Housing Support Worker

**Scope of Position**:

- To provide support to individuals and families who have been identified, based on the approved assessment process, as requiring rehousing and/or housing stabilization supports
- To support individuals and families who are staying in the emergency housing program, housing with related supports program, living in affordable housing developments or in community housing settings and those who require additional supports to obtain and retain safe, affordable and permanent housing

**Duties and Responsibilities**:

- To identify and assess the needs of individuals and families using the appropriate assessment tools (VI-SPDAT, SPDAT) and to reassess throughout the time of service to monitor progress and the effectiveness of the supports provided
- To provide housing stabilization supports, assistance, and basic skill training to individuals and families in order to establish and maintain an independent and stable living situation within the community, based on the goals identified by the person receiving support
- To support individuals and families in emergency housing to find and obtain permanent housing
- To support individuals and families to access and navigate existing community resources and services including medical services, legal resources, mental health and substance use supports to enhance long term housing stability
- To maintain contact with Landlords to ensure that there are no issues impacting tenancy
- To implement Housing First and harm reduction strategies with clients to increase safety and improved wellness
- Once housed, ensure that a person centered plan is created with each individual and family receiving support to prevent future homelessness
- To help individuals and families connect with employment services and/or obtain financial assistance from government or private sources
- To recommend for supervisory approval the financial assistance and services needed to resolve current tenancy problems
- To maintain appropriate client records and service delivery data in the relevant departmental software program (e.g. HIFIS)
- To work independently with individuals and families, on site and within different locations throughout Haldimand and Norfolk, including home visits
- Participate in team de-briefing and training session in order to remain up-to-date on homeless prevention practices and strategies
- Other administrative tasks as assigned and related to the delivery of the Homelessness Prevention Services program

**Requirements**:
**Knowledge and Experience**:

- Grade 12 plus a diploma in an additional program of over two years in a related discipline (Social Services Worker, Social Work, Human Services, Addictions, Violence Against Women Counsellor)
- Over two years, up to and including three years’ experience in a Social Services related position with emphasis on providing direct support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability, ongoing crisis and trauma, and at extreme risk for mental health, addictions or other health related behavioural challenges, preferably in an outreach setting.
- Additional training and/or certification in mental health, addictions and/or trauma counselling would be considered an asset
- Training and/or experience in motivational interviewing and the use of assessment tools such as the VI-SPDAT and SPDAT are considered an asset

**Skills and Abilities**:

- Valid Ontario Driver’s Licence and access to a reliable vehicle
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Working knowledge of community services and supports
- Experience working directly with people who are experiencing homelessness or who are at imminent risk of being homeless
- Experience working directly with people who are high risk for violent behavior.
- Understanding of housing first approaches to homelessness prevention
- In depth knowledge and understanding of the risk factors for homelessness and the barriers to achieving housing stability for vulnerable people
- Experience using homeless related data bases such as HIFIS Experience reading and interpreting legislation, such as the Residential Tenancies Act and related regulations
- Computer knowledge in corporate standard software (Microsoft Office) and department specific software, including database programs

**Benefits**

**Posting #**: CUPE 64.25

**Position**: Housing Support Worker

**Status**: Temporary Full Time (date of hire to approximately January 8, 2027)

**Number of Vacancies**: 1

**Employee Group**: CUPE Local 4700

**Salary**: $29.15 - $36.43 per hour

**Division**: Emergency and Social Services

**Department**: Social Services and Housing

**Reports To**: Program Supervisor, Housing and Homeless Prevention Services

**Location**: Simcoe, ON (with remote and community work as required)

**Posting Period**: September 5, 2025 - September 22, 2025

**How to Apply**:

- Ensure the file extension for your resume document is.doc,.docx or.pdf
- If you are electing to include a cover