Community Crisis Worker

Under the direction of the Community Development Coordinator, the Community Crisis Worker works to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals during times of individual or community crisis, works with the community, other levels of government and civic staff to enhance access to services and resources for populations who face multiple barriers using equity lens and community development approach.

**As the Community Crisis Worker you will**:

- Respond to referrals and requests for support from other Civic department/staff, City Councillors, and Mayor's Office regarding residents identified as vulnerable or in need of support and provides immediate short-term assistance, referrals and resource coordination.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other service providers, departments, and community agencies including gaining co-operation of mandated agencies in client specific situations to support residents need.
- Provide initial assessment and short-term interventions and make appropriate referrals to ensure resource connections to agencies and services to meet assessed need.
- Provide short term case management and case coordination.
- Respond to referrals from other civic departments involved in multi-tenant building closures or other closures involving the displacement of low-income residents and provide initial response including assessment, identification of appropriate agencies to become involved and ensuring a coordinated response.
- Assist in the ongoing development and implementation of the department's Emergency Social Services (ESS) program and be a member of the lead roster for the ESS function.
- Take a lead role on the ESS team including responding to small, medium and large emergencies during/outside of regular working hours by attending to the scene and providing essential connection to resources and relevant agencies.
- Serve as an active member of the Community Services Department Critical Incident De-Brief team to support City staff, departments and residents after a critical incident.
- Design and develop relevant staff training on topics related to emergency response, crisis support for vulnerable residents and other community wellness themes to enhance the knowledge and skills of the Public Service.
- Create positive working relationships with affordable housing service providers and landlords through pro-active outreach and relationship building.
- Develop strong community partnerships and networks to support residents with multiple barriers.
- Actively participate and support community development initiatives, events and activities.
- Maintain up to date statistics and reports related to the Crisis Worker role and share regularly.
- Participate in various committees, working groups and networks as required.
- Perform other duties consistent with the classification as required.

**Your education and qualifications include**:

- University Degree in social work or in another directly related field.
- Minimum three years of work experience in the area of social work, crisis response and/or community development or a related field.
- Knowledge of social service programs & community resources and experience working collaboratively with various agencies.
- Knowledge of and experience working with key priority populations (people experiencing poverty, vulnerable residents, newcomer and Indigenous communities).
- Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization, community partners, external stakeholders, and the public.
- The ability to exercise independent professional judgement within the parameters of the delegated authority.
- Demonstrated cross cultural competency and conflict resolution skills.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task in a stressful environment.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Team player, with experience working collaboratively and creatively solving problems.
- Lived experience as a member of a First Nations, Metis, Inuit or racialized community is an asset.
- Registration with Manitoba College of Social Workers is an asset.

**Conditions of employment**:

- The successful applicant must maintain legal eligibility to work in Canada. If the successful applicant possesses a work permit, it is their responsibility to ensure the permit remains valid.
- Must be available to work evenings and weekends.

**CORE COMPETENCIES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF WINNIPEG**:

- Citizen & Customer Focus
- Respecting Diversity
- Ethics and Values
- Integrity and Trust
- Results Oriented