Housing First Caseworker

North House is dedicated to providing a spectrum of housing supports for those who are at risk or in crisis within the communities of North Durham. The Housing First Caseworker (HFCW) reports to the Manager, Housing Services of North House. The HFCW is responsible for the overall development and operation of the Housing First Program at North House.

**Requirements**:

- Social Services Worker or Social Work diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) considered a strong asset
- Minimum of 3 years recent experience in the area of housing placement and or social work
- Knowledge of the _Residential Tenancies Act_ is an asset
- Work within the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice as set out by the OCSWSSW
- Should be open to constructive criticism and be able to provide professional feedback and evaluations in areas of responsibility
- Experience providing support services to individuals facing challenges surrounding their homelessness, including, but not limited to; mental health, family violence and/or addictions
- Strong knowledge of needs, experiences and community services for the homeless population
- Knowledge and understanding of social housing, the _Residential Tenancy Act_ and eviction prevention strategies
- Experience working with at-risk or homeless individuals
- Possess knowledge and have core competencies in the history of homelessness.
- Understand the poverty impact on life, affordable housing, mental health, health, addictions and treatment, harm reduction, housing and tenancy legislation and income and support benefits.
- Has a working knowledge of corrections, domestic violence, addictions and mental health.
- Ability and experience assessing client needs, and ability to assist clients to develop strategies for achieving their goals while problem-solving barriers
- Experience and ability to appropriately respond to crisis situations; combined with strong de-escalation, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work effectively within a team setting
- Driver’s license and access to vehicle required with a minimum of $2M liability insurance
- Ability to work sensitively and effectively with people from various life situations and backgrounds
- Demonstrated excellent administrative and organizational skills; strong computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint is an asset
- Previous experience using and data entry into HIFIS is an asset
- A current police vulnerable sector check is required

**Job Duties**
- Educate key stakeholders and community organizations about the benefits of the housing first approach.
- Assist program participants in housing search and procurement.
- Attend rental viewings to ensure living accommodation is safe, suitable and affordable
- Collaborate with the program participant in the formulation of a comprehensive service plan that is reviewed and modified with the program participant on a regular basis.
- Perform in-home visits with program participants to work toward agree upon goals and teach life skills once housed and stabilized.
- Provide outreach, case management, counselling, advocacy and other needed services to clients
- To maintain a case load of 10 individuals who are of high acuity and are experiencing chronic homelessness
- Transport clients strictly for rental viewings, medical appointments and grocery
- Maintain written and computerized records, compile reports and complete program documentation (including case notes, statistics, data entry, letters, acuity ratings, etc.)
- Assist program participants to manage their money to ensure housing stability
- Coordinate/monitor referrals to mainstream community services
- Educate, inform and advocate for program participants regarding benefits and entitlements (OW, ODSP, etc.)
- Work with a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency team to provide desired social and clinical services to program participants
- Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory standards
- Assist program participants towards self-sufficient living
- Other related work as assigned

Work Conditions
- Interacts with clients, staff, visitors and staff from other organizations
- Intermittent physical activity including walking, standing, sitting, lifting
- Able to lift items as heavy as 25 lbs.
- Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals

Location
The North House main office is in Uxbridge. Due to North House’s service delivery requirements, the incumbent will be required to work at any of the North House satellite locations throughout North Durham Region. Office setting with occasional travel to events or client and agency meetings within the Durham Region catchment area.

Compensation and Hours
This is a full-time contract position with regular hours of work are 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday; however, occasional evenings and weekends may be