Summary

The Housing Support worker is responsible for supporting and planning with up to a case load of 13-15 youth to assist them in maintaining the stability of their housing, addressing risk factors and building on their strengths to ensure successful community integration, over a period of time.

Description

Location:                    2335 – 30 Avenue NE
Position Type:            Full Time (37.5 hours per week)
Hours:                         Monday – Friday 
Program:                    Strengthening Home Fires

Position Summary:

Strengthening Home Fires is founded on the understanding that colonization, trauma and systemic discrimination are major causes of homelessness for Indigenous peoples, and that strengths-based, trauma-informed and culturally-grounded approaches to working with Indigenous youth, families and singles experiencing or at-risk of homelessness are critical to their success and well-being.

The Housing Support Worker is responsible for supporting and planning with up to a case load of 13-15 youth to assist them in maintaining the stability of their housing, addressing risk factors and building on their strengths to ensure successful community integration, over a period of time. The Housing Support worker provides case management support that begins by providing on-going service and connection to culture services and supports, to help youth to maintain their stability once housed.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop a plan of action that identifies the risk factors as well as goals, strengths, and current support systems for youth
  • Provide intake and quality case management for a caseload of 13 -15 youth
  • Monitor the well-being of youth post-transition, provide support and connection to cultural resources and programs
  • Assist youth to implement their plan of action to reduce risk factors/risk of homelessness, increase protective factors and improve their network of community support
  • Act as a role model showing positive interaction and problem solving
  • Liaise with landlords to ensure good relations and proactive resolving of issues
  • Maintain client files and HMIS data system entries
  • Updating of service plans, transition to housing strategies, and access to subsidies
  • Coordinating the disbursement of program funds for damage deposit and first month’s rent, as required and where funds are not available through Alberta Works or other sources
  • Be fully informed on the services and resources offered by Alberta Works
  • Work collaboratively with sector agencies, key stakeholders, and community resources
  • Refer youth to community supports, and follow up on referrals to ensure that youth are accessing supports
  • Ensure youth have all the basic necessities for move in
  • Maintain regular home visits in the community and phone contacts, in line with Case Management Standards
  • Ensure all cheque requests are submitted on-time and legible
  • Other duties as assigned

Skills and experiences:  

  • Have a thorough understanding of Housing First and Harm reduction best practices
  • Assessment and referral knowledge
  • Understanding of the RTA and associated legislation
  • Proficient computer skills required
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills required
  • Able to work day and evening shifts (where required)
  • Act as a role model showing positive interaction and problem solving
  • A strong understanding and passion for prevention and diversion work is an asset
  • Skill in developing and maintaining community partnerships
  • Ensure a vast knowledge of Calgary area resources available to families, single adults, youth and how to access them

Requirements:

  • Diploma in a human service field with related experience
  • Minimum 5 years of experience working with vulnerable youth who have complex needs, preferably within the homeless sector
  • Case Management experience is required, preferably within the homeless sector
  • Experience using HMIS and ETO or similar client data bases
  • Knowledge of and willingness to engage in Indigenous cultural traditions
  • Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to respond quickly in a dynamic and changing environment
  • Ability to work individually as well as part of a team
  • Valid Standard First Aid Certificate with CPR level B
  • Current Police Security and Child Intervention Record checks with satisfactory results
  • Suicide and Self-Harm Awareness Training
  • Crisis Intervention Training
  • Quality Improvement and Outcomes Training
  • Indigenous Awareness Training
  • Diversity Training
  • Harm Reduction and Naloxone Training
  • Use of a reliable vehicle with $2,000,000 liability, permission to carry passengers and business coverage on the vehicle
  • Valid driver’s license and a driver’s abstract with minimal demerits

We offer the opportunity to be part of a creative and positive work environment, a competitive salary, supports for professional development, opportunity for advancement, and the chance to be part of a team that supports children, youth and families to thrive within a culturally responsive community.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to tgilbert@miskanawah.ca and reference “SHF Housing Support Worker” in the subject line.  We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for interview will be contacted.