Housing Support Worker - Uplands Walk

Pacifica Housing•Nanaimo, BC

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Housing Support Workers function as part of a team to provide comprehensive on-going support services to the tenants in Pacifica’s Supportive Housing programs. Housing Support Workers are accountable for delivering programs and services to tenants to support their success as residents of Pacifica Housing. Pacifica Housing has been providing safe and affordable homes for almost 35 years and is a rapidly growing organization dedicated to meeting the housing and support needs of our community. They are committed to building their fast-growing team with a culture that supports its people and reinforces its core values of authenticity, leadership, respect, and social justice. Pacifica is proud to be a Certified Living Wage Employer by The Living Wage for Families Campaign.

Requirements

First Aid Certification is required.
Naloxone administration training is required.
Successfully clear a Vulnerable Sectors Criminal Record Check run by the Ministry of Justice.
Training and/or education in a related human/social service field is an asset
Conflict resolution/crisis prevention training and experience is an asset
Recent and related experience preferably in the non-profit housing sector or in a related social service field
Demonstrated experience working with populations impacted by substance use and mental health challenges, homelessness, and/or other barriers to stable housing
Knowledge of the psychosocial rehabilitation model
Demonstrated ability to manage and balance role responsibilities and interpersonal dynamics in a fast paced, high pressure environment
Working knowledge of harm reduction and Housing First theory and practice
Proficient in MS Office programs including Word, Outlook and Excel

Responsibilities

Delivering person-centered support services and programs following a “housing first” philosophy to tenants as part of a dedicated team.
Following prescribed policies and procedures associated with Property Management.
Supporting tenants through a PSR approach.
Advocating on behalf of tenants with community agencies.
Attending to overdoses and administering naloxone.
Provides individualized, person-centered support to tenants, including preparing, documenting, implementing, monitoring and evaluating personalized support plans with each tenant.
Assisting with case management by identifying potential problems and reporting any difficulties.
Providing input to counsellors and other professionals with regard to the development of appropriate program plans.
Monitoring client mental health and substance use and determining when to provide additional support.
Recognizing, analyzing and responding to potential emergency situations.
Encouraging and facilitating tenant participation in decision-making regarding housing and support policies and practices.
Providing life skills training such as meal preparation, housekeeping, personal care and personal self-management skills.
Assisting tenants in navigation of Ministry services.
Assisting tenants with financial management including coordinating with the Public Trustee, budgeting and ensuring rent and damage deposits are made.
Contributing to the evaluation of tenants’ progress and preparing related reports.
Supervising and supporting tenant participation in the community volunteer program.
Liaising and actively planning with community resources including Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams, mental health and health care practitioners, police and emergency services.
Coordinating referrals to essential services and programs for tenants.
Providing support for a wide variety of on-site and off-site programming including life skills and recreational activities; attends appointments with tenants such as medical, psychiatric, counseling etc. (building specific).
Providing support to tenants experiencing health issues including end of life support.
Advocating for tenants who are experiencing oppression, stigmatization and/or discrimination within the community.
Providing transition support for tenants moving in or out of supportive housing.
Coordinating maintenance related requests with the Property Management team.
Providing direct assistance to tenants preparing for pest control (i.e bed bugs) or maintenance/repair activities.
Assisting with minor repairs and maintenance (such as light bulb changes), as required.
Maintaining reports such as statistics, logbooks, tenant daily activity records.
Preparing Incident Reports for staff follow-up and for the Health and Safety Committee.
Assisting the Manager with the development of protocols, policies, procedures and/or proposals.
Assisting in fundraising, public relations campaigns, workshops and special events.
Maintaining regular contact with, and providing back-up for team members and other staff as required.
Participating in community meetings including coordinating individual case conferences.

Benefits

Competitive salary from a Certified Living Wage Employer.
Minimum six (6) percent vacation accrual rate for staff working 20+ hours per week.
10.2% of straight-time pay in lieu of scheduled vacations and paid holidays paid every pay cheque for casual and temporary employees.
Additional $2/hour overnight shift premium (for shifts where the majority of hours are worked between 9pm and 5am).
Excellent benefits package for permanent staff working 20+ hours per week (includes extended health and dental, life insurance, and more).
Pension Plan for permanent staff working 20+ hours per week.
Employee assistance program.
Wellness time for permanent staff working 20+ hours per week. Or up to 5 paid wellness days a year for casual and temporary employees.
Career development and internal advancement opportunities.
Organization and individual training opportunities.
Social committee that includes robust team building and staff social events.
Dog friendly offices.