Housing Worker

Changing lives for 25 years, the YES Shelter for Youth and Families provides emergency shelter, education, outreach and transitional supports in Peterborough City and Peterborough County to youth and families experiencing homelessness. The Housing Worker position will provide youth aged 16-18, time-limited supports to find, acquire, and maintain housing, including life skills support. The position will work collaboratively with outreach positions, to ensure youth have the supports they need to transition into adulthood.

**MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Support youth in accessing housing listings, setting up and attending viewings
- Support youth to have successful interactions with landlords, roommates and neighbors
- Support youth in maintaining housing stability
- Align service provision with Org Code’s Best Practices in Housing-Based Case Management
- Refer youth to key services and supports (life skills development, mental health, addictions, health services, etc.)
- Support youth in accessing and coordinating financial supports (CCSY/ODSP, Housing Waitlist, Direct pay to landlords, getting a trustee, etc.)
- Help individuals to identify their needs, goals, aspirations, skills and abilities and address barriers to accessing services
- Provide individuals with general information, contacts, referrals and support as needed to build assets and address needs (e.g., housing, employment, education, health care and recreation; social and emotional issues).
- Build partnerships with community agencies, businesses and informal community groups to offer programs that engage youth to develop their knowledge, skills and interests (e.g., arts and culture, volunteering, civic engagement, recreation, life skills).
- Maintain collaborative working relationships with professionals within and outside of the organization.
- Enter and maintain accurate statistical service data, and client contact notes in the designated databases
- Identify emerging issues, service gaps and opportunities for action to build community capacity
- Maintain professional and evidence-based standards of practice in accordance with the Stages of Change intervention model, a positive youth development framework and relevant legislation (e.g. Child and Family Services Act, Criminal Justice Act)
- Carry out other duties as assigned

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent and 2 years of related experience working with youth;
- Knowledge of and sensitivity to the life experiences and diverse needs, identities and cultural backgrounds of at-risk youth;
- Experience in community development and capacity building;
- Knowledge of community resources for youth;
- Knowledge of family reconnection and, the skills necessary to help clients re-establish health relationships with those they identify as close to them;
- Demonstrated ability to work co-operatively and negotiate effectively with a range of community groups and service providers across sectors;
- Experience working in homelessness, or homelessness prevention an asset;
- Proven ability to maintain accurate records of service and to produce program reports
- Knowledge and skill in planning and delivering group programs and workshops;
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and some weekends as needed;
- Ability to participate in YES’ On Call Supervisory Team;
- Certification Required: Standard First Aid/CPR, ASIST, NVCI or equivalent, WHMIS (or equivalent);
- Valid Driver’s License and Access to a Reliable Vehicle;
**COMPETENCIES**
- Ability to positively interact with youth, using respectful communication and a strengths-based approach
- Understands/can articulate the programs vision and mission
- Interacts constructively and professionally with colleagues, clients, families, school personnel and others
- Demonstrates knowledge of own culture, traditions and biases, and promotes inclusiveness by challenging unexamined assumptions and stereotypes
- Demonstrates appreciation for and sensitivity to the diverse languages, cultures, traditions, family structures and perspectives of others
- Resilience in job understanding, and awareness of how difficult the work can be, and how to keep oneself safe and entuned to one’s own needs
- Accountability to one’s own actions
- Professional integrity
- Creativity

**Application**:
Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking
- Wellness program

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-01-30