Supportive Housing Worker

John Howard Society of Ottawa•Ottawa, ON

1d•CA$24 - CA$27•Onsite

About The Position

The Lisgar Women’s Residence is a Supportive Housing program that provides semi-independent permanent homes for 29 adult women who have experienced chronic homelessness. In partnership with Minwaashin Lodge, we primarily support Indigenous women and prioritize Indigenous referrals, contributing to a reduction in the number of women living in homeless shelters or otherwise unhoused. Each resident has their own furnished apartment, and our team is available 24/7 to provide a variety of supports. We work together to ensure our residents can maintain their housing with dignity and care. We support the women while navigating varying complexities related to medical needs, food security, life skills, interpersonal relationships, justice involvement, intimate partners, active addiction, mental health and womanhood. All services are provided through trauma-informed, harm reduction, and housing first philosophies of care. As a residence that supports primarily Indigenous women, the John Howard Society of Ottawa is committed to improving care for Indigenous community members and our Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan guides our work.

Requirements

University Degree/College Diploma in a Social Services program, related field, or working towards the completion of one
Provide a recent Criminal Record Check for Vulnerable Populations (VSC)
Provide valid CPR and First Aid Certification
Knowledge of the unique experiences of urban Indigenous homelessness
Knowledge of the unique experiences of women who have experienced chronic homelessness
Awareness of the history and diversity of Indigenous Peoples, including systemic inequities, and can apply this knowledge within your role and interactions
Proficiency in establishing meaningful rapport with women who may be experiencing with mental health and substance use challenges
Ability to apply and maintain compassionate, consistent boundaries
Basic counselling skills to support interactions and follow care plans as required
Familiarity with Trauma-Informed, Gender-Responsive, Culturally Competent care
Ability to manage challenging situations while maintaining client therapeutic relationship
Teamwork - Accountable to the team, works respectfully and collaboratively to meet established deliveries, appreciates view of team members
Cultural Safety - Deep understanding of anti-racism, systemic barriers, and the ability to foster inclusive environments for Indigenous and diverse populations
Interpersonal Skills - Builds strong relationships, works well with others, solicits feedback
Initiative - Takes action, seeks new opportunities, strives to see projects to completion. Uses available downtime to engage in other tasks or responsibilities for the benefit of the site
Intellectual and Emotional Boundaries - Maintains professional boundaries with client relationship, including client confidentiality, consistently following protocol & behavior plans

Nice To Haves

Minimum (1) year working with the homeless population
Experience in other housing programs or residential settings
Experience working in Harm Reduction environments
Bilingualism - Proficiency in Inuktitut, Arabic, or French is considered a strong asset

Responsibilities

Cultivate a safe and encouraging atmosphere, promoting community and connection
Maintain shift routines – meals, medications, grounds checks, activities, guest management
Work collaboratively with your shift partner to complete assigned shift duties
Respond promptly to crises and de-escalate as needed; intervene when emergencies arise
Monitor and enforce guest policy and community safety standards
Ensure cleanliness and hygiene standards are maintained within residential units
Distribute safe consumption supplies and conduct routine wellness checks
Facilitate meaningful engagement – cultural activities, gardening, puzzles, movies, baking, etc.
Light meal preparation and basic housekeeping are essential
Assist residents with building life skills in unit care, fostering independence and dignity
Facilitate excellent collaborative relationships with the team to support client goals
Collaborate with case managers to update and maintain resident care plans
Document your work and complete other required reports
Work flexible hours that may include evenings, weekends, and overnights
Respond to coverage requests and provide coverage when availability permits
Assist in maintaining a positive environment for residents and colleagues
Complete assigned housekeeping and report any building deficiencies
Be open minded to the unique complexities of supporting people in their homes, including unit care, modeling healthy boundaries, and positive home behavior
Participate in quarterly team meetings and engage in professional development
Ensure a comprehensive understanding of the Lisgar Supportive Housing Training Manual and adhere to all protocols associated with JHS Policy and Procedures