Housing Support Worker

**EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY**

**Title**:Housing Support Worker - Waverley Evenings/Overnights

**Department**: Housing

**Reports to**:Waverley Team Lead

**Job Classification**:Full-Time, Hourly, 1 year term, Evening/Overnight shift

**Start Date**: September

**Location**:Halifax

YWCA Halifax is committed to diversity, and we welcome all suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. YWCA Halifax is governed by, employs, and serves diverse individuals and community members. Self-identification by applicants does not guarantee an interview but we want you to know that we understand that lived experience of racialization, Indigeneity, (dis)Ability, and gender diversity are their own knowledge and expertise. We value this expertise and consider it as we discern who to interview.

YWCA Halifax is a progressive, multi-service, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women, girls, two-spirited and gender diverse people and their families at critical turning points in their lives. We work to transform lives by providing a continuum of services and programs that drive lasting positive change. We strive to change the underlying issues that are root causes of inequality, violence, poverty, and homelessness. Our four program focus areas include: promoting the health, wellness, and leadership of women and girls; advancing women’s economic and housing security; delivering quality, accessible, early learning, and childcare; and working to end violence against women, girls and gender diverse people.

**Why work for the YWCA**

Staff at YWCA Halifax enjoy a supportive and dynamic team environment, a commitment to staff growth, a connection to the national and international YWCA movements, learning from colleagues in a multiservice agency, and a strong shared vision.

**Why YOU should apply**

**Program Overview**

The YWCA Halifax operates a 32-room housing program for single, unaccompanied women and gender diverse people, aged 35-70+, named Waverley Inn. The program offers living accommodations in the form of a bachelor room with a private bathroom, with shared common rooms and kitchen. Housing is anticipated to be long-term for the duration of the building’s leasing contract. As with all of the YWCA’s housing programs, the goal is to provide safe, secure, and supported housing to women and gender diverse people who have experienced barriers to stable housing.

The Housing Support Worker (HSW) - Waverley contributes to the overall success of the Housing Program and YWCA Halifax by providing participant -centered supports to participants under the direction of the Waverley Team Lead: as necessary to support participant case plans. The HSW researches best practices in preventing and alleviating homelessness and assists in updating procedures and practices to incorporate best practices.

The Housing Support Worker will work in teams of two to support the daily operations of Waverly Inn. The Housing Support Worker will work to ensure the safety and support for residents while on shift. The worker’s role will include providing navigational support, referrals and supportive programming to residents.

The Housing Support Worker - Waverley is responsible for identifying risk management concerns in their area of responsibility when conducting program activities and supports. The HSW - Waverley is responsible for following all YWCA procedures, policies, and ensuring they work safely at all times. The HSW - Waverley contributes to the advancement and achievement of the YWCA mission, vision, values, guiding principles, strategic plan, business plan, and departmental plan. Work is guided by using a Harm Reduction, Participant-Centered, Housing First, and Trauma Informed model.

**Qualifications and Experience**:
The Housing Support Worker - Waverley will hold a degree/diploma in social services or related field such as, social work international development studies, sociology, child and youth studies, education, health promotion, or equivalent education and experience. They will have a minimum of 6-12 months’ experience within supportive housing programs within homelessness. The Housing Support Worker will have an understanding of feminist theoretical perspectives and intersectionality. Also, of issues such as racism/colonialism, violence against women, sexualized human trafficking, sexual health, and poverty. They will have knowledge of, and experience with community-based, trauma-informed, harm reduction practices as well as a strong commitment to ongoing learning and development in these areas and experience working in collaborative environments on complex issues involving multiple and diverse stakeholders. There should be a high proficiency in the following:

- Delivery of direct support services
- Collaboration
- Communication, both written and oral
- Interpersonal skills
- Computer literacy
- First Aid/CPR
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention

Strong knowledge of community resources, excellent