Shelter Diversion Support Worker

**JOB DESCRIPTION**

Title: Shelter Diversion Support Worker

Reports to: Housing Support Program Manager

Type of Position: Union. CUPE Local 4291

Located at: The Rose & local hotels

Hours of work: Casual
- Day Shift, Evening Shift, Night Shift, Weekends, Holidays

**Vehicle required**
- ___________________________________

Adsum for Women & Children provides temporary emergency housing for women, families and gender-diverse folks, when safe, permanent solutions cannot be secured. The Shelter Diversion Support (SDS) Program manages support for people experiencing the housing crisis by providing access to hotel stays and on-going housing support services.

As a part-time support worker, you are responsible for responding to calls from community members who are experiencing homelessness and coordinating temporary shelter when necessary. In addition to providing direct service to clients, you will provide support at emergency housing locations including an on-site presence when needed. This support includes, but is not limited to, crisis intervention, conflict mediation, support with intakes and discharges to/from hotel. You will also provide support at The Rose where clients of the SDS program, with previous stays in hotel, are now in transitional housing. Adsum for Women & Children is committed to diversity, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure the program delivery is congruent with Adsum’s mission, vision, and philosophy.

Work in accordance with Adsum’s policies, procedures, and philosophy of practice.

Work with women, families, and trans identified persons on their housing/goal planning.

Liaise and develop relationships with emergency housing providers in the HRM

Provide intake, assessment and referral services, assistance in accessing resources, crisis intervention and eviction prevention services, outreach, mediation for clients and their families in relation to the Shelter Diversion Support program.

Work in collaboration with other Housing Support Workers within HRM.

Advocate with community agencies to ensure that the needs, barriers and strengths of clients who are at-risk and homeless are addressed.

Conduct and/or participate in event planning for community and clients

Complete and maintain records, assessments, daily statistics and files, and ensure confidentiality is protected.

Compile statistics and data for clients accessing shelter diversion supports that will assist with the outcomes and evaluation of this initiative.

Assist in program and service development to ensure that quality, effective and client-centered programs and services are delivered.

On call duties in the SDS program.

Further duties may be required at the employer’s request.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Demonstrate high level of understanding of the issues of homelessness.

Demonstrate high level of understanding in a housing first model and approach.

Demonstrate skill using anti-oppressive practice (harm reduction, a client-directed approach and a social justice perspective).

Knowledge of mental health issues, and crisis intervention.

Demonstrate knowledge of Trusteeship programs and effective money management.

Demonstrated exceptional level of interpersonal, communication, client service and organizational skills.

Demonstrated ability to build appropriate and healthy rapport with at-risk and homeless women, families and trans identified individuals.

Extensive knowledge of community resources and the social service delivery system.

Ability to work in a team environment.

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and using the Internet.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor of Social Work, or an undergraduate degree and Human Services diploma or other relevant undergraduate degree or lived experience expertise.

Registration or Candidacy for Registration, certification or membership of a related professional body (if applicable).

A minimum of 1 year experience working with at-risk and homeless persons providing case management and advocacy.

Experience in program development.

Experience working for a walk-in center or a non-profit organization is an asset.

Must have the following or be willing to acquire within the first 3 months of employment

o

Standard first aid / CPR Level ‘C’

o

De-escalation training

o

Harm reduction / naloxone training

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Can safely carry out the duties of the position including being able to lift supplies and physically support individuals with their belongings when needed.

Must be able to access and navigate different areas / hotels / housing / shelter including stairs and storage areas

Common hazards: conflict, sharps, bodily fluids, pests, cannabis or cigarette smoke

**Job Type**: Casual

Pay: $29.00 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking

Schedule:

- 10 ho