Supportive Housing Worker (Casual/relief positions)

The Ches Penney Centre of Hope supportive housing program is a long-term, support-based housing program designed to offer a stable living environment where residents will form relationships with support staff and work collaboratively to build housing stability, with a focus on maintaining personal health and well-being and fostering community and support systems.

The Supportive Housing Worker will be responsible for implementing the programs and services that are a part of the supportive housing program in accordance with the program plan, contractual agreements, Salvation Army standards, best practices and identified resident needs. They will report directly to the Supportive Housing Manager.

Operational Responsibility

• Participate in strategic and operational planning for the CoH supportive housing program
• Participate in the development, implementation, and regular review of policies, procedures, and forms for all supportive housing services, in conjunction with the Supportive Housing Manager

Administration

• Provide administrative support to all supportive housing programs
• Maintain all resident files and documentation in line with CoH policies and procedures, ensuring all TSA accreditation and funder requirements are met
• Respond to inquiries and complaints from supportive housing residents
• Respond to incidents involving residents/staff and complete incident reporting process
• Perform wellness checks as required, following processes outlined in CoH policies and procedures
• Develop and maintain appropriate professional relationships with staff, guests, and community partners.
• Develop and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries with residents
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development
• Participate in staff meetings, program evaluation, program development and other CoH activities as assigned
• Submit all required data and reports to Supportive Housing Manager in a timely manner

Program Development, Delivery and Review

• Support residents as they move into their units and provide initial orientation and safety information
• Work collaboratively with residents to ensure basic needs (e.g., food, hygiene) are met and that their personal space is well maintained
• Work with Supportive Housing Manager and community partners to review program referrals and complete initial assessments
• Complete ongoing assessments with all residents on caseload
• Develop individualized support plans with all residents on case load, including safety plans where required
• Hold regular one-on-one meetings with residents on case load, focusing on individualized support plans and current needs
• Participate in case conferences with CoH staff, other providers and external partners, as needed.
• Participate in the design and delivery of appropriate skill-building groups, workshops, and one-on-one learning opportunities
• Connect residents with appropriate community partners and service providers to meet individual needs
• Accompany residents to appointments in the community, as needed
• Organize social engagement and community building opportunities within CoH
• Ensure all resident documentation is complete as per CoH policy
• Conduct regular program evaluation efforts in conjunction with the Supportive Housing Manager

Community Relations

• Work with staff, management and residents to develop and maintain positive relationships with members of the community.
• Liaise with community case management teams and external service providers who participate in supportive housing resident support
• Liaise with emergency response services, where required

Health and Safety

• Implement appropriate safety and security procedures as necessary
• Ensure that residents are aware of and trained in emergency and safety procedures
• Ensure that all procedures, rules, and guidelines for the safety and security of residents and staff are strictly enforced and adhered to
• Adhere to all health and safety policies and procedures in place; comply with all instructions from the employer concerning health and safety as per the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Anticipate, mitigate and communicate risk to staff and residents.

TERM: Casual/Relief position; 12-hour shifts

• Diploma in social work preferred, or a related field (equivalent experience will be considered)
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in supportive housing, preferably in a non-profit community-based organization
• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness, supportive housing environment preferred
• Experience in advocacy, coordination of services and crisis management

• Knowledge of housing and homelessness issues, including social determinants of health, trauma informed care, chronic homelessness, Housing First, Residential Tenancies Act, etc.
• Extensive knowledge of other community agencies in St. John's
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• Effective organizational and communications skills
• Strong time management skills
• Strong computer skills including a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows Operating System (latest versions)
• High standards of integrity and confidentiality
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with residents, staff and external partners.
• Ability to manage and address complaints and solve complex problems
• Group facilitation skills
• Understanding of anti-oppressive practices and trauma-informed approach
• Valid CPR/First Aid certificate
• Must provide a record of a recent Criminal History Check