Intensive Case Manager

**Division**:
Housing / Hostels / Homelessness

**Important Notices & Amendments**:
Bridge housing is a service that supports an intensive shorter-term accommodation, that fills the gap between staying in a shelter or staying outdoors. When the individual can secure safe and appropriate housing connections are made to address the specific service and support needs of the individual.

**Important Notices & Amendments**:
As an employer of choice, Niagara Region offers competitive salaries and benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, a corporate wellness centre, access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), mentorship and training programs, employee recognition programs, and more. In addition, the Region recognizes the value of having flexible work arrangements to support better work-life balance for our employees.

**Temporary Duration**:
Approximate Duration: 24 months

**Please note**:These positions will be located and will report to the Bridge Housing location in Niagara Falls

**Shift Schedule**:will be scheduled days, afternoons, nights, weekends and holidays in a 24/7/365 environment - with 12 hours shifts

**About Us**:
Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.

Please note that the Niagara Region requires that all newly hired employees are to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of being hired and provide proof of full vaccination, or provide proof of a bona fide medical or Human Rights Code exemption on a form issued from and approved by Niagara Region.

**JOB SUMMARY**:
Reporting to the Supervisor, Homelessness Services, this position provides intensive case management services to individuals who are experiencing chronic homelessness and may be living with severe and chronic mental illnesses, addictions issues, and/or in recovery. Intensive Case Managers provide facilitation and support from a trauma-informed approach, ensuring hospitality, dignity, and respect during their stay at the Bridge Housing Program. The worker will collaborate with staff from the homelessness sector to assist individuals with moving through the Bridge Housing Program and into permanent housing through a progressive engagement approach. This will identify the needs of clients and assist them with referrals to appropriate services, to provide active listening and crisis intervention when needed. The Intensive Case Manager will assist individuals to meet their basic needs and provide linkage to formal supports and services; services will be provided 24 hours daily.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**EDUCATION**:

- College Diploma or a University Degree in social services, social work, or a related discipline
- Current certification in First Aid/CPR
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training or willingness to be certified
- Naloxone training or willingness to be certified
- Understanding and Managing Aggressive Behaviour (UMAB) training an asset

**KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE**:

- Minimum 2 years experience working with the homeless population
- Knowledge and utilization of client-centred, trauma-informed approaches
- Knowledge of harm reduction practices
- Experience working with people who are chronically homeless
- Knowledge and experience in addictions, mental health,_ _concurrent disorders,_ _trauma, poverty, and gender-based violence are an asset
- Experience providing person-centered, trauma-informed, anti-racist anti-oppressive informed services and supports to individuals with diverse experiences and identities_ _
- An understanding of Housing First principles
- An understanding of/or demonstrated practice of crisis intervention
- Knowledge and understanding of local community resources an asset

***:
**SKILLS**:

- Written communication and computer skills sufficient to perform documentation and related administrative duties
- Verbal and interpersonal communication skills sufficient to relate to patients, families, and other healthcare professionals in a calm and professional manner
- Strong advocacy, problem solving, de-escala