Support Worker jobs in St. Catharines, ON

Position: Highly Supportive Housing Worker – Clinical Focus

Program: HART HUB – Highly Supportive Housing (in partnership with Marathon Community Services)
Position Type: Full-time
Job Classification: New Positions
Reports to: Team Supervisor
Union Status: Non-Unionized
Contract End Date: March 31, 2028, with potential to extend

About Marathon Community Services

(Formerly known as Gateway Residential and Community Support Services)

Mission

Through a person-centred approach, we empower individuals to live lives of their choosing—to be independent in their way and housed safely and affordably.

Vision

We envision a future free from barriers, where all people are valued, connected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Values

Respect – We treat everyone with dignity and kindness, recognizing the inherent worth of people.

Inclusion – We honour diversity and actively work to ensure everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Compassion – We meet each person with empathy, understanding that everyone’s journey is unique.

Empowerment – We support people to make informed choices, take charge of their own growth, and persevere in the face of life’s challenges.

Job Summary

The Highly Supportive Housing Worker – Clinical Focus is responsible for building positive and therapeutic relationships with residents while providing crisis prevention and intervention, supportive counselling, case management, housing stabilization, and connections to community-based supports.

The successful candidates will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team that may include addiction counsellors, ACTT, peer support workers, case managers, medical professionals, cultural support services, and other community partners.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals referred through Coordinated Access and the By-Name List who are experiencing chronic homelessness and high-acuity mental health and addictions concerns.
• Build positive therapeutic relationships through client engagement, intake, and goal planning.
• Utilize person-centred, trauma-informed, and de-escalation techniques when supporting individuals in crisis.
• Provide supportive counselling, crisis prevention, and intervention within a 24-hour supportive housing environment.
• Work closely with the Team Supervisor/Program Manager to facilitate on-site programming and coordinate access to available supports, including CASON, ACTT, REACH, Quest, De Dwa Da Dehs Nye, and Peer Support services.
• Support clients in obtaining identification documents such as birth certificates, health cards, and age of majority cards.
• Assist clients with applications for Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Niagara Regional Housing, and other financial or housing supports.
• Provide housing stabilization supports including neighbourhood orientation, landlord/property management communication, account setup, and rent payment assistance where required.
• Educate clients on housing rights and responsibilities.
• Support clients in maintaining successful tenancy by promoting independent living skills, community integration, guest management, household maintenance, and positive neighbour relations.
• Promote a "No Wrong Door" approach by developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with community partners and facilitating referrals to appropriate services.
• Support clients with medication reminders and medication administration as required.
• Broker services that promote client goals, independence, and long-term housing stability.
• Advocate for participants' self-determination and independence in daily living.
• Collaborate with Recuperative Care staff, Personal Support Workers, and medical professionals to ensure clients receive appropriate care.
• Maintain positive working relationships with Niagara Health, EMS, Niagara Regional Police Service, Fire Services, and other emergency responders.
• Administer Naloxone (Narcan) and perform emergency lifesaving interventions, including CPR and chest compressions, when required.
• Maintain a safe environment for residents, staff, and visitors, including managing unauthorized visitors when necessary.
• Complete accurate, timely, and concise case notes and documentation within HIFIS and other required systems.
• Apply Housing First principles, harm reduction practices, and recovery-oriented approaches in service delivery.
• Observe all organizational health and safety policies and comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable regulations.
• Attend and participate in team meetings, training, and professional development opportunities as required.
• Support clients who are ready for less intensive support to transition to housing better suited to their needs.
• When required, work with staff in the Recuperative Care program to assist clients with accessing safe and affordable housing upon medical discharge.

This position description reflects the general duties of the position but is not intended to be a detailed description of all duties that may be inherent in the role. The Highly Supportive Housing Worker – Clinical Focus may also be assigned additional responsibilities as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is preferred. Candidates may also possess a Social Service Worker Diploma, a university degree in social services, or a closely related field. A combination of relevant education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities, as determined by the employer, will also be considered.
• A minimum of 1 year of work experience in mental health and/or addictions.
• One year of experience working with people experiencing homelessness.
• A valid G driver's licence with access to a reliable vehicle and permission to carry a rider, with $2 million liability coverage.
• Availability to work every other weekend.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training is an asset.
• Must possess a valid First Aid/CPR certification that does not expire within six (6) months of hire. If certification expires, the employee is responsible for all renewal costs.
• Naloxone (Narcan) training is an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Housing First principles and supportive housing practices.
• Knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation, recovery-oriented practice, and harm reduction philosophy.
• Understanding of case management, including assessment, service planning, monitoring, evaluation, and applicable legislation.
• Knowledge of human rights legislation and legal responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong conflict resolution, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Computer proficiency, including HIFIS, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and related software.
• Good organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development.
• Strong ethics and commitment to confidentiality.
• Ability to monitor financial supports and client accountabilities.
• Physically able to perform all duties of the position.
• Bilingual in both French and English is an asset.

Police Clearance and Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements

To ensure the safety of the individuals we serve, all successful candidates for these positions will be required to provide a Police Clearance and Vulnerable Sector Check from their local police service. A clear Vulnerable Sector Check is a condition of employment.

Any prior convictions or offences (outside the scope of the Vulnerable Sector Check) will be assessed in accordance with applicable privacy and human rights legislation. A criminal record may be considered in the hiring decision, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Applicants will have the opportunity to discuss any relevant information once the check is requested.

Work Conditions

• Working directly with individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use, and complex support needs.
• Working in a highly supportive housing environment where crisis intervention may be required.
• May be exposed to infectious waste, communicable diseases, and other health-related risks.
• Exposure to traumatic situations and emotionally demanding circumstances.
• Frequent interaction with residents, families, community partners, healthcare providers, and emergency services.
• Travel within the community may be required using the employee's own vehicle.
• Manual dexterity required to operate desktop computers and related technology.
• Intermittent physical activity including walking, standing, sitting, and responding to emergencies.
• May be exposed to environments containing cigarette smoke, drug paraphernalia, or illegal substances.

Additional Information

AI Use Disclosure (Ontario Employment Standards Act – ESA)

In accordance with Ontario’s Employment Standards Act and related job posting requirements, this employer does not use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to screen, assess, or select applicants at any stage of the recruitment or hiring process. All applications are reviewed by our hiring team.

Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Marathon Community Services is committed to supporting a culture of diversity and inclusiveness across the organization. We believe in equal opportunity, and it is our priority to ensure a barrier-free recruitment and selection process.

If you are contacted for an interview, please notify Human Resources of any accommodation needs you may have during the selection process. Information received regarding the accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Pay: From $28.23 per hour

Application question(s):

• Do you have a BSW?
• Access to reliable vehicle
• Email Address (Required)
• Phone Number (Required)
• Do you have a SSW or a degree in a closely related field (this is required)?

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Experience:

• working with people experiencing homlessness: 1 year (required)
• Working in mental health and addictions: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Full G Driver's license (not G1 or G2) (required)
• CPR First Aid Level C AED (preferred)
• NVCI (preferred)

Work Location: In person