Housing First Caseworker

OVERVIEW
The Housing First Caseworker (HFC) provides intensive case management support services to individuals and families in the north Durham townships of Uxbridge, Scugog and Brock. Operating under the Housing First framework, the HFC will engage with individuals to support basic needs and develop a case plan for those that are chronically homeless while housing is being secured. They will also help to stabilize clients by fostering personal growth and development based on client choices through skill development, advocacy, coaching, informal counseling, crisis planning, and connection with services and resources within their community.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Educate key stakeholders, clients, and community organizations about the benefits and principles of the housing first approach
Intake clients from the Durham Region By-Name List and perform intake assessments using the housing first program agreement and conduct a SPDAT assessment to determine initial case planning
Attend rental viewings to ensure living accommodation is safe, suitable and affordable
Collaborate with the program participant in the formulation of a comprehensive service and crisis 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, informal counselling, advocacy and other needed services to clients
To maintain a case load of 10 individuals and families who are of high acuity and are experiencing chronic homelessness
Transport clients strictly for rental viewings, medical appointments and grocery if comfortable and safe
Assist program participants with financial literacy and money management to ensure housing stability and work towards self-sufficient living
Assist with and supervise clients with shower, laundry, kitchen and resource center needs
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; provide crisis intervention linkages, referrals through consultation to ensure client support and housing stabilization
Maintain up-to-date case notes, progress reports and client files with clear rationale for methods and intervention used, and statistical documentation in accordance with the program requirements
Complete and maintain accurate statistical and narrative reports on all clients
Maintain a system to track and report all performance indicators for North House programs
Ensure that all client data is entered accurately and within 48 hours into the HIFIS (Homeless Individuals and Families Information System) database
Ensure client consents are up-to-date at all times, and provide informed consent in relation to services and supports
Guide and support student placements and learning plans including student shadowing of client appointments and services
Distribute, report on, and provide Harm Reduction education and supplies to clients and walk-ins as needed
Maintain client files with all relevant information required by the program guidelines and Durham Region Service Standards
Attend all team meetings, weekly debriefing sessions, case conferencing and participate as a full member of the team
Other related work as assigned
SKILLS
Social Services Worker or Social Work diploma is a mandatory requirement
Member in good standing of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or must be able to obtain membership within the first three months of employment
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 a