Housing & Homelessness Coordinator

7643BR - **Housing & Homelessness Coordinator**

Reporting to the Director, Housing & Homelessness, the Housing & Homelessness Coordinator will provide support to the emergency response to homelessness for the municipality. This includes building and fostering relationships with the community through street outreach, as well as engaging HRM business units and other stakeholder organizations to address issues of homelessness.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Provide expert advice to HRM staff regarding issues and appropriate response to issues of homelessness and housing.

Street Outreach (Service Delivery):

- Proactively engage and build trust with people with a street presence, who may or may not be homeless, throughout HRM with priority on encampments on HRM lands.
- Work closely with community partners and other services providers/case managers to ensure continuity of care as required (e.g., medical treatment, mental health and substance abuse treatment, shelter, housing and employment).
- Actively work with stakeholder organizations to advance efforts around addressing issues of homelessness and the street community.
- Provide regular access, encouragement and advocacy with individuals as they progress through the process of leaving homelessness.
- Provide a daily visible street presence /check-ins and immediate needs support for those living on HRM property.
- Provide short-term problem-solving opportunities, identifying and assessing supports and completing appropriate referrals.
- Advocate on behalf of clients for support, services and benefits with internal and external resources, and engage in active problem solving around each client's difficulties.
- Maintain current knowledge of legislation, community services, resources, policies, programs, procedures and issues affecting client population.
- Liaise with staff from other programs and community agencies (e.g., hospitals, social workers, doctors, immigration, shelters, drop-ins, health clinics, legal programs, other City Programs, etc.) to provide program information or in advocating for transfers/placements of clients.
- Respond to questions from the general public, businesses, etc. when encountered on the street.
- Accompany clients to service, employment and/or housing appointments.
- Work in partnership with both the private and non-profit sector of the housing market to ensure appropriate placement of clients.

Administration:

- Assist in the development of short
- and long-term plans for programs, monitor progress, assure adherence and evaluate performance.
- Assist in design of performance objectives and implement and monitor programming to meet desired outcomes.
- Complete paperwork on each individual while adhering to privacy act requirements.
- Supervise students and/or volunteers.
- Assist in the management of fiscal operations including budget development, modifications. Track expenditures. Monitor program's financial health.
- Assist with the development of public relations and communications strategies to support program goals and increase community awareness.
- Compile and maintain records and related statistics, with bi-weekly updates provided to HRM supervisor.
- Submit monthly activity and other reports to partners and funders.
- Give annual presentation to HRM including Council reports.
- Represent HRM in a positive and professional manner.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
**Education and Experience**:

- Minimum of Bachelor of Social Work with crisis management experience (Master of Social work considered an asset).
- Demonstrated experience in street outreach with highly vulnerable populations, particularly those with health, mental health, and substance abuse issues.
- Valid Nova Scotia Class 5 Driver's License with a responsible driving record and access to a reliable personal vehicle (position requires driving long distances to remote areas).

**Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities**:

- Knowledge of and familiarity with workplace safety policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience with advanced and evidenced based intervention: Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Critical Time Intervention, and Housing First.
- Engagement and rapport building skills with hard-to-reach clients.
- Knowledgeable about non-violent crisis intervention techniques.
- Ability to work independently and as part the team.
- Ability to exercise mature and professional judgment.
- Strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
- A highly motivated self-starter with the ability to coordinate multiple projects and tasks.
- Knowledge of and adherence to HRM confidentiality requirements.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office software.
- Flexible, adaptable and capable of working in a fast paced, professional environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.

**Security Clearance Requirements**: Applicants may be required to complete an employment se