Housing Support Worker

Description To work primarily with clients from The Salvation Army Halifax Centre of Hope, Men's Emergency Shelter and Transitional Apartments and help them achieve long term housing within the community while promoting eviction prevention. The main targeted clientele group of this position are clients who are homeless and staying within the Emergency Shelter that would be SPADT scored at Moderate to High acuity. To work with the clients to create effective plans that address their ongoing and often difficult issues of homelessness and strive to overcome them. To work as a member of the team at Halifax Centre of Hope, supporting the total ministry that occurs there. To provide support for a caseload of up to 75 within housing placement program. **KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**: Ensure support program delivery congruent with the Centre of Hope's (COH) Mission, Vision, and Values. Work in accordance with COH policies, procedures, and philosophy of practice. Liaise and develop relationships with landlords and property managers within HRM. Develop a list of viable housing stock and options for men transitioning to independence within this housing program. **Provide for men**: intake, assessment and referral services, assistance in accessing resources, crisis intervention and eviction prevention services, outreach, and mediation in relation to the Housing Support program. Liaise with other agencies on behalf of men and programs and participate in community committees, projects, or activities as appropriate. Work in collaboration with other Housing Support Workers within HRM. (Example: Metro Turning.) Advocate with community agencies to ensure that the needs, barriers, and strengths of males who are at-risk and homeless are addressed. Conduct public education presentations about the issues of homeless males. Complete and maintain records, assessments, daily statistics, and files, and ensure confidentiality is protected. Compile statistics and data for accessing housing supports that will assist with the outcomes and evaluation of this housing initiative. Commit to the development of COH projects and activities and participate in internal committees. Assist in program and service development to ensure that quality, effective and client-centered programs, and services are delivered. Provide a supportive environment and foster a therapeutic milieu that promotes empowerment. Supervise field placement students as required. Remain aware of relevant legislation and policy as it relates to clients, tenancy, DCS, Community resources. Perform other duties a required. **Organization Responsibilities**: Ability to work within the mandate of The Salvation Army's Mission Statement. To expect to help with occasional "special occasions" after hours: i.e. Feast of Christmas, resident's Christmas Party, to be supportive to Chapel programs. ROLE COMPETENCIES Communication Leadership Independent Networking Interpersonal skills Organizational skills Counselling **QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS**: Bachelor of Social Work, or an undergraduate degree and Human Services diploma or other relevant undergraduate degree or a combination of education and experience. Registration or Candidacy for Registration, certification, or membership of a related professional body (if applicable). A minimum of one to three years of experience working with at-risk and homeless persons providing case management and advocacy. Non-violent crisis intervention (NVCI), Suicide Intervention (ASSIST), Standard First Aid and COH medication training and/or a commitment to secure those requirements within six months of being hired, Criminal Record Check, WHMIS. Experience in program development. Experience working for a Walk-in Centre of a non-profit organization is an asset. Independent and a team player Driver's License with clean abstract Child abuse / Vulnerable Sector Registry check Government of Canada Personnel screening may be required. **PREFERRED SKILLS/CAPABILITIES**: Demonstrated skill applicable to a client-directed approach and a social justice perspective. Knowledge of mental health issues, substance abuse and crisis intervention. Demonstrate knowledge of Trusteeship programs and effective money management. Demonstrated exceptional level of interpersonal, communication and organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to build appropriate and healthy rapport with at-risk and homeless persons. Extensive knowledge of community resources and the social service delivery system. Complete VI/SPDATS as required. Ability to work in a team environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and using the Internet. Demonstrated high level of understanding of the issues of homelessness. WORKING CONDITIONS The incumbent's work environment is typically at work sites within various residential or community settings. The incumbent will work under the following disagreeable conditions: dealing with angry and abusive people, verbal abuse, odours, an