Relief Housing Support Worker (SH)

At House of Friendship, we believe in what we are doing. We get out of bed each day to make a difference in our community; to walk with and to serve. We are not happy with the status quo. We get energy from ongoing learning and growth. We lead with passion and believe without a doubt that everyone deserves to belong and thrive. We live and breathe our values of Compassion, Inclusion, Justice, Dignity and Hope. And we have fun!

Sounds pretty great, doesn’t it? It is! 

Supportive Housing provides affordable permanent housing for those living on low income who may have experienced homelessness. Program includes on-site supports to maintain independent living. The Housing Support Worker will provide housing-based, individualized supports that assist tenants to maintain housing towards the goal of developing a sense of home and belonging.

** This is a permanent, casual (relief) position. Shifts scheduled as needed and as available; variety of shifts between the hours of 7:00am to 7:00pm on Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays/Mondays. Some mandatory meetings outside of these hours. Must be available for last minute pick up shifts. Must be available to work three (3) shifts minimum per month.

Valid G class driver’s license is required. Successful completion of a Police Records Check

(Vulnerable Sector) is required. **

Key Responsibilities:

·        Work as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide direct and indirect support to residents, encouraging housing stability and building life skills

·        These supports may include: apartment checks, oversight of pest management protocols, community events, meal delivery, and other supports as necessary

·        Develop, contribute to, and carry out individual resident support plans, including any relevant assessment tools

·        Work individually with residents to identify and achieve goals as it relates to their individual support needs

·        Facilitate case conference, developing safety plans and long/short term support plans

·        Responsible for facilitating community inclusion activities

·        Participate in Needle Syringe Program

·        Connect residents with supportive community resources, including both clinical and informal supports, facilitating case coordination and case management

·        Respond to resident complaints/concerns with care, compassion, and efficiency

·        Reinforcing residents’ life skills, including spiritual, social, and coping skills

·        Assist with intake and orientation of new residents

·        Develop and facilitate relevant group programming

·        Complete required documentation in a thorough and timely manner with a focus on maintaining and protecting tenant privacy and confidentiality

·        Support unit vacancies and turnover

·        Follow applicable regulations, policies and procedures

·        Work collaboratively with Facilities and landlord, supporting and reporting maintenance needs to ensure upkeep of buildings and tenant units

·        Complete required safety checks and inspections as assigned

·        Attend and participate in all required training to maintain and develop new skills

Job Specific Knowledge/Skills:

·        Passion to support people living on a low income with support needs including mental health and addiction challenges

·        Strong documentation skills

·        Ability to manage safety and risk

·        De-escalation skills

·        Strong understanding of and commitment to harm reduction

·        Some knowledge of Motivational Interviewing as well an understanding of mental health challenges would be helpful

Education/Experience:

·        Post secondary education (min. 2 year college diploma) in a related field of study

·        1-2 years’ experience in case planning/management with individuals and assisting them in developing life skills

·        Knowledgeable in Supportive Housing modalities

·        Understanding and knowledge of regional community social services and resources

·        Experience supporting group activities

Critical Skills:

·        Commitment to understand and uphold the mission and values of House of Friendship is expected;

·        Exemplary emotional intelligence, resilience, communication, conflict management and problem-solving skills required;

·        Ability to work professionally as a team member with staff, participants and community members;

·        Experience or strong interest in working with diverse populations including people from various cultural backgrounds, income levels, and sensitivity to their needs;

·        Experience with and commitment to using an anti-racism, anti-oppressive and trauma informed approach to consultation, program design, evaluations of processes and service delivery;

·        Must be dependable, professional, flexible, a team player, and have a positive attitude;

·        Respectful, supportive and engaging approach to persons with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, addictions, mental illness and other life challenges;

·        Excellent project, timeline and deadline management skills including skills in logistics, planning and detailed record keeping.

Compensation:

At House of Friendship, we know that our team members are the key to the success of our organization and our ability to provide essential services to the community. In support of our mission and in alignment with our values, House of Friendship is committed to ensuring fair, market competitive, and rewarding compensation practices for all of our team members. We aspire to support our team members to create a great work environment where our team is able to thrive, succeed, and have a positive work experience.

House of Friendship compensation practices including our pay grid, have been developed using documented leading pay practices in the not-for-profit sector including Pathways to Decent Work (Ontario Nonprofit Network) and Ontario Living Wage Network. We value the experience that new team members bring to the organization and have a process in place to review previous related experience for placement on our pay grid.

We value the work that you do with fair pay and benefits:

·        Time off includes vacation pay and 2 personal days

·        Employee & Family Assistance Program

Rate of Pay:

At House of Friendship all compensation ranges are categorized under a series of “grades” and we base our payment structure on internal equity. When determining rate of pay, a candidate’s past related experience will be taken into consideration.

Grade: 5

Min: $27.04

Mid: $31.03

Max: $35.02

Working Conditions:

·        Generally days and evenings during both weekdays and weekends

·        Overnight shifts are also a possibility

·        Travel throughout the region of Waterloo; generally with House of Friendship fleet vehicles and/or public transit options

·        Encountering participants at program sites who may be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, and/or experiencing symptoms of mental illness can be expected

House of Friendship is open and inviting to qualified candidates with lived experience.

We strive to remove barriers that may prevent qualified applicants from fully participating in the recruitment and selection process. Accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation is available throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Accommodations will be provided upon request.

If you are as passionate as we are about serving the community, let’s talk.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter here:

https://house-of-friendship.hirehive.com/relief-housing-support-worker-sh-kitchener-on-465fG4

By end of day October 25, 2024.