Housing Case Worker

The Housing Case Worker is responsible for providing supports and services that lead to permanent housing, providing a safe living space, intentional programs and meeting individual goals. As The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world, every position contributes to the spiritual and mission of The Salvation Army.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Client Services

• Responsible to initiate service plan development and implementation as needed within the centre; with community partners to foster successful utilization of transitional housing by individuals with specific vulnerabilities that potentially could interfere with them accessing the services they need.
• Initiate and/or participate in case conferences as a forum for problem-solving and exploring alternative solutions to service provision as required; for those requiring individualized interventions ensuring follow through on any action plans and monitoring as required.
• Regularly solicit feedback from the individual-served and relevant community supports regarding the individual's health, mental health and wellbeing including progress towards his/her goals.
• Assess individuals' strengths, abilities, needs and preferences as well as social and environmental factors impacting the individual, and any vulnerability and risk factors.
• Introduce goal planning as a result and provide regular and intensive support and assertive engagement to motivate and support individuals to work towards meeting their goals.
• Maintain open communication with individual's professional and natural supports regarding individual's goals, clarifying the roles each can play towards assisting the individual to meet their goals; provide updates at case conferences as needed.
• Assist and coach individuals in the learning and management/achievement of quality of life activities such as: daily living, safety and security, healthy lifestyles, social and spirituality, community living and self-determination/ advocacy.
• Advocate, refer and connect individuals with appropriate services, supports, and resources (formal and informal) based on their needs.
• Commitment to "no exit to homelessness"; follow up support; behaviour-based decision making; fair and transparent client right and responsibility, good neighbour relations, and persistent, compassionate, culturally sensitive engagement.
• Network and coordinate with alternative or concurrent community supports as required to meet the needs of the client.

Service Delivery Responsibilities

• Create, implement and maintain daily communication with the Director of Community and Family Services, as needed.
• Maintain knowledge of issues pertaining to individual confidentiality, shared databases (HIFIS) and consent to release personal information, and processes to ensure individual's confidentiality is always maintained.
• As required and as applicable, make suggestions that will improve efficiency, working conditions or procedures to the Director of Community and Family Services.
• Responsible to ensure that clients have adequate supplies of needed items to maintain health and well-being, including clothing.
• Follow up on all concerns expressed for individual's well-being and document outcomes accordingly.
• Liaise with community workers and agencies; represent the organization in a professional and engaging manner.
• Participate in regular meetings to review operational effectiveness, changes in policies and procedures, and in-service training.
• Complete all duties in accordance with the Standards and Policies & Procedures of The Salvation Army.
• Enforce agency rules and expectations consistently in accordance with Policies and Procedures.
• Identify, promote resolution, and management of all emergency situations concerning individuals, staff, and property.

Administrative

• Ensure all appropriate documentation and recording is always maintained.
• Complete other required documentation (e.g. monthly time sheets, vacations requests, education requests, travel claims, expense claims) within the required time frames.
• Perform all necessary administrative duties for client documentation.

Health & Safety

• Ensure the building is cleaned regularly according to acceptable health standards and that physical property is maintained, arranging for repairs as necessary.
• Report any safety hazards, maintenance problems, equipment or supply needs to the Director of Community and Family Services.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army's health and safety policies and procedures, ensuring the use personal protective equipment and clothing as directed by the employer, reporting workplace hazards and dangers, and ensuring work is performed in a manner as required by the employer, including diligent use the prescribed safety equipment.
• Responsible to report workplace injuries or illness.
• Responsible to follow through on all safety and security procedures (including fire) as outlined in the policy and procedures manual.

Perform other related duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a permanent part-time position based on 16 hours per week.
• Flexibility in scheduling is required and may vary according to requirements of responsibilities; this will be a shift work position, with two shifts per day and on call availability.
• The Supervisor will set the hours of work and work schedule.
• Some Travel is associated with this position and may require the operation of a Salvation Army vehicle. This may include transporting clients to meal programs and events at The Salvation Army or to other extracurricular activities within the community for the clients.
• Normal hours of work - Saturday and Sunday from 8:30am to 5pm and includes a ½ hour paid meal break where applicable.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Minimum completion of a two (2) year College Diploma in the field of human and/or social services is required.
• An Undergraduate University Degree in the field of human and/or social services preferred.
• First Aid/CPR and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention or willingness to acquire one.
• Crisis intervention and Prevention Training; Applied Suicide Interventions Skills and Training are an asset.
• Valid Ontario Class "G" Driver's License, personal vehicle required and insurance, current copy of driver's abstract that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum of one to two years of prior related experience in community and program development, individualized service plan development and working within cross organizational teams.
• Experience in the development of crisis plans and provision of crisis intervention support.
• Experience participating in community planning forums, initiatives and/ or evaluation projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge, experience and understanding of addictions i.e. Stages of Change, Lapse and Relapse is an asset.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and make decisions both independently and collaboratively as required.
• Experience working with homeless/marginalized populations including those with mental health and addictions is required.
• Knowledge and sensitivity to the social and economic barriers and issues unique to the transitional housing.
• Knowledge of and developed personal network of community partners and referral sources and other associated social service providers.
• Understanding and support for a Housing First philosophy and issues relating to housing stability for vulnerable population groups.

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

• Treat the property of The Salvation Army with due care and caution.
• Ability to maintain information in confidence and exercise good judgement.
• Ability to work independently and participate as an active and responsible team member in a cooperative team environment.
• Participate in mandatory orientation training, on-going professional development and training.
• Participate in regular supervision and performance appraisal process.
• Represent the organization in a positive, professional and engaging manner.
• Must comply with all Salvation Army policies, procedures and associated legislation.
• Exhibit good listening skills, have strong oral/written communication skills and respect authority.
• Self-motivated/disciplined.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army's health and safety policies and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, integrity, and adaptability.
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Lead by example, by demonstrating a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn and be flexible in the face of change.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of determinants of health and the implications to wellbeing.
• Ability to use sound judgment when making decisions.
• Exhibit strength based compassionate response.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Excellent computer and clerical skills- ability to electronically create, upload, file and send documents, navigate a database, effectively manage email.
• Ability to recognize and diffuse potential conflict situations.
• Ability and willingness to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check screening.
• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

Please forward resume along with a cover letter outlining how your experience and education meet position requirements

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process. If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

You must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.