Systems Navigator

Mission Services of Hamilton•Hamilton, ON

6d•CA$0 - CA$26•Hybrid

About The Position

The Systems Navigator will work as part of the Community Services team to provide practical support and advocacy to women experiencing housing insecurities. The Systems Navigator will provide ongoing support to service users to ready them for safe and appropriate accommodations. This process will include supporting service users in obtaining necessary documentation, and ensuring appropriate community supports are available to assist with a successful transition into housing. The Systems Navigator will also engage regularly with service users in the community to provide necessary support to achieve program and participant identified goals. The System Navigator will work from a service user-centered, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive and harm reduction perspective.

Requirements

Minimum of a post-secondary degree/diploma in social work, social service work or a related field
Minimum one to three (1-3) years of work experience in any of the following fields; addiction, mental health, concurrent disorders, counselling and other social services supporting vulnerable people
Experience providing person-centered, trauma and anti-racist, anti-oppressive informed services and supports to individuals with diverse experiences and identities
Demonstrated knowledge of case management and how to assist service users in successful systems navigation
High level of familiarity with legislation, community services, resources, programs, policies and procedures, and issues affecting or related to the service user population
Demonstrated understanding and working experience in gender-based violence, mental health disorders, addiction, poverty and homelessness
Understanding of Mission Services mission, vision and values and how these are to be reflected in the workplace
Excellent interpersonal and diplomacy skills
Excellent active listening skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong time management skills, and ability to be self-driven
Strong organizational skills
Strong negotiating skills
Ability to work under pressure and in crisis situations
Ability to take initiative and be self-directed
Ability to work as part of a team
Ability to form helping relationships based on trust and empowerment
Ability to problem-solve and resolve conflict
Proof of negative 2-Step Tuberculosis Testing
Proof of clear Police Check with Vulnerable Sector Check

Nice To Haves

Concurrent disorders certificate is an asset
Preference for the ability to speak fluent French

Responsibilities

Actively engage with woman-identifying individuals accessing Willow’s Place and Emma’s Place. This includes individual advocacy, connecting with community supports and filling out of any necessary assessments, such as ViSpdats and other housing applications with service users.
Utilize the principles of case management when conducting assessments and referrals to address service user needs.
Collect and assess information to determine service user’s eligibility for emergency shelter and housing related services; advocate with internal and external resources and supports when needed.
Support service users in creating short- and long-term goals. This may involve: safety planning, risk management, and harm reduction supports.
Assist service users in acquiring IDs, affidavits, income support documents etc.
Collaborate with the Shelter’s Ontario Works case manager to apply for, update or problem solve re: income related issues.
Assist service users in applying for housing support programs, market rent units and/or necessary financial supports.
Work as a liaison with housing and other support programs to ensure client is aware of meetings with workers as well as following through on next steps.
Assess clients need/desire for a trusteeship program and work in partnership with the Financial Management program to intake and support client in putting together a financial plan; this can include direct payment of current bills, budgeting personal expenses, and dispersing of any gift cards or monies/cheques on a weekly basis.
Ensure the keeping of systematic records, files and relevant statistics associated with the program.
Respond to crisis situations by assessing the situation and implementing appropriate solutions which promote safety.
Participate in team meetings and case conferencing to discuss program issues, review service user needs, discuss case plans where releases have been acquired, and adhere to a strict policy of confidentiality.
Assist the willow’s/Emma’s front line team with day to day functions when staff shortages arise.
Work with, and provide direction to, volunteers and students, providing support and instruction to ensure policies and procedures are followed.
Work safely, identify any health and safety concerns and report to management, and follow Mission Service’s workplace health and safety policies and procedures at all times.
Other duties as required to ensure the continuation of service to service users as it relates to the achievement of an individuals’ successful housing outcomes.