Housing Support Worker

**Job description**

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Housing Support Worker is responsible for building trust and therapeutic relationships with Fourcast clients through an assertive case management approach. In collaboration with the Housing Team (Intensive Case Manager, Housing Support Workers, Program Managers), a Housing Support Worker executes individualized client care plans with a focus on stabilizing housing.

Operating under the Housing First Framework, Housing Support Workers engage with individuals that are homeless or precariously housed to support them in finding, securing and maintaining housing. In addition, Housing Support Workers foster personal growth and development based on client choices through skill development, advocacy, coaching and connection with services and resources within their community.

**Primary Duties and Responsibilities**:
**Engagement**
- Develop supportive relationships with individuals that are homeless, precariously housed and those associated with our housing programs who are living independently in the community
- Empower clients to make informed decisions as it relates to their individualized care plan
- Develop and maintain positive and productive working relationships with community partners, organizations and landlords.
- Support the development of rapport and relationship building between landlords and clients
- Respond to requests for information about the organization’s programs and services

**Secure housing and sustain tenancies**

Maintain current information on housing options and explore potential vacancies to secure housing for clients of Fourcast’s housing programs.
- When requested, provide clients with orientation to the landlord, the property and general guidelines for tenancy to the client.
- Assist clients in seeking and securing furniture, bedding and other general household items as needed through donations, funders (OW/ODSP), or other organizations
- Support client in moving in/out as needed
- Conduct unit inspections, and support clients to identify repair needs and deficiencies to the landlord.
- Assist client to identify and resolve any health, fire and/or safety concerns
- Ensure client understands and fulfills responsibilities for property upkeep (cleaning, garbage disposal, snow removal etc)
- In consultation with Intensive Case Manager and the client, liaison with landlords and property maintenance to address any concerns regarding property damage or behaviour
- Support client in conflict resolution with other tenants, and landlord
- Incorporate case management tools such as risk assessment and monthly budgeting as preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of conflict with landlord and other tenants, or possible evictions
- Maintain a working knowledge of the Landlord and Tenant Act; the Tenant Protection Act; the Mental Health Act; Ontario Human Rights Code; and the Child and Family Services Act.

**Supportive Case Management**
- Assist with screening and assessment of program clients in consultation with Housing Team
- Contribute to the development of high quality, relevant person-centered coordinated care plans and support the implementation and revision of these plans.
- Assess client’s health and well-being through home visits, including basic needs such as food security, shelter, income supports and supporting client in accessing community services
- Support and teach life skills such as meal preparation, cleaning, and medication management to promote independence and community inclusion
- Support clients to appointments such as medical, trustee, probation, court
- As needed, support clients in prepping units for bedbug spraying and laundering bedding and clothing

**Advocacy and Community Supports**
- Promote social and community inclusion through awareness and education
- Support clients in navigating systems to access services, and booking appointments
- When requested, advocate for clients that have experienced systemic barriers
- In order to provide continuity and consistency for clients care plan, educate clients on services available after hours and on weekends.

**Administration**
- Proficient in client documentation and file management in accordance with privacy legislation
- Record all client interactions in database (Catalyst) accurately and in a timely manner
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) and databases

**Working Conditions**:

- Work with individuals with presenting problems related to substance use, problem gambling, mental health and physical health concerns.
- Work is performed in a variety of settings, including office spaces, shelters, clients dwelling, other businesses and/or organizations, and in the community.
- Work with frequent interruptions both in-person and by telephone
- Perform complex sequences requiring strong mental acuity
- Travel by car required
- Walking and standing for long periods, including climbing stairs
- May be exposed to volatile sit