Support Worker jobs in Kitchener, ON

About the Job:

Reporting to the Supervisor 84 Frederick Street Transitional Program, the Housing Stability Worker will be responsible for initiating and maintaining relationships with private market landlords to create housing opportunities for residents of the 84 Frederick Street Transitional Program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Liaising with landlords to access private market housing opportunities for clients that are safe, well maintained, and affordable.
• Evaluating and recommending suitable housing placements that would meet client needs
• Act as the first point of contact for landlords, providing information, education and support regarding housing issues.
• Targeting housing search efforts in keeping with program prioritization criteria
• Participating in weekly housing team meetings offering concise updates of housing status for caseload
• Providing housing availability to the team in an efficient and timely manner. Maintaining strong collaborative working relationships with members of the team
• Supporting landlords by troubleshooting/problem solving issues related to tenancies and provide conflict resolution in partnership with client and primary worker, to avert potential eviction
• Providing clients with information on tenant rights and responsibilities
• Researching housing topics, collect and organize housing information for organizational staff. Providing input into ongoing policy, service enhancement, and program evaluation
• Maintaining appropriate record keeping/documentation, client files, statistical and outcome measurement tools, meeting agency and partner timelines
• Assuring all relevant information pertaining to clients is disseminated to appropriate staff members in a timely fashion
• Performing additional duties as required/delegated by Management

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary college diploma or university degree in human services/social work.
• Experience in sales and/or real estate field an asset
• Knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act
• At least 3 years of experience with the homeless in an outreach or shelter setting
• Experience working with high risk adults with persistent mental health challenges
• Ability to work as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, consisting of partner agencies
• Demonstrated understanding of the impacts of addiction, mental health, homelessness and poverty
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals living with multiple barriers to stable housing
• Demonstrated awareness and belief in the value of harm reduction principles
• Strong engagement, conflict resolution, and advocacy skills
• Demonstrated skills in performing assessments and on the spot risk assessments

• Able to work with minimal direction or supervision
• Highly flexible, with solid interpersonal skills that allow one to work effectively in a diverse working environment
• Experience and sensitivity in dealing with members of different cultural and racial backgrounds, including visible and invisible dimensions of diversity
• Able to obtain and maintain a Vulnerable Sector Police Records Check
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Non-violent crisis intervention, ASIST, CPR, and First Aid Certification
• A valid Ontario Class “G” License and a vehicle with adequate insurance coverage are also required
• Ability to work evening and weekend shifts

Reporting Function:

The Housing Stability Worker will report directly to Supervisor, UA Transitional Program. They will work with both internal and external partners and will interact with all levels within the organization. They will have no supervisory responsibilities.

They will be a support system, resource, and an advocator for the team and Company.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Hours are typically Saturday and Sunday | 11:00am to 7:30pm but may vary depending on client needs.
• Able to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods of time
• Able to answer and communicate telephone calls and general computer use
• Able to lift up to 20lbs (product, documents, etc.)
• Vehicle travel to sites for community engagement and open doors as required.

Ship Values:

• Compassion, Hope, Inclusive, Respect, Professional

“SHIP strives to be equitable and inclusive in all that we do. Equity is a core value, and we are committed to providing an inclusive selection process. We encourage applicants from equity deserving communities including women, Black, Indigenous, other racialized groups, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, individuals with disabilities and others who will contribute to and enrich the organization and its values. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes, and work environments. Please advise the People and Culture Department of any accommodations needed in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process”.