Transitional Housing Worker

**OUR MISSION**

To help those in the community with social and economic needs improve their quality of life

**OUR VISION**

Port Cares inspires and provides help, hope and opportunity for all in our community to achieve their potential

**OUR VALUES**

We provide help without judgement

We are accountable to one another

We treat everyone with respect

We work collaboratively together

**Job Summary**

As part of the Client Services team this position is responsible to provide professional, client-centric standard of customer service. You will perform a variety of support services focused on helping clients to access and maintain housing, prevent housing loss including providing advocacy, support, information, education, crisis intervention and referral services to support clients through their housing transitions. The Transitional Housing Worker also works to strengthen the cooperation and communication between landlords and tenants. You will be part of a team that facilitates support linkages through delivery of various housing stability programs such as trusteeship, utility supports, income tax clinics, food supports and other outreach programs.

**JOB DESCRIPTION**
- Provide Intensive Case management supports to clients who are participating in Moving Forward, Port Cares Transitional Housing Program
- Assist program participants to set and achieve self-identified goals that will help them maintain housing, overcome personal barriers and build the life skills they need to become self-sufficient and independent
- Assist clients to locate safe, affordable and permanent housing
- Perform preliminary intake and assessments to identify immediate housing needs and risk factors
- Provide support, advocacy, information, education, crisis intervention and referral services to support clients and landlords to support housing transitions
- Foster and promote a positive relationship between the landlord and tenant
- Promote landlord and tenant awareness of their rights and responsibilities
- Link landlords with funding, resources and support services to help support at risk tenancies
- Facilitate access to alternate housing for tenants best suited to their needs
- Facilitate referral to appropriate departments within Port Cares and work in conjunction with the other departments to ensure individual client needs are met
- Deliver housing stability and other programs including trusteeship, utility supports, income tax clinics, food supports and other outreach programs
- Develop and distribute brochures and housing support services information
- Promote the development of life skills to obtain and maintain permanent housing
- General office duties such as filing, mail (incoming & outgoing)/ fax/photocopy/courier, answering the telephone and directing calls
- Meet program delivery requirements and strive to improve process and service
- Ensure confidentiality and security of information
- Incorporate and champion the vision, mission and values of Port Cares into daily work activities
- Adhere to Port Cares program policies and procedures and respect confidentiality.
- All other duties as required

**SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED**
- Completion of a Post-Secondary Degree in Social Work or in a related discipline
- 2-5 years of community based clinical experience is an asset
- Valid COVID-19 vaccinations are required
- Interview, assessment and objective observational skills
- Crisis intervention skills with well-developed problem solving abilities
- Knowledge and understanding of mental health and substance use issues
- Good working knowledge of community resources and supports
- Good working knowledge of landlord and tenant legislation and regulations
- Provide own transportation, carry a valid driver’s license and willingness to travel locally
- Flexible and adaptable to changing program, agency and community needs
- Respect and sensitivity for individual cultural, educational and social uniqueness and diversity
- Highly effective interpersonal and social skills together with strong oral, written communication to effectively liaise with clients, families, colleagues and community partners
- Ability to maintain accurate records with high attention to detail and organization
- Ability to manage a case load with strong planning, multi-tasking and prioritization
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
- **To be considered for employment, a satisfactory Police Criminal Record / Vulnerable Sector Search is required.**_

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent, Fixed term contract

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Extended health care
- RRSP match
- Vision care

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
COVID19 Vaccinations are required for this position. All staff must be able to and willing to wear proper face coverings while walking throughout our buildings.

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Port Colborne, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before star