Housing Relief Worker

Fred Victor Centre•Toronto, ON

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Fred Victor is seeking motivated self-starters to work as Relief Staff for their Housing Programs. Fred Victor Housing consists of a variety of affordable and rent geared to income housing programs that serve people experiencing homelessness and poverty. The position requires respect for, and expertise working with people who face barriers due to mental health, substance use, trauma, social isolation, immigration, poverty, unemployment/underemployment, and history with the criminal justice system. The incumbent will also be someone who is personable, dynamic, and creative in their approach. The position also requires a great amount of flexibility and ability to be available on very short notice. Relief staff are expected to be available to provide short notice shift coverage and to work a variety of shifts that include: overnights, days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Fred Victor offers a supportive and collaborative environment, an opportunity to join a diverse team of caring professionals, and a chance to make a difference. With over 75 programs and services and more than 25 sites, there are lots of opportunities to grow your career with them. Many members of the management team started in relief and front-line roles.

Requirements

Diploma or degree in Social Services and/or equivalent 1 year of front-line social services experience
Thorough knowledge of community-based resources and supports
Open and flexible availability.
Experience working directly with men and women from diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Strong understanding and commitment to social justice issues and anti-racism and anti-discrimination practices.
Demonstrated experience working with individuals with mental health and addiction issues
Strong skills in crisis intervention, conflict resolution and de-escalation strategies
Strong knowledge and understanding of trauma informed practices
Experience with group facilitation and community development programming
Strong knowledge of harm reduction tools and resources
Strong interpersonal skills resulting in effective, productive and appropriate relationships with the community members, tenants and greater FV community, partner programs and organizations including police and other crisis services
Strong written and oral communication skills
Highly developed ability to make fast and sound judgments
Highly reliable and proven ability to work independently, adhere to team decisions and to give, receive and follow direction to and from others
Well-developed understanding of and a proven ability to communicate appropriate professional boundaries
Strong understanding of systems that cause and support homelessness, poverty, discrimination and a respect for the realities of the community we serve
Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize work and remain adaptable and flexible.
CPI; First Aid/CPR; anti-oppression/anti-racism; Suicide Intervention and overdose prevention are required certification/trainings for this role

Responsibilities

Welcome community members and tenants into the program or building
Develop and facilitate groups, community activities, life skills programming and encourage on going participation.
Proactively de-escalate potential conflicts; deal with emergencies as they arise and effectively handle crisis and conflict when necessary
Provide tenants and community members with referral information for other Fred Victor as well as external community supports and resources
Complete administrative tasks such as answering phones, supporting food programming, writing letters, notices, daily entries into Pirouette and tracking statistical information.
Attend daily debriefs and shift changes and complete incident reports as required
Facilitate regular participant or tenant meetings, introductions and conflict resolution meetings
Support to all tenants and community members to maintain their housing and assist them to deal with housing and program related issues such as; behavior, social isolation, mental health, substance use and hygiene by encouraging and assisting and supporting tenants to problem solve and access community resources
Role-model professional behaviour and positive communication with participants, volunteers and partners
Attend staff meetings, supervisions, and trainings as required
Support tenants and community members utilizing harm reduction principles and programming, including handing out safe use kits, and responding to overdoses
Assist with meal service including serving of food
Clean and prepare rooms for new intake when required.
Assist tenants and program space with pest control preparation.
Engage community members and tenants and build healthy, positive relationships
Build a culture of teamwork
Adhere to agency policies and procedures and uphold Fred Victor values in our community
Other duties as assigned by supervisor