Rapid Housing Worker

**Employment Opportunity**: Rapid Housing Worker **Location**: Halifax, NS **Salary Range**: $56, 000/ per year **Employment Term**: Contract November 2024 - March 31, 2025 (possibility of renewal), Full time hours (35 hours/ week) **Reports To**: Housing Program Manager **General Description**: The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre is centrally located in the urban Indigenous community of Halifax and is looking for **Two (2) Rapid Housing Workers (RHW)**. The RHW will be responsible for supporting unhoused Indigenous clients who have a history of homelessness, to obtain housing. The RHW will need to have experience supporting Indigenous service users with complex needs that can impact their access to housing. This can include but is not limited to supporting individuals with their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs. The RHW must have experience with navigating resources related to safer substance use services, harm reduction resources, Income Assistance processes, and affordable housing organizations. As part of the MNFC Housing team, the RHW must incorporate an Indigenous trauma informed approach into their practice and uphold the principles of Housing First. **Key Accountabilities** - Ensure the program delivery is congruent with the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre’s mission, vision and philosophy - Complete assessments and intake processes - Develop with the individual a recovery plan that is strength based and grounded in the principles of Housing First and Harm Reduction, and monitor individual progress towards their goals - Utilize and maintain the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre’s (MNFC) database and input client information using HIFIS. - Submit new client to and update the By-Name-List - Advocate for client’s rights at an individual and broader systemic level - Support individuals and families to navigate appropriate systems related to obtaining and maintaining housing. - Provide intake, assessment, referrals, assistance in accessing resources, crisis intervention, eviction prevention and outreach mediation for clients - Connect clients to community resources, supports and meaningful activities as required - Ensure clients are fully informed of all programs of the MNFC - Working in partnership with both private and non-profit sector of the housing market to ensure appropriate placement of clients - Maintain accurate, comprehensive documentation regarding all interactions with clients. Documentation must be in accordance with agency standards and adhere to funder requirements. - Participate in agency responsibilities including but not limited to; team meetings, representing the agency at community meetings. Partnership responsibilities include intake, partnership meetings, case conference, training and committees. - Liaise and develop relationships with landlords and property managers - Maintain confidentiality, privacy and clear boundaries - Compile statistics and data that will assist with the outcomes and evaluation of this housing initiative - Commit to the development of the MNFC and participate in internal committees, projects and activities - Assist in program and service development to ensure that quality, effective and client-centred programs and services are delivered - Work collaboratively with all team members and partnering agencies to achieve desired excellent service and outcomes - Transport clients to housing related appointments, housing related meetings and lease signings - Adhere to all policies governing the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre **Qualifications and Experience Required for the Position**: - Diploma / certification in community social services; or education in mental health, addictions, concurrent disorders/ co-occurring disorders and social work. - One year of recent, related work experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience - Comprehensive understanding of institutional barriers as they relate to the experiences of the Urban Indigenous population, women, 2-spirit and LGBTQQIA+ community members experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, and poverty. - Demonstrated understanding of Housing First and Harm Reduction principles and approach - Comprehensive knowledge of community resources, programs, services including ESIA, local/ provincial housing, subsidy programs and residential tenancy rights and regulations - Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills - Reliable means of transportation (must own a working vehicle) - Provide a copy of a valid class 5 driver’s license, recent drivers abstract - Provide proof of motor vehicle insurance with 2 million in liability insurance - Experience using Microsoft Office (word, excel, outlook, access, power point) - Core Competency Training: Mental Health First Aid, ASIST and NVCI - Required Vulnerable Sector Check & Child Abuse Registrar must be provided prior to start of position - **Indigenous Ancestry considered an asset, m