Highly Supportive Housing Worker - Clinical Focus

Marathon Community Services; Welland; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Marathon Community Services is seeking a Highly Supportive Housing Worker - Clinical Focus in the Niagara Region to support individuals experiencing chronic homelessness with mental health and addictions concerns. You will build therapeutic relationships and plan goals with clients in a 24-hour supportive housing setting.

You will collaborate with partners, assist with documentation, access supports, and promote Housing First and harm-reduction approaches to empower tenants toward independence

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) preferred; other related degrees or diplomas will be considered.
• Minimum of 1 year in mental health/addictions and homelessness experience.
• Valid G driver's license with reliable vehicle and 2 million liability.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals referred through Coordinated Access and By-Name List who are experiencing chronic homelessness and high-acuity mental health/addictions concerns.
• Build positive therapeutic relationships through client engagement, intake, and goal planning.
• Provide supportive counselling, crisis prevention, and intervention within a 24-hour housing environment.
• Coordinate access to supports (CASON, ACTT, REACH, Quest, De Dwa Da Dehs Nye, Peer Support).
• Assist clients with identification documents and applications for OW/ODSP and other supports.
• Educate clients on housing rights, tenancy maintenance, and independent living skills.
• Promote Housing First, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented approaches in service delivery.

Skills

Client engagement

Crisis intervention

Documentation

Communication

Team collaboration

Bilingual EN/FR

Conflict resolution

Mental health support

De-escalation

Education

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Social Service Worker Diploma

University degree in social services

Tools

HIFIS

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

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 that are ready for less intensive support to transition to housing better suited for 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, or a University Degree in social services, or a closely related field. Additionally, a combination of relevant education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities, as determined by the employer, will be considered
• A minimum of 1 year of work experience in mental health and/or addictions and One-year experience working with people experiencing homelessness
• A valid G drivers’ license with access to a reliable vehicle and permission to carry rider attached with 2 million-dollar liability
• Must be available to work nights and every other weekend
• Must be available to work a minimum of four shifts each month
• 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
• Bi-lingual 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 this position 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 offenses (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.

Additional Information

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). Gateway 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 respondents for their applications but only those selected for an interview