Supportive Housing Counsellor/facilitator- 1 Year

**Position: Counsellor/Facilitator - Housing Supports**

**Function**:The John Howard Society Supportive Housing Program, called Reset, is for men and women who are long-term shelter users. The program provides semi-independent accommodation and support to men and women, age 18 and over. The John Howard Society manages the site with support from the City of Kawartha Lakes.

**Schedule**:35 hours per week, weekends, days, and evenings required on a rotating schedule

**Reports to**: Program Director
**Responsibilities and Authority**:

- Immediate response to crisis needs within the community in a fast-paced environment
- Frequent and open communication with Program Manager for the purpose of program delivery, management, maintaining files, processes etc.
- To refer individuals in need of other specialized services internally within the John Howard Society, or externally to other relevant community supports.
- Assist the Agency in maintaining accessible, relevant, responsive and quality services. 
- Adhere to Agency policies, procedures and standards for program delivery.
- Deliver services in a way that reflects the racial, cultural, linguistic and gender-specific needs of the community being served.  
- Remain up to date with respect to evidence based programming and current trends in the social service and education fields that intersect with the work done at JHS.
- Attend committees, meetings, workshops, seminars and conferences that relate to the work.
- To work with community stakeholders to prevent risk and enhance community response.
- Attend and contribute to all staff events, meetings, and initiatives, including attending the Annual General Meeting.
- Demonstrate use of Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques.
- Experience working with a client-focused, case management approach to faster housing stability.
- Understanding of and experience working with clients that struggle with behavioural issues.
- Competency in using needs assessment instruments (e.g. SPDAT).
- Competency using various data collection and case management software.
- Experience building capacity in, and supporting people around, daily living skills.
- Experience working with people with substance use and mental health disorders.

**Qualifications: ** 

1. Minimum B.A. degree in related discipline such as Criminal Justice or Social Work, and/or related experience and advance training.

2. Minimum of 2 years’ experience providing counselling services to high needs clients.

3. Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques, including experience working with the homeless population or those in the justice system. Extensive knowledge of harm reduction practices.

4. Have excellent people skills to facilitate relationships with clients, colleagues, supervisors, program partners and community members

5. Have a genuine interest in working with formerly homeless individuals in a caring and empathic manner

6. Have strong rapport building skills to support working with men and women who have experienced trauma

7. Good written and oral communication skills. 

8. Experience working with homeless and at-risk populations.  

9. Knowledge of community resources and outreach.

10. Experience in Harm Reduction supports.

11. Ability to work in a team setting. 

12. Good interpersonal skills. 

13. Current Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector check approved by Management for this position as per Agency requirement and practice in this sector.  

14. Culturally specific program training is considered an asset.

15. Ability to accurately record information.

16. Employment in the justice sector.  

17. Ability to work independently and meet program needs.  

18. Ability to provide outreach to ensure we meet expected program outcomes.  

19. Thorough knowledge of community services and support programs for those involved, or at risk of being involved, in the justice system (e.g., shelters, addiction, mental health, social services, etc.)  

20. Knowledge of the court and criminal justice system in Ontario.  

21. Solid professional boundaries.

22. Ability to work after-hours, weekends, and holidays as required.

**Due to the ongoing pandemic, all John Howard Society employees must be prepared to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as per JHS policy. Medical exemptions will be accepted when given by a licensed physician.**

To apply, please submit cover letter and current resume in confidence to Carla Cooper, program director, by October 14, 2024.
- **The John Howard Society is an equal opportunity Should any accommodation be required for this interview please let the Agency know prior to interview.**_

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From $28.96 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-10-1