Housing Support Worker

**HOURS - **_Part time hours (Min. 16 hours per week with opportunity for additional shifts) Saturday/Sunday or Sunday/Monday - 2 weeks of afternoons, 2 weeks of overnights_

**Who We Are**

The work of Good Shepherd is based on a fundamental belief in providing hope and restoring dignity to the most vulnerable members of our community. Our services include emergency food transitional housing and education for homeless and street-involved youth; hospice palliative care; community mental health programs; and supportive housing programs. We are committed to integrating Harm Reduction practices into our programs and to prioritizing the rights, dignity, and choices of those who use substances. By integrating a Harm Reduction framework at Good Shepherd, we can decrease barriers to service and better support some of our community's most marginalized members.

This opportunity is with our Good Shepherd - **Women's Services - Dorothy Day**

Dorothy Day Place provides low-barrier permanent supportive housing to cis women, trans and non-binary individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness in the community. The program will offer a hospitable and respectful environment for people who face significant personal and structural barriers to accessing and maintaining housing. Commitment to the provision of cultural safety and Trans/Gender positive space is prioritized.

**How You Will Make an Impact**
- A demonstrated commitment to the values of responsibility, availability, adaptability, quality, and dignity
- Work in partnership with program participants to establish individualized care plans, assist to develop and maintain safety plans, encourage community integration through the use of participant-driven self-help and special interest initiatives
- Provide supportive counselling, education and information on trauma, mental health and harm reduction
- Participate in complex care planning meetings and case conferences involving relevant clinical and community supports as well as provide accompaniment to community-based appointments
- Hospitality and availability are aided by providing an environment that is welcoming and dignified
- Demonstrate flexibility in the carrying out of work in response to participant and organizational needs and must be able to adapt to a fast-paced environment
- Responsible for participating in Good Shepherd's Health and Safety programs, procedures and work in compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations to minimize risk to clients, staff and others as well as to the property of the Good Shepherd

**What You'll Bring to Our Team**
- Completion of post-secondary education in a related field
- A minimum of 2 years' experience working within the social service profession
- Understand and utilize feminist, client-directed, anti-oppression, anti-racism frameworks and harm reduction principles
- Demonstrated understanding and ability to work in Hamilton's broader Housing and Homelessness serving sector with particular knowledge of Coordinated Access
- Knowledge, skills, and experience to support/enhance a service/residential environment that is culturally safe and Trans/Gender positive is essential
- Experience in a residential setting is preferred
- A valid Ontario Driver's License (G2) and ability to drive company vehicle is an asset
- An appreciation and understanding of a range of issues impacting cis women, trans and non-binary individuals including abuse, poverty, homelessness, mental health and substance use
- Valid CPR certification (or willingness to be certified)
- Demonstrated ability to work with individuals with diverse and complex health and psycho-social needs
- Committed to anti-racist/anti-oppressive practice and to the mission and values of Good Shepherd
- Fluency in a language in addition to English is an asset
- Demonstrated understanding of workplace health and safety practices and understanding of an employee's responsibility under current legislation.

**What We Offer**
- Be a part of a caring TEAM THAT SUPPORTS OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
- Support for continuing EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Staff recognition programs along with access to self-care supports and EMPLOYEE /
- FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
- POSITIVE and ENCOURAGING atmosphere
- Make a difference and provide HOPE
- Good Shepherd, a ministry of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, is an equal opportunity employer operating within an anti-racist and anti-oppression framework. We strive to establish workplaces that reflect and are enhanced by the rich diversity of the community we serve._
- Good Shepherd has a mandatory verification of COVID-19 vaccination policy. More information on the full policy requirements and accommodation allowances will be provided to those selected for an interview._