Residential Worker

This is a part-time weekend position. Saturday & Sunday 4-12pm.

Coverdale Justice Society (Coverdale) is a non-profit charitable organization that supports women, girls and gender diverse individuals who are involved or at risk of involvement in the criminal justice system in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Coverdale delivers residential, community, youth justice and court support services that address the needs of marginalized and criminalized persons. The society’s programs are governed by a volunteer board of directors and directly operated by a team of skilled professionals trained in the fields of social work, law, social and human services, addictions, mental health, and criminal justice.

Caitlan’s Place is a community bail and supported housing program in Halifax that offers flexible and voluntary support services for women and gender diverse individuals who are experiencing poverty, mental illness, addictions, homelessness, and the criminal justice system. Coverdale understands that without access to housing and services, many are trapped in a homelessness-jail cycle—rotating in and out of jail, detoxification centers, and emergency health care. This revolving door keeps women trapped in a cycle of crime and survival. Caitlan’s Place provides 15 single-occupied rooms and on-site 24/7 staffing and wrap-around support services that respond to the social determinants of health and justice.

**Summary**

Under the supervision and direction of the House Director and/or Supervisor, the residential worker is responsible for the delivery of cultural and gender specific, trauma informed and restoratively driven support services to women and gender diverse individuals residing at Caitlan’s Place using the principles of housing first and harm reduction. This includes but is not exclusive to; intakes and discharges for the residence, crisis intervention, eviction prevention, harm reduction support, meal preparation, cleaning, property maintenance and other household duties.

**Population Served**

Caitlan’s Place provides supportive housing to women, trans and non-binary individuals (18+) who are experiencing homelessness and the criminal justice system including those on bail supervision. Clients with complex needs may experience a variety of barriers when trying to access and maintain housing and other services including physical health, mental health, and substance use challenges and varying levels of abilities and life skills.

**Responsibilities**
- Maintain confidential and accurate records within the program including records, logs, reports and statistical information.
- Monitor the program and clients to ensure a welcoming, safe, supportive environment that meets standards of care.
- When changing shifts with an incoming worker; ensure that they are fully informed of any current physical facility problems or client concerns in the residence.
- Answer phones and greet visitors as required.
- Implement harm reduction strategies. Clients do not have to be sober to engage in the program.
- Identify and make plans to address issues of concern that could impact the residents' court matters.
- Respond to conflict and in-house issues through restorative conversations and conferences.
- Encourage involvement in household responsibilities and facilitate life skills development.
- Model positive, healthy behaviours and build rapport with clients, supporting them as they practice setting boundaries, effective communication skills, conflict resolution, and contribute to a safe, respectful environment.
- Follow all agency and department protocols and policies and procedures.
- Report any problems or concerns to the House Director of Caitlan’s Place.
- Provide the clients with support, advocacy and referrals to external resources. These include; Legal Aid, Income Assistance, mental health support, housing, community agencies, etc.
- Provide clients with information and support including; crisis intervention and life skills training.
- Manage crisis situations.
- Ensure standard operating procedures are maintained during assigned shifts.
- Routinely inspect the residence and grounds.
- Ensure all residents with specific residential requirements and restrictions are meeting their obligations.
- Attend meetings (internal and external) and training programs as required.
- Represent Coverdale in a professional manner at all times, maintaining a positive, cooperative, supportive attitude and appearance.
- Coordinate and facilitate tenant meetings; support groups; social, recreational, and educational programming events
- Supervise and train volunteers and student placements
- Partake in Agency events as required, including agency meetings, clean up days, chores, etc.
- Provide support to individuals during periods of dysregulation, while in crisis and while under the influence of alcohol or substances.
- Support de-escalation and the ongoing process of the development of residents' own conflict resolution