Follow-Up Support Worker

HOUR: Permanent Full-time (37.5 hours per week), Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm

REPORTS TO: Housing First Team Lead

“Despite great challenges we believe unhealthy cycles can be broken, new opportunities created and, through healing, health restored.”

Reporting to the Housing Choice Program Manager, the Follow Up Support Worker manages a caseload of previously homeless individuals and/or families to maintain their housing by supporting them in accessing community resources and services to meet both their basic and complex needs. The Follow Up Support Worker will work in partnership with the landlord and other agencies as necessary to ensure a coordination of services.

The purpose of this role is to help these individuals maintain their housing status once they obtain a degree of independence. The Follow Up Support Worker is responsible for helping clients access services and programs that help their short-term and long-term needs. The Follow Up Support Worker should engage routinely with clients to ensure their needs and interests are being met by the services provided while also fostering an environment for clients to harness skills and habits that will aid in the betterment of their quality of life.

“We stand with our clients, side by side, patiently and for as long as they want – a constant and consistent caring force.”

Boyle Street Community Services (BSCS) is a values-driven organization that believes our clients are the experts in their own life. Your job will be to foster innovation with your team alongside our clients.

Key Areas Of Responsibilities

Program Supports

• Deliver and maintain the Housing First program under BSCS core values.
• Build rapport with participants to create a strength-based, person-centered case plan.
• Carry a caseload of up to 20 participants.
• Assess barriers and needs with the participant to identify supports and resources needed for success.
• Support and advocate for participants at medical, legal, financial appointments, referrals, and transportation.
• Coordinate referrals to community support services, such as employment supports, home care, mental health care, treatment & recovery facilities, Children & Family Services, etc.
• Develop a crisis plan with the participant.
• Support participants in building skills in personal hygiene and household maintenance.
• Maintain monthly contact with landlords and build skills with participants for positive interactions with their landlord and/or resident manager.

Administration

• Maintain detailed case notes entered within 48 hours of interactions.
• Carry out assessments every 3 months, in addition to other program-related administration.
• Ensure all relevant documents are up to date and uploaded to Efforts to Outcomes (ETO).
• Ensure all financial documents are filled completely and accurately on time and approved by leadership.

Miscellaneous

• Provide overdose, crisis intervention, and de-escalation tactics as required.
• Assist in providing short-term housing supports with BSCS partners.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Team Lead and/or Manager.
• Participate in community events, including fundraising campaigns, running community meals, etc.

Education, Experience & Skills

• Degree in Human Services field. Candidates without a degree but with post-secondary education and relevant experience will also be considered.
• A strong commitment to upholding the values of Boyle Street Community Services.
• Great attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and ability to multi-task.
• Ability to solve problems for clients quickly, creatively, and ethically.
• Proven ability to work in a respectful and client-centered manner.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint).
• De-escalation skills for aggressive clients.
• At least 2 years of experience delivering community-based services.
• Knowledge of Landlord and Tenant Legislation.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices, motivational interviewing skills, and cognitive behavioral techniques.
• Experience networking with a range of partners and stakeholders.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of poverty-related issues, trends, and services, particularly within the urban aboriginal population.

Training & Screening Requirements

• Valid First Aid certificate required.
• Police Information Check kept up to date (every 3 years).
• Child and Youth Intervention record kept up to date (every 3 years).
• Valid class 5 license and reliable vehicle as local travel is required.

Why Work for Boyle?

• All work done positively impacts the community and its members!
• Access to Lumino Health, including Stress & Wellness support.
• Employee activities and events throughout the year.
• Various training initiatives and development opportunities.

Boyle Street Community Services aims to foster a work environment that is rich with Indigenous culture, teachings, ceremonies, and activities as a reflection of the communities we serve and the land we reside upon.

Boyle Street Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of the communities we serve and are committed to engaging and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce. Boyle Street Community Services welcomes applications from First Nation, Inuit, Métis, New Canadian, differently abled, and LGBTQ2S communities.