Housing and Community Support Worker

Options Housing is looking for two dynamic individuals to join our Supportive Housing team in the position of Housing & Community Support Worker.

They will be part of a team responsible for carrying out the policies and procedures of Options Housing under the direction of the Program Manager of Supportive Housing. They will provide housing and support services to tenants residing in their locations of work.

Main Duties

• 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 tenants.  Identify, in consultation with the client, housing and support needs.
• Provide professional housing and support services to tenants on an as-needed basis.
• Support, through hands-on coaching and practical assistance daily routines such as house cleaning, meal planning, shopping and laundry that will promote client self sufficiency an independence.
• Provide support and assistance in the development of skills necessary to independent living.
• Facilitate the creation of a supportive environment to encourage tenant involvement in the Tenants groups, committees, other tenant groups 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 tenant at risk from losing his/her housing.
• Refer and link clients to other resources that would further support housing (e.g. mental health and addiction 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.
• Provide some basic counselling and make appropriate referrals as necessary.
• Assist tenants to develop a pleasant and stable living environment.  Deal with social problems and crisis situations that may arise.
• Work closely with our community partners and foster a productive and mutually respectful relationship.
• Case conference with other service providers, as required.
• Attend relevant meetings such as community meetings, outreach with shelters, drop-in centres, etc.
• Assist in the planning and carrying out of community-wide events held at Options Housing or in the Resource Centre.
• 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, relief) is informed of any client issues (tenants in crisis, etc.).
• Act as advocate for your clients.
• Other duties as required

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 Type: Full-time

Pay: $51,824.00-$56,580.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Experience:

• Housing Support: 1 year (preferred)
• working with a vulnerable population: 1 year (preferred)
• Social Services: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person