Supportive Housing Worker

John Howard Society of Ottawa•Ottawa, ON

12h•Onsite

About The Position

In partnership with Minwaashin Lodge, the Lisgar women’s residence is a supportive housing program in Centretown designated for adult women who have exited chronic homelessness, with a primary focus on supporting Indigenous women. As a Housing First and Harm Reduction program, we offer permanent homes and wrap around care that is rooted in connection. Our primary goal is to empower the women to lead independent lives as they navigate varying complexities related to wellness and housing stability, including medical care, food security, justice involvement, healthy relationships, active addiction, and mental health. Through the guidance of our partnership with Minwaashin Lodge, cultural care is offered weekly in-house, and all staff and residents are encouraged to participate in this programming. The Support Worker position ensures the daily routines are maintained by supporting clients’ basic needs – connection, belonging, safety, food, shelter, rest. Support staff work collaboratively with their colleagues to ensure a safe and supportive home environment. Some tasks include the distribution of safe consumption supplies, conducting routine wellness checks, and providing emotional and practical support to residents. The role requires light meal preparation and housekeeping, various administrative tasks, and a commitment to relational care. Successful applicants will understand the importance of meaningful engagement and should be prepared to use their creative expertise to explore ways to enhance program development. This position will allow you the chance to develop well-rounded transferable skill set in understanding behavior and motivation, addiction psychology, trauma-informed care, gender responsivity, Indigenous health and wellness, and client advocacy. We also offer a competitive benefit package, along with ongoing opportunities for professional development. Please submit your cover letter along with your resume today!

Requirements

University Degree/College Diploma in a Social Services program or related field. A combination of relevant experience and training will be considered.
Provide a recent Criminal Record Check for Vulnerable populations
Have valid CPR Certification
Experience working in supportive housing, community shelters, or residential programs
Experience working within harm reduction environments and responding to substance use
Knowledge of the unique needs of women who have experienced chronic homelessness
Awareness of the history and culture of Indigenous Peoples, including intergenerational trauma, and can apply this knowledge within your role and interactions

Nice To Haves

Ability to speak an Indigenous Language is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Ensures the daily routines are maintained by supporting clients’ basic needs – connection, belonging, safety, food, shelter, rest.
Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure a safe and supportive home environment.
Distribution of safe consumption supplies.
Conducting routine wellness checks.
Providing emotional and practical support to residents.
Light meal preparation and housekeeping.
Various administrative tasks.
Commitment to relational care.
Complete daily log notes and produce additional written reports as required.
Work collaboratively with colleagues to support client goals.
Manage crises using de-escalation and NVCI skills.
Demonstrate strong and compassionate boundary setting skills.
Be open minded to the unique complexities of supporting people in their homes, including unit care, and modeling healthy home behavior.
Facilitate meaningful engagement with residents on a regular basis.
Participate in quarterly team meetings and engage in professional development.
Ensure a comprehensive understanding of the Lisgar Supportive Housing Operations Manual and adhere to all protocols associated with that manual.