Housing Support Worker

House of Friendship•Kitchener, ON

1d•CA$28 - CA$36•Hybrid

About The Position

At House of Friendship, we are driven by a mission to make a difference in our community, serving and walking alongside individuals with passion and a commitment to continuous learning and growth. We believe everyone deserves to belong and thrive, embodying our values of Compassion, Inclusion, Justice, Dignity, and Hope. We are seeking an individual to join our Supportive Housing program as a Housing Support Worker. This role provides tailored support to assist participants in achieving individualized goals related to health and housing. The position may also involve working at the HART Transitional Housing program. This is a permanent, casual (relief) position with shifts scheduled as needed within a 24/7 program. Availability for a minimum of three shifts per month is required, covering days and evenings, weekdays and weekends. A valid G class driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle are necessary. A Police Records Check (Vulnerable Sector) is required pre-employment.

Requirements

Passion to support people living on a low income with support needs including mental health and addiction challenges
Strong documentation skills
Ability to manage safety and risk
De-escalation skills
Strong understanding of and commitment to harm reduction
Some knowledge of Motivational Interviewing as well an understanding of mental health challenges would be helpful
Post-secondary education (min. 2-year college diploma) in a related field of study
1-2 years’ experience in case planning/management with individuals and assisting them in developing life skills
Knowledgeable in Supportive Housing modalities
Understanding and knowledge of regional community social services and resources
Experience supporting group activities
Commitment to understand and uphold the mission and values of House of Friendship is expected
Exemplary emotional intelligence, resilience, communication, conflict management and problem solving skills required
Ability to work professionally as a team member with staff, participants and community members
Experience or strong interest in working with diverse populations including people from various cultural backgrounds, income levels, and sensitivity to their needs
Experience with and commitment to using an anti-racism, anti-oppressive and trauma informed approach to consultation, program design, evaluations of processes and service delivery
Must be dependable, professional, flexible, a team player, and have a positive attitude
Respectful, supportive and engaging approach to persons with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, addictions, mental illness and other life challenges
Excellent project, timeline and deadline management skills including skills in logistics, planning and detailed record keeping
Valid G class driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle required.
Successful completion of a Police Records Check (Vulnerable Sector) required pre-employment.

Nice To Haves

Some knowledge of Motivational Interviewing as well an understanding of mental health challenges would be helpful

Responsibilities

Work as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide direct and indirect support to participants, encouraging housing stability and building life skills. These supports may include: checks, oversight of pest management protocols, community events, cooking, and other supports as necessary.
Develop, contribute to, and carry out individual resident support plans, including any relevant assessment tools.
Work individually with participants to identify and achieve goals as it relates to their individual support needs.
Facilitate case conference, developing safety plans and long/short term support plans.
Responsible for facilitating community inclusion activities.
Participate in Needle Syringe Program.
Connect participants with supportive community resources, including both clinical and informal supports, facilitating case coordination and case management.
Respond to participant complaints/concerns with care, compassion, and efficiency.
Reinforcing participant’s life skills, including spiritual, social, and coping skills.
Assist with intake and orientation of new participants.
Develop and facilitate relevant group programming.
Complete required documentation in a thorough and timely manner with a focus on maintaining and protecting participant privacy and confidentiality.
Support unit vacancies and turnover.
Follow applicable regulations, policies and procedures.
Work collaboratively with Facilities and landlord, supporting and reporting maintenance needs to ensure upkeep of buildings and participant units.
Complete required safety checks and inspections as assigned.
Attend and participate in all required training to maintain and develop new skills.