Team Lead of Supportive Housing

Pacifica Housing • Nanaimo, BC

3h • CA$29 - CA$31 • Onsite

About The Position

Pacifica Housing has been providing safe and affordable homes for almost 35 years. We are a rapidly growing organization dedicated to meeting the housing and support needs of our community. As such, we are committed to building our fast-growing team with a culture that supports our people and reinforces our core values of authenticity, leadership, respect, and social justice. Pacifica is proud to be a Certified Living Wage Employer by The Living Wage for Families Campaign.

The Team Lead of Supportive Housing is accountable for carrying out the duties of a Housing Support Worker and providing support to less experienced Housing Support Workers, including:
Delivering person-centered support services and programs following a “housing first” philosophy to tenants as part of a dedicated team;
Following prescribed policies and procedures associated with Property Management;
Supporting tenants through a PSR approach;
Advocating on behalf of tenants with community agencies;
Attending to overdoses and administering naloxone;
Providing specialized support to Supportive Housing (SH) staff in the delivery of programs and services to tenants; and
Providing operational assistance to the Manager of Supportive Housing.

Requirements

• A degree in a related human/social service field
• Minimum of three (3) years’ recent experience, including one (1) year supervisory experience in the non-profit housing or related social service field
• Demonstrated experience working with populations impacted by homelessness, addictions, mental health issues and/or other barriers to stable housing
• Strong working knowledge of ‘Housing First’ harm reduction and client-centred theory and practice
• Working knowledge of the Residential Tenancy Act
• Demonstrated knowledge of the impacts of addiction, mental health, homelessness and poverty
• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals who have multiple barriers to stable housing
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and be part of an integrated community team
• Knowledge of the psychosocial rehabilitation model
• Knowledge of local community resources
• Demonstrated conflict management/crisis prevention skills
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients, staff and community professionals
• Proficient in MS Office programs including Word, Outlook and Excel
• Completion of a Criminal Record Check is required before employment commences.
• First Aid Certification is required.
• Naloxone administration training is required.
• Availability to share on call duties for off hour emergencies, with the Manager, as required.
• Must have valid driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle with a minimum of $2 million liability ‘business class’ insurance.

Nice To Haves

• Training and/or education in a related human/social service field is an asset
• Conflict resolution/crisis prevention training and experience is an asset

Responsibilities

• Preparing, documenting, implementing, monitoring and evaluating personalized support plans with each tenant;
• Assisting with case management by identifying potential problems and reporting any difficulties;
• Providing input to counsellors and other professionals with regard to the development of appropriate program plans;
• Monitoring client mental health and substance use and determining when to provide additional support;
• Recognizing, analyzing and responding to potential emergency situations;
• Encouraging and facilitating tenant participation in decision-making regarding housing and support policies and practices;
• Providing life skills training such as meal preparation, housekeeping, personal care and personal self-management skills;
• Assisting tenants in navigation of Ministry services;
• Assisting tenants with financial management including co-ordinating with the Public Trustee, budgeting and ensuring rent and damage deposits are made;
• Contributing to the evaluation of tenants’ progress and preparing related reports;
• Supervising and supporting tenant participation in the community volunteer program;
• Liaising and actively planning with community resources including Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams, mental health and health care practitioners, police and emergency services
• Coordinating referrals to essential services and programs for tenants;
• Providing support for a wide variety of on-site and off-site programming including life skills and recreational activities; attends appointments with tenants such as medical, psychiatric, counseling etc. (building specific);
• Providing support to tenants experiencing health issues including end of life support;
• Advocating for tenants who are experiencing oppression, stigmatization and/or discrimination within the community;
• Providing transition support for tenants moving in or out of supportive housing.
• Coordinating maintenance related requests with the Property Management team;
• Providing direct assistance to tenants preparing for pest control (i.e bed bugs) or maintenance/repair activities;
• Assisting with minor repairs and maintenance (such as light bulb changes), as required.
• Providing senior-level support to the team including the resolution of difficult/complex tenant relations issues, debriefing of critical incidents and case management consultation;
• Assisting, as needed, in scheduling staff, managing absences and coverage, and resolving related issues;
• Assisting, as needed, in the onboarding and training of new team members;
• Attending tenant planning meetings in community (i.e. hospital) and advocating for appropriate services upon discharge;
• Coordinating and assisting the team in the creation and maintenance of tenant programs that encourage personal growth and help develop life skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary from a Certified Living Wage Employer.
• Minimum three (3) weeks vacation entitlements.
• Excellent benefits package for full-time employees (includes extended health and dental, life insurance, and more).
• Competitive employer RRSP contributions.
• Employee assistance program.
• Wellness time.
• Career development and internal advancement opportunities.
• Organization and individual training opportunities.
• Social committee that includes robust team building and staff social events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level