Youth Housing Outreach Worker

**ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW**:
The Old Strathcona Youth Society is a non-profit low-barrier drop-in center that supports unhoused and vulnerable youth between the ages of 14 and 24. Supporting Edmonton youth for the past 25 years, OSYS provides non-judgmental, trauma-informed access to basic needs items, services and referrals. Taking a relationship-based approach to providing care, the OSYS team believes that healthy communities start with healthy, meaningful connections. With this in mind, OSYS is committed to ensuring that the center is a place where youth feel safe and supported.

**MISSION STATEMENT**:
To provide purposeful resources and create a safe and supportive environment that fosters youth empowerment and development.

**COMMITED TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION**

**ROLE**:
OSYS is expanding its Housing Program and looking to hire a full-time Youth Housing Worker to support in the further development and facilitation of its housing and outreach services. While all OSYS staff provide housing-related support, the Youth Housing Worker will be responsible for the direct delivery of housing and outreach services/programs to the youth at the OSYS. The Youth Housing Worker works collaboratively with all staff to provide knowledge regarding private market housing, housing programs, income support, referrals, and other resources pertaining to youth experiencing homelessness in Edmonton.

**Compensation**: $52,903.00 + Benefits

**Required Availability**:

- Days, Evenings, and Weekends

**REPORTS TO**:
Program Coordinator

**SPECIALIZED RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Support in completing housing intakes and referrals to external providers
- Assess client needs, barriers, and goals regarding housing, employment, education, identification, and income
- Foster collaborative relationships with housing agencies and related organizations
- Navigate private market housing by searching ads and communicating with landlords and property managers
- Support clients in building skills with interviewing, self-advocacy, budgeting, life skills, and identifying strengths and goals with the focus of achieving client housing sustainability
- Search and vet housing options with clients, provide transportation and support with viewings at potential housing options when appropriate
- Provide follow-up support to housed clients and oversee housing-related requirements (such as tenancy insurance, rental support, and eviction mitigation)
- Demonstrates personal initiative in housing program planning and delivery, consulting with colleagues and Executive Director when appropriate.

**GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Provide support in a non-judgmental and harm reduction-centered approach
- Coordinate with service teams and referral networks when necessary
- Document relevant client interactions in a timely fashion and store client information in a secure way to maintain client confidentiality
- Establish rapport and develop strong helping, client-centered relationships with vulnerable youth ages 14-24
- Daily supervision of drop-in activities to create a safe environment
- Ensures adequate supervision occurs regarding youth behaviors and interactions within OSYS to create and maintain a safe place.
- Uses appropriate crisis intervention techniques to de-escalate situations
- Actively facilitates, participates in, and promotes professional team functioning through participation in professional development, team debriefs, and self-evaluation.
- Participates in fundraising activities as a representative and advocate for OSYS.
- Deliver services and programs to youth in a non-judgmental manner, while demonstrating a commitment to providing services that suit the needs of each youth who accesses services.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**Education**:

- Diploma or Degree in Child and Youth Care, Social Work, or a discipline directly related to working with youth, Health Care, or Human Services. Or equivalent experience.

**Requirements**:

- Demonstrated competency in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and behavior management skills
- Experience within the field supporting vulnerable people as a housing worker, youth worker, case worker, or related.
- Creative problem-solving, strong organizational skills, and the ability to independently or collaboratively with a team setting.
- Extensive knowledge of issues, trends, and resources related to Edmonton youth homelessness, poverty, mental health, addictions, and trauma
- Clear and effective written and oral communication, strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Proficient computer skills, familiarity with Microsoft Office Programs (Outlook and Excel)
- Valid Driver’s License, reliable vehicle, and clear driving record with 2 million liability insurance required.
- Police record check with vulnerable sector check
- Child intervention check through Children and Family Services

**Experiences that will help you succeed**:

- Working knowledge of ETO and Housing First initiatives and philosophy is a stro