Hearthstone Prevention Assistant

Job Description

Title: Hearthstone Prevention Assistant

Location: Fresh Start Services – 133 Prine Edward st, Saint John, NB E2L 3S3

Department: Homeless Prevention Services

Job Classification and rate of pay: 5 contract ending March 31, 2026 (with potential to renew). Rate of Pay: $23/hr @ 32hrs/ weekly – 64 hrs/bi-weekly - 7.5 hr shifts/ 3 days a week.

Supervision and Direction Position Receives: Employee performs duties within established policy guidelines, goals and objectives, and has a primary responsibility for delivery of an area of work. The employee works under the direction and supervision of the Prevention Coordinator in addition to the Executive Director.

Qualifications and Experience: Some University or College degree or relevant education/training in counseling and/or group facilitation; lives experience is welcome; fluent in English and French (Preferred)- written and spoken; experience working in the field; demonstrated understanding of mental health, addictions, treatment of concurring disorders, trauma informed care, and community issues in context of a diverse community; demonstrated leadership and excellent organizational skills essential. Competence in computer applications is essential, minimum Microsoft Office Suite; and knowledge of web-based materials, databases and social media are definite assets.

General Summary and Competencies: The Hearthstone Prevention Staff contribute to the overall success of the program/organization by effectively completing various tasks, relating to clients maintaining housing and assisting with support to maintain housing. Self-directed and enthusiastic, the coordinator is responsible to meet the milestones, as set out in the agreed upon expected outcomes.

Essential Duties of Position: Employee advances the vision and mission of Fresh Start Services.

Project delivery

• Work closely with supervisors, and other team members at Fresh Start to ensure project outcomes are being met. Consulting regularly with regards to clients' progress, behavior, challenges and supports required.

• Assess referrals and do intake of individuals considered for Prevention of homelessness and direct to other resources when appropriate.

• Oversee, record, and initiate payments for homeless prevention through the Emergency Prevention Fund. Quarterly funds review and adjustments.

• Collaborate with community partners and case workers and maintain communication with them for important client updates. Coordination of regular case management reviews and case conferencing with partner agencies and case managers.

• Attend community meetings in the spirit of coordinated access and building relationships in community. Keep community and partner organizations up to date on services and programs being offered at Fresh Start.

• Stay up to date on programs for service navigation. Other services being offered in community that could be beneficial to clients and case planning.

• Identify and develop additional resources for participants as per goal plans. Case plan for sustainability in goals.

• Ensure all forms of documents are completed, filed and kept up to date

• Maintain relationships with landlords and property managers to problem solve and provide support to prevent evictions.

• Mediate disputes and/or challenges between landlord and tenant, and tenant to tenant relationships where possible.

• Advocacy with government departments such as the TLRO and Housing NB for the best interest of serving clients and their unique needs.

• Ability to provide financial planning and assist with prioritized budgets when required.

• Active outreach in community to build relationships and identify individuals who are homeless.

• Provide active listening, crisis management, home visits, one-on-one sessions, as needed.

• Assist, encourage, and support individuals in the development of their housing/support plans and the accomplishment of self-identified goals.

• Keep detailed case notes for clients, clearly documenting their needs, goals, and referrals made.

• Make appropriate referrals to outside service providers when required.

Data Collection and Reporting:

• Keep compiled statistical data for Fresh Start and community partners

• Enter data into HIFIS

• Ensure that short term and long-term project objectives and outcomes are met, as delineated in funder's agreement

• Maintain call and release logs for the EHP Fund.

Additional duties:

• Effectively and appropriately use technology and social media to meet project outcomes.

• Participate in agency-related outreach sessions, initiatives, training or events.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must have successfully completed vulnerable sector/child abuse registry checks; must have own transportation.

• Must be open and non-judgemental in working with vulnerable clients living with homelessness, mental illness/mental health, substance use disorder and living with general poverty and the effects of trauma.

• Must have excellent critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.

Please attach cover letter, address to Kristen O'Hanley, and send applications or deliver to 133 Prince Edward street, Saint John, NB, E2L 3S3

Job Types: Fixed term contract, Part-time

Contract length: 3 months

Pay: $23.00 per hour

Application question(s):

• Are you able to successfully pass a Criminal Record, Vulnerable Sector and Social Development Screening Test
• Applicants must have ability to work in a fast paced environment with critical thinking and problem solving ability.

Education:

• Secondary School (preferred)

Work Location: In person