistance to help avert eviction and support for clients moving to more appropriate housing.
Assess general wellbeing, provide onetoone support, accompaniment and advocacy.
Coordinate placements, referrals and intakes of communitybased services and resources.
Liaise with professionals in support of transition plans; goals and strategies. Prepare, allocate, manage and ensure effective use of budgetary resources.

About You:

To be successful in this role, you:

Are flexible, collaborative, empathetic, have very strong advocacy, and relationship building skills.
Are a problemsolver and skilled at conflict resolution.
Work to include clients in all of the decisions that affect their lives.
Are comfortable working with individuals who may be struggling with substance use, brain trauma and cognitive impairment and or mental illness.
Understand and are comfortable working at times within a harm reduction environment and while you support individuals who choose abstinence, you understand abstinence is just one option for those struggling with substance use.
Have familiarity with BC Housing registry, supportive housing, SROs and other low income housing options.
Have a welldeveloped understanding of antiBlack racism, a commitment to antioppression work, and intersectionality. Knowledge of the legacies of socalled urban renewal, residential displacement, and the attempted erasure of the people of African Descent in Metro Vancouver from Vancouver's historical narrative.
Have some familiarity with the Residential Tenancy Act.
A clear understanding of Black history in Canada, and experience working with immigrants and refugees, especially those from Africa.
An understanding of some of the risks associated with programs that serve vulnerable populations.
Lived experience and/or connections to and within diverse Black communities is an asset. HAS strives to hire staff who reflect the people we serve.

Training/Education/Other Requirements: