Housing Support Worker

Job Title: Housing Support Worker
Program: Housing Program
Status: Full-Time, Regular
Schedule: Compressed Work Week (37.5 hours over 4 days)
10 hours per day shifts (Sun-Wed or Wed-Sat)
Reports to: Manager of Housing Support Services
Number of Positions: 3 Full-Time Positions

The PARC Housing Support Worker is responsible for supporting adults living with mental health and/or addiction challenges in a community-based independent living environment. They are responsible for maintaining and promoting the wellbeing and independence of each resident.

This may include but is not limited to providing: daily tenant support, crisis support
care/planning, supplies management, referrals, life skills coaching, group facilitation and day-to day tenancy management and documentation.

The practice of the PARC Housing Support Worker will be guided by the PARC’s standards (policies & procedures) and relevant legislation including the Mental Health Act and Residential Tenancies Act, Occupational Health & Safety and professional standards and ethics.

Core competencies include: strong communication skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team, adaptability/flexibility, creative thinking, member focused service delivery, planning/organizing, problem solving, accountability/dependability, strong ethics and commitment to social justice, strong clinical judgement.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provides one-to-one ongoing assistance and group support to tenants at PARC housing sites and other sites as needed;
• Provides detailed assessment, support planning and advocacy on issues related to health (primary/mental health), drug use, financial, housing, legal, employment and social support;
• Collaborates with tenants using strengths-based perspective to set goals and create support/safety plans;
• Connects members to community resources/programs that can help address members’ needs by maintaining current knowledge of a wide range of available resources that support members;
• Provides proactive support to tenants including doing home visits, assisting with activities of daily living and coordinating case conferencing within a circle of care;

• Provides crisis prevention, intervention, risk assessments and crisis care planning;
• Plans and hosts monthly tenant meetings to address concerns, building issues, event planning and other matters that affect the tenant population;
• Facilitates group sessions and prepare presentations on housing related topics, evictions, landlord/tenant rights;
• Ensures confidentiality is maintained on all clients;
• Maintains timely and thorough case notes, records and complete reporting required by funders and supervisor;
• Completes administrative duties;
• Maintains effective working relationships with community partners, services and government agencies;
• Prepares for and actively participates in weekly team meetings, supervision meetings, agency staff meetings and agency in-service activities;
• In consultation with the Housing Manager, participates in program development, work planning and evaluation;
• Attends ongoing staff development and training as directed;
• Engages in reflective practice, and is aware of systemic oppression and one’s own social location;
• Utilizes agency provided supports to mitigate the risk of vicarious trauma, burnout, and transference that can be detrimental to member care;
• Practices self-care and models a commitment to personal positive mental health strategies;
• Cooperates and participates with health and safety legislation and instructions for a safe and healthy workspace;
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE WORKING IN HOUSING SECTOR
• Bachelor of Social Work and/or equivalent combination of education in social service related field and experience in supportive housing with adults who struggle with a serious mental illness and drug use challenges;
• 2-3 years (minimum) related experience in a community mental health setting, preferably as a housing support worker with marginalized populations including substance users and formerly homeless adults;
• Significant experience in tenant organizing or equivalent community development role
• Proven knowledge and skills in assessment, counselling, the recovery model, harm reduction, trauma-informed practice, crisis prevention/intervention, and case management;
• Comprehensive knowledge of social justice issues presented by psychiatric survivors and marginalized people who have been homeless or under-housed;
• Practical knowledge of housing sector best practices, the Housing First model, the Landlord and Tenant Act, the Residential Tenancies Act, the Housing Services Act,
• Municipal License and Standards (MLS) and all other relevant legislation;
• A commitment to anti-oppressive practice, reflective practice and critical engagement and analysis of systemic barriers and oppression facing our clients;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with experience in writing case notes, assessment, and in using computerized information management systems such as Excel, Microsoft Office, Pirouette and OCAN;
• Ability to work independently, as well as in a team;
• Good time management skills, the ability to prioritize workload as needed and the ability to meet required deadlines;
• Meal provisions: food prep, cooking, cleaning and other kitchen duties, provision of 2 meals per day for up to 20-25 settings per meal, maintaining a safe food preparation area, must have or be willing to obtain Food Handler’s Certificate.
• Fluency in a second language is a strong asset;
• Must have First Aid/CPR;
• Lived experience and identification as someone with lived experience of mental illness is considered an asset.

Work Conditions/Hours
• Days of work may include evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Work will be carried out mainly in the community; workers should be prepared to work in clients’ homes
• Travel may at times be required via TTC or your own vehicle (mileage paid as per collective agreement)
• Hours of work will primarily be between the hours 8am-8pm and can include weekends and weekdays. Flexibility regarding on-call responsibilities and work outside these hours are expected in consultation with the Housing Manager
• Interacts with client, landlords, family members, staff, visitors and other care providers
• Physically and emotionally demanding pace due to high service demands/complex support issues
• The pay range is from the collective agreement as the position is part of the bargaining unit

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Attach a Cover letter with your Resume.

People with life-experience of poverty and contact with the psychiatric system and other marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.
PARC is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from people who are reflective of the diverse communities we serve. We strongly encourage applicants with lived experiences, from Aboriginal communities, people of all races, colours, ethnic origins, religions, disabilities, and sexual orientations to apply. We recognize that equitable access to employment is an agent in social change.
If you have any requirements for accommodation due to disability, please advise Human Resources during the recruitment and selection process. We will work with you to best meet your needs as per resources available to us