Follow-Up & Transitional Support Worker (Housing)

YMCA of Greater Toronto•Toronto, ON

2d•Onsite

About The Position

“You Got This!” a Home for Good program supports clients with a history of homelessness, who leave the streets or leave incarceration and achieve permanent housing with supports after they move in. The Follow-up Support staff work within a Housing First case management framework, which is client centred and based in harm reduction, to assist with community integration, life skill development, financial stability, socio-recreational interaction, recovery, and housing stability. Follow-up supports are assessed on an on-going basis based upon a client's specific needs and level of support needed to meet their goals; a case management plan will be developed and monitored.

Requirements

Post-secondary education in social or human services or equivalent experience
Training certificate in defusing hostility and/or crisis prevention
Minimum of two years of experience in a setting that provides service to homeless or street-involved youth, including case management
Ability to work flexible shifts
Working knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act, Landlord and Tenant Board processes, and other relevant housing legislation
Knowledge and ability to integrate anti-oppression, critical disability, LGBTQ2S and trans-positivity, trauma, recovery approach in support of mental health, and strengths-based principles into practice
Knowledge of the issues that lead young people to become homeless and the ability to work with youth in a respectful, non-judgmental, and consistent manner
Extensive skills in mental health, harm reduction, and support for marginalized individuals with complex needs
Excellent written communication skills
Commitment to working in a socially inclusive environment, responding with sensitivity and personal awareness to the diverse needs of members, including visible and non-visible dimensions of diversity
Well-developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with members, staff, and volunteers; excellent written/verbal communication skills
Ability to communicate and resolve conflict in a constructive and professional manner
Experience with Windows, Microsoft Word Perfect/Excel
Valid First Aid/CPR Certificate; knowledge of health and safety and child protection laws
Excellent understanding of diversity, inclusion and equity including the ability to identify and address barriers, work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and integrate equity into program design

Nice To Haves

Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values
Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

Responsibilities

Attend client transfer meetings.
Work with youth to develop client crisis plans.
Assist clients with community mapping and community integration by facilitating connections to community social and recreational activities through accompaniment.
Actively involve clients in planning, goal setting, and decision making; develop goals related to life skills development and employment options.
Connect clients to other community and/or ongoing supports such as mental health, and/or physical health, and/or substance use/harm reduction resources and supports.
Assist clients with referrals; accompany the client to appointments, and walk with the client in their community to identify and connect with local resources.
Conduct regular home visits focused on specific activities/outcomes that result in the client moving toward independence.
Ensure Assertive Engagement, which involves actively looking for and locating the client in the community as required.
Act as a Landlord contact and support.
Actively work with the clients to prevent eviction, which includes checking monthly with the landlord to ensure rent was paid, participate in landlord mediation, etc.
Assist clients to move towards achieving long-term income stability, which may involve collaboration with TESS/Ontario Works (OW) worker, referrals to employment supports, pursuing an ODSP application, and accessing other financial literacy programs.
Maintain regular case notes to track progress on client goals and highlight next steps, landlord communications, referrals, and crisis plans.
Assist clients with re-housing and complete required documentation.
Ensure clients are discharged from services as prescribed by Eva initiatives and the YMCA (or Funder requirements).
Attend a monthly case conference with program partners.
Provide ongoing assessment, case management, care coordination, and monitoring of client's needs; monitor and evaluate clients' changing needs and coordinate individualized services.
Document; maintain member case files and ensure quality audit measures are achieved in accordance with the YMCA and funder's standards.
Respond to and investigate enquiries, complaints, and emergency situations involving clients; assess the situation and present and implement solutions; listen, mediate, negotiate, and provide support and guidance to resolve issues.
Participate in research activities and program development and delivery.
Liaise with staff from other programs and community agencies to provide program information or advocate for transfers/placements of clients.
Adhere to all Vanauley St. YMCA protocols and practices as well as Association and other relevant policies and procedures.
Participate in volunteer supervision, staff meetings, and professional development trainings as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.