Housing Support Worker

**FULL-TIME, TERM**

**TERM PERIOD: AS SOON AS POSSIBLE - AUGUST 13, 2027**

Since 1987, Phoenix has been dedicated to supporting youth and contributing to a vibrant community. Phoenix’s over fourteen locations in Halifax, N.S. provide a continuum of care for youth aged 11-24 and their families. Our team of caring professionals recognizes that each person who comes to us has individual needs as well as strengths. People are the leaders in their own lives; Phoenix is a leader in supporting them.

A staff group that represents the diversity of the people and communities we serve is of the utmost importance. Phoenix is committed to reducing barriers that have traditionally impacted access to employment and career growth. As such, we encourage those interested to self-identify their ethnicity, and or race, gender, sexuality, ability, etc. We also invite you to share your pronouns in your cover letter or resume.

**Position Overview**: The Housing Support Worker works with youth, staff of Phoenix Centre for Youth (PCFY) and Phoenix Youth Shelter (PYS), as well as landlords, mental health, addictions, and any other supports and services that will support youth to access and maintain their housing. The initial focus of this position will be to facilitate shared accommodations for youth that maximizes opportunities for youth housing considering income parameters from various sources, including ESIA benefits.

**Program Overview (PCFY)**: Phoenix Centre for Youth is a street-front, walk-in service offering counselling, referral to community resources, advocacy, health services, parenting support, food, showers, and laundry facilities for youth aged 16-24 who are unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused.

The Housing Support Worker will work in a shared office space located in a three-storey building in downtown Halifax. Access to the building and its interior is via stairs. The facility features gender-neutral washrooms, staff and youth kitchens, private offices, a common room for youth visiting the Centre, computer access for youth, parenting supplies, and a donation room.

**Program Overview (PYS)**: Phoenix Youth Shelter is a 20-bed emergency shelter for youth. Services offered include support, crisis intervention, the provision of basic needs, referrals, on-site health care, and support to develop independent living skills. In addition, staff support and provide guidance for securing housing, education, parenting support, exploring career options, and accessing income assistance and recreational opportunities.

Staff at the Shelter work in a shared office space in a four-storey residential building in the South End of Halifax. Access to the building is by stairs or ramp; access to the upper floors of the building is by stairs only. The facility features gender-neutral washrooms, a shared kitchen, private and shared offices, common areas for youth, private bedrooms for youth, hygiene supplies, and a donation room. Staff are provided with meals and snacks on shift

**Compensation**:**$49,779 base annual salary (prorated for the duration of the term), comprehensive group medical insurance plan, Employee and Family Assistance Program, 3% employer paid RRSP contribution, 3 weeks of vacation in the first year and 4 weeks of vacation in the second year, generous sick leave, a generous paid holiday schedule, in-house trainings, and professional development opportunities.

**Reports to**: Manager, Phoenix Centre for Youth

**Location**: Phoenix Centre for Youth, Coburg Rd.

**Hours of Work**: 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., with some flexibility for evening work.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Work in accordance with Phoenix’s policies, procedures, and framework of practice.
- Work with youth and other Phoenix programs to create effective housing plans that address the issues of those who experience housing insecurity.
- Work in collaboration with staff of Phoenix Centre for Youth, especially the other Housing Support Worker and the Trusteeship Worker, and Phoenix Youth Shelter to assist youth in the creation of housing/goal planning.
- Provide support for a caseload of approximately 20-25 youth within the housing program.
- Liaise and develop relationships with landlords and property managers within HRM.
- Develop a list of viable housing stock and options for youth transitioning to independence within this housing program.
- Help youth move into or out of their apartments. This involves moving their belongings including furniture and often necessitates a full cleaning of the apartment.
- Provide for youth: intake, assessment and referral services, assistance in accessing resources, crisis intervention and eviction prevention services, outreach, mediation for youth and their families in relation to the Housing Support program.
- Liaise with other agencies on behalf of youth and programs and participate in community committees, projects, or activities as appropriate.
- Work in collaboration with