Housing Navigator

Blue Door Support Services•Vaughan, ON

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Blue Door is a not-for-profit registered charitable agency governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. We have been an integral part of our community providing essential emergency shelter services since 1982. Blue Door’s mission is to support people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness to attain and retain affordable housing. Reporting to the Program Manager, the Housing Navigator is responsible for the successful daily operation of an emergency housing program. In accordance with agency policies and procedures, the Housing Navigator creates and maintains housing plans and goals, maintains appropriate record keeping, completes intake/discharge documentation, and maintains safety of clients, staff, and facilities. The Housing Navigator supports with referrals to other resources, participate in housekeeping duties including food preparation and cleaning.

Requirements

Minimum SSW or 2-year college diploma in a human services program.
Experience working with vulnerable populations.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as an effective team member.
Understanding and delivery of anti-oppressive practices.
Experience with harm reduction practices.
Ability to deal effectively with conflict and crisis.
Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
Able to operate within a flexible work schedule.
CPI, CPR and Vulnerable Screening Clearance (Police Check).
Reliable vehicle, valid driving license and insurance.

Responsibilities

Provides excellent customer service including but not limited to professionally answering phone calls and requests, navigating donations, greeting visitors and or community partners.
Provides appropriate professional understanding and intervention from a housing focused lens in response to the emotional, behavioural and physical needs of clients.
Maintains and supports established routines and procedures including but not limited to wake up calls, cleaning of client rooms, regular room checks, perimeter checks, etc.
Assists clients to establish and achieve individualized housing goals, and meet with them on a daily basis.
Supports community program activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
Working as a team to support with food preparation, serving and house maintenance.
Maintains facility sanitation including but not limited to bodily fluids, spills and any other health and safety hazards using personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary.
Completes shift exchange and shift expectations in a respectful, non- judgmental manner.
Completes all necessary documentation, including daily HIFIS entries, written records/reports and provides statistics as required.
Works professionally and in collaboration with agency staff when scheduled to ensure all shift expectations are met.
Works with clients to navigate the steps to achieving financial security in support of the first housing model.
In order to provide a holistic housing approach, the Housing Navigator will produce weekly housing listings, support clients to contact landlords, obtain credit scores, gather relevant documentation, and coordinate transportation options for housing appointments.
On an ongoing basis, assisting clients with social and life skills required to secure and maintain affordable housing (one-on-one or within a group setting).
Provides Support Services with an updated dietary needs summary sheet as client needs arise and change.
Administering Naloxone in the event of an emergency and distributing Naloxone kits accordingly.
Other duties as assigned.