Program Support Staff

Municipality of Chatham-Kent • Chatham-Kent, ON

4d • CA$32 - CA$36 • Onsite

About The Position

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has an opening for five (5) temporary call-in Program Support Staff in the Employment and Social Services division. This temporary call-in opportunity is for a period up to June 30, 2027. Program Support Staff provide support to the residents of a transitional housing program to help maintain operational standards within the program, and to help the participants achieve success in transitioning to housing through a client focused and harm reduction perspective.

Requirements

• College certificate or diploma in social services or other related field, with six (6) months to two (2) years of related experience
• Experience in directly assisting persons with psychosocial, physical, emotional and/or environmental problems in a transitional housing program or similar setting
• Experience addressing the needs of homeless clients or clients at risk of homelessness
• Training and experience in the area of social and community services
• Current knowledge of community services, resources, policies, programs, procedures and issues affecting client population
• Ability to appropriately assess situations and problem solve, and to de-escalate interpersonal conflicts in an effective fashion through crisis intervention techniques using trauma-informed principles
• Strong computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and SharePoint; ability to learn new software programs

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS) computer system is preferred
• Experience in casework and case management is an asset (i.e. experience working with clients to develop and implement a plan to reach their identified goals)
• Experience using Motivational Interviewing to affect change an asset
• Valid First Aid and/or CPR is an asset
• Motivational Interviewing training is an asset
• Non-Violent Crisis Prevention training is an asset
• Trauma-informed training is an asset

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate Chatham-Kent’s core values and competencies
• Provide support to clients who are facing issues of poverty, mental health, addictions, abuse, and social isolation
• Perform initial screenings and assess client eligibility for admittance to transitional housing programs, or diversion to other available community resources
• Admit clients and provide support as they integrate into Pathways on Park by providing a tour of the program, explaining the rules and policies, fire safety procedures, and harm-reduction and housing first philosophy
• Ensure safety and well-being of clients and staff by doing regular facility and property grounds checks
• Regular cleaning of all facilities including (but not limited to) the resource centre, bathroom pavilion, and providing unit turn over
• Assess and assist with addressing client's personal hygiene, medical, financial and emotional needs and refer them to appropriate community health, housing and social support services if necessary
• Provide assistance when medical emergencies and other critical incidents occur within the program using problem-solving and crisis intervention to de-escalate conflicts
• Research and identify sustainable housing supports and subsidies, affordable legal support services, courthouse processes and etiquette, and income support services, making the necessary community referrals
• Liaise with community agencies and businesses to fulfill program needs and ensure a smooth flow of information and resources
• Provide on-site coverage for the Resource Centre

Benefits

• Hourly wage of $31.832 to $36.055
• 15% in lieu of benefits (which includes group benefits, statutory & non-statutory holidays, and non-enrolment in OMERS)
• 4% vacation pay

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree