Community Stabilization Specialist

Somerset West Community Health Centre•Ottawa, ON

5d•CA$60,169 - CA$70,689•Onsite

About The Position

The Community Stabilization Specialist plays a critical role in supporting safety, stability, and healthy community functioning within high-acuity supportive housing environments. This position is primarily based onsite in a men’s supportive housing building and focuses on proactive engagement, de-escalation, conflict resolution, relationship-building, and community stabilization among residents who may be experiencing substance use, mental health challenges, and complex behavioral needs. Working both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team, the Specialist provides a consistent and visible presence within the building to reduce risk, respond to emerging situations, mediate interpersonal conflict, and foster a respectful and supportive community environment. This role is not solely focused on individual resident support, but on strengthening the overall culture, safety, and functioning of the housing community as a whole. Through relationship-building, early intervention, restorative approaches, and ongoing engagement, the Specialist supports the development of community norms, conflict resolution, and shared accountability among residents. A key component of this role involves supporting individuals who are transitioning from chronic homelessness and street involvement into permanent housing. This transition can be complex and often requires intensive support as residents adapt from surviving in street-based environments to living within a shared housing community. The Specialist helps residents navigate this adjustment through patience, consistency, practical support, and community integration, recognizing that long-term housing stability is closely connected to a person’s sense of belonging, safety, and connection within the broader community. While the primary focus is stabilization and safety, the role also incorporates recovery-oriented support, including addiction support and opportunities for holistic and spiritual wellness, as guided by resident interest. This role is central to fostering a safe, respectful, and connected living environment while supporting residents along individualized pathways toward stabilization, recovery, community integration, and long-term housing success.

Requirements

Diploma or degree in Social Work, Addictions Counselling, Psychology, or related field (or equivalent lived/living experience)
Minimum 3 years’ experience working in high-acuity environments (e.g., supportive housing, shelter, community health, crisis response)
Demonstrated experience in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and managing volatile or unpredictable situations, particularly in a Supportive Housing environment
Strong understanding of substance use, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and mental health
Experience providing recovery-oriented support and/or counselling.
Ability to work independently, make sound decisions in dynamic environments, and maintain professional boundaries.
Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Lived or living experience with substance use and recovery
Training in non-violent crisis intervention, RAID®, or similar de-escalation models
Experience incorporating spiritual care or holistic wellness approaches into practice
Knowledge of local health, housing, and social service systems.
French is an asset.

Responsibilities

Provide a consistent, visible presence onsite within the housing building to promote safety, stability, and positive community functioning
Proactively engage residents to identify and mitigate potential conflicts, interpersonal tensions, or environmental triggers before escalation occurs
Respond to incidents of agitation, conflict, or behavioural escalation using trauma-informed, de-escalation, and conflict resolution approaches
Support the development and implementation of individualized safety, stabilization, and community integration plans
Foster a respectful and inclusive community environment by encouraging shared accountability, relationship-building, and healthy community norms among residents
Collaborate with internal teams and external partners during high-risk or complex situations to support both individual and community stability
Build strong, trust-based relationships with residents through regular, intentional engagement and consistent presence
Support residents in maintaining housing through daily check-ins, practical problem-solving, emotional support, and conflict mediation
Provide targeted support during key transition periods, particularly for individuals moving from chronic homelessness or street involvement into permanent housing
Support residents in adapting to the responsibilities, expectations, and social dynamics of living within a shared housing community
Provide recovery-oriented support related to substance use, harm reduction, readiness for change, and personal wellness goals
Offer supportive counselling that may incorporate holistic, culturally responsive, and spiritually grounded approaches, where appropriate and resident-led
Facilitate or support group programming focused on recovery, wellness, emotional regulation, spirituality, and community connection
Encourage engagement in meaningful activities that strengthen identity, purpose, belonging, and long-term recovery and housing stability
Work closely with Housing Case Managers, Systems Navigators, nursing staff, peers, and external partners to coordinate care and promote stabilization
Participate in team huddles, case conferences, safety planning discussions, and community response planning
Maintain clear, timely, and accurate documentation in the EMR (PSS) and incident reporting systems
Contribute to ongoing program development, community-building initiatives, and continuous quality improvement efforts