Resource Center Service Specialist

Job Summary:

The Resource Center Service Specialist reports to the Program Manager of Homelessness Prevention. They will be part of the Resource Center Team and responsible for carrying out the policies and procedures of Options Housing under the direction of their program manager. The Resource Center Service Specialist will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the team through staff support as well as delivering client services in the Resource Centers. This position will assist the program manager through assuring that the agency values are expressed in all aspects of team practice. The Service Specialist scope of responsibility includes Housing and Community Support workers who are based out of Safer Supply locations and may include delivering client services in those locations on an as-needed basis.

Job Duties:

Service Specialist

· Act in a support capacity within the Resource Center Team by providing insight for daily operations and supporting the team to enable the program manager to undertake objectives that go beyond daily operations.

· Assist the program manager by providing on-site support to staff to address day-to-day issues and challenges relating to clients

· Encourage a positive atmosphere that promotes team development by acting as a mentor and providing guidance and motivation

· Partake in the orientation of new employees to their role in the resource center team, assists in the developing and conducting of on the job training

· Evaluate team-training needs and identifies and coordinates training opportunities with the program manager

· Assist in the preparation of statistics and other reports as per organizational and funder requirements, this includes a written summary of statistics and any found errors which are to be reviewed by the program manager.

· Notify the program manager in writing, of any errors found in record-keeping activities such as case notes, incident reports,

· Attend relevant community meetings/events as directed by the program manager

· Development and participate in interviews in an advisory capacity as required

· Work with the program manager to develop standardized processes, services and tools to ensure best practice

· The Resource Center Service Specialist will divide their time between Resource Center duties and Service Specialist duties on an as needed basis.

Front Line

· Administer agency specific intake and assessment tools as required.

· Assist new clients in all steps of lease signing and move-in.

• Provide, establish and maintain supportive relationships with clients

· Identify, in consultation with the client, housing and support needs.

· Provide professional housing and support services to clients on an as-needed basis.

• Facilitate the creation of a supportive environment to encourage tenant involvement in the tenants groups, committees, and all community life.
• Organize and monitor activities such as life skills workshops, educational workshops, sports activities, women's issues, outings, tournaments, computer skills, volunteering, etc.
• Provide services such as dispute resolution and crisis intervention when needed

· Support the clients to prepare tools/skills such as budgets, list of meaningful daily activities, personal guest policy, referral to money management services, etc.).

· Take pro-active steps to prevent a client at risk from losing their housing.

· Refer and link clients to other resources that would further support housing (e.g. mental health and substance use services, physical health supports, homemakers, visiting nurses, community health centres, social workers, hospital staff, etc.).

· Assist clients to access employment, educational and volunteer opportunities that promote self-sufficiency, independence and community integration.

· Work closely with our community partners and foster a productive and mutually respectful relationship.

· Case conference with other service providers, as required.

· Facilitate and coordinate program based client events

· Administer agency specific duties and procedures with regards to tenancies.

· Ensure that the workplace is a safe, clean, secure and welcoming place, accessible to all.

· Complete all necessary tenant data forms-enter data on computerized data base.

· Maintain accurate records and statistics, document all case notes in files, (i.e. inappropriate behaviours, meetings, eviction follow up, etc.).

· Ensure that appropriate staff (e.g. Management, co-workers) are informed of any client issues (tenants in crisis, etc.).

· Act as advocate for clients when needed.

· Other duties as required

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. In the course of performing the job, this position typically spends time sitting, standing, climbing stairs, walking, carrying (20lbs), and lifting (20lbs). The employee coordinates multiple tasks simultaneously and performs some repetitive motion activities.

Work Environment:

The employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using substances and/or not attentive to personal health and safety for themselves. The employee may experience a number of unpleasant sensory demands associated with the client's use of alcohol and drugs, the lack of personal care and the conditions within the client's apartment. The employee must be ready to respond quickly and effectively to many types of situations, including crisis situations and potentially hostile situations.

The employee may need to work with clients in their units and may be exposed to harsh conditions such as pests and communicable diseases.

Options Housing is committed to providing quality services by establishing a qualified workforce that reflects the diverse population it serves. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those with lived experience of homelessness, addictions, and mental health problems or illnesses.

Options Housing welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Accessible formats and communication supports are available for applicants on request.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $55,231.00-$60,300.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Mileage reimbursement
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience:

• working in community housing or homelessness sector: 3 years (required)
• supporting staff and acting in a leadership role: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person