Housing Support Worker

If you are looking for a career working with amazing people while helping your community thrive, then this opportunity is for you and we want to hear from you. We urge individuals that have retired, semi-retired, are returning to the workforce, those that are new to Canada, and recent graduates to also apply. At Good Shepherd, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, equal and authentic workplace.

**Get to Know Us**

The work of Good Shepherd is based on a fundamental belief in providing hope and restoring dignity to the most vulnerable members of our community. Our services include emergency food and clothing; daily hot meals; emergency shelters for men, youth, families, women and children; transitional housing and education for homeless and street-involved youth; hospice palliative care; community mental health programs; and supportive housing programs. This opportunity is with our Good Shepherd - Arkledun, Women Services.

**Culture and Values**

We _see the good_ in people, not only the challenge. We hear the warmth in their voices. We recognize that we all have potential and promise. Our programs help to tear down the barriers that have impeded our community's most vulnerable citizens and help them to establish a path to a stable and healthy life.

**_
Hospitality_**, as inspired by St. John of God is at the heart of Good Shepherd's mission. This means that we welcome all people with compassion, acceptance and a spirit of generosity; creating opportunities for transformation. Hospitality embodies our **Values**, **Responsibility, Availability, Adaptability, Quality and Dignity.**

**Why work with us?
- Be a part of a caring **TEAM THAT SUPPORTS OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY**:

- Support for continuing **EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT**:

- Staff recognition programs along with access to self-care supports and **EMPLOYEE / FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM** (EAP)
- **POSITIVE **and **ENCOURAGING **atmosphere
- Make a difference and provide **HOPE**

The Arkledun Supportive Housing program provides low-barrier permanent supportive housing to cis women, trans and non-binary individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness in the community. The program will offer a hospitable and respectful environment for people who face significant personal and structural barriers to accessing and maintaining housing. Commitment to the provision of cultural safety and Trans/Gender positive space is prioritized. Arkledun will operate within a trauma-informed, feminist, anti-racist/anti-oppressive framework and firmly rooted in harm reduction principles.
- A demonstrated commitment to the values of responsibility, availability, adaptability, quality, and dignity
- Work in partnership with program participants to establish individualized care plans, assist to develop and maintain safety plans, encourage community integration through the use of participant-driven self-help and special interest initiatives
- Provide supportive counselling, education and information on trauma, mental health and harm reduction
- Participate in complex care planning meetings and case conferences involving relevant clinical and community supports as well as provide accompaniment to community-based appointments
- Hospitality and availability are aided by providing an environment that is welcoming and dignified
- Demonstrate flexibility in the carrying out of work in response to participant and organizational needs and must be able to adapt to a fast-paced environment

**Qualifications**
- Understand and utilize feminist, client-directed, anti-oppression, anti-racism frameworks and harm reduction principles
- Demonstrated understanding and ability to work in Hamilton's broader Housing and Homelessness serving sector with particular knowledge of Coordinated Access
- Knowledge, skills, and experience to support/enhance a service/residential environment that is culturally safe and Trans/Gender positive is essential
- Completion of post-secondary education in a related field
- A minimum of 1 year experience working within the social service profession
- Experience in a residential setting is preferred
- A valid Ontario Driver's License (G2) and ability to drive company vehicle is an asset
- An appreciation and understanding of a range of issues impacting cis women, trans and non-binary individuals including abuse, poverty, homelessness, mental health and substance use
- Valid CPR certification (or willingness to be certified)
- Demonstrated ability to work with individuals with diverse and complex health and psycho-social needs
- Committed to anti-racist/anti-oppressive practice and to the mission and values of Good Shepherd
- Fluency in a language in addition to English is an asset
- **_ Hours of work: Part time hours (Min. 16 hours per week with opportunity for additional shifts) Saturday/Sunday or Sunday/Monday - 2 weeks of afternoons, 2 weeks of overnights_**

**Don't Meet Every Requirement?**
- Good Shepherd, a ministry of the Hospitaller