Homelessness Services Worker

salvationarmyca; St. Catharines; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Canada is seeking a Homelessness Services Worker to support men in shelters and the community by providing intake, assessment and housing options. You will work within a harm-reduction framework, partnering with landlords and agencies to help clients transition to stable housing.

Responsibilities include case planning, progress reviews, and documentation, with emphasis on client dignity and advocacy.

Qualifications

• Experience providing casework in housing or homelessness services.
• Ability to assess client needs and develop housing plans.
• Strong communication and collaboration with partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide intake, assessment and referral services, crisis intervention and eviction prevention for shelter clients.
• Develop and implement case plans and monitor progress with clients.
• Coordinate with landlords, community agencies and funders to secure housing options and supports.
• Maintain confidential client records and documentation per policy.

Skills

Case management

Crisis intervention

Harm reduction

Advocacy

Client communication

Tools

HIFIS

Job description

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY: The Homelessness Services Worker is responsible to provide housing options and assistance to men within our shelter and the community at large. Perform casework and group related duties, with an emphasis on meeting the needs of all clients. The focus of our services is to ensure clients are transitioned into more stable housing alternatives.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Case Management

• Provide intake, assessment and referral services, assistance in accessing resources, crisis intervention and eviction prevention services, outreach, and mediation in relation to the shelter program.
• Develop and implement case management of assigned clients; assist clients in establishing goals, monitoring progress, and preparing discharge plans.
• Meet with a service user every 10-14 days to review, revise and update their housing plan. High acuity service users may require more frequent, intensive support time frames.
• Maintain caseload with regularly scheduled sessions and record keeping on all contacts and sessions as required by policy and procedures.
• Perform social histories to gather information and identify problems; formulate case plans to help clients meet their needs; perform discharge procedures for clients as assigned.
• Use standard diversion practices and tools prior to each intake to shelter.
• Provide services using the principles of harm reduction, risk assessment, and a trauma informed approach.
• Direct clients to agencies that will assist clients with resume preparation and job searches in connection with their housing plan.
• Within the client's existing environment encourage, where applicable, positive life-style alternatives: socialization, grooming and hygiene, external social opportunities, respect for dignity of themselves and others, support client ownership of own actions and problem-solving.
• Monitor appropriate behavior; intervene in crisis situations, provide emotional support and advocacy as required.
• Ensure appropriate communication of relevant concerns being mindful of the guidelines of the referral base and confidentiality procedures: maintain confidentiality of all client records, documenting all relevant information and update logs and client files regularly.
• Encourage clients in the maintenance of good personal hygiene, housekeeping and general life skills.
• Enforce program rules and expectations on a consistent basis with clients.

Collaborative Partnerships

• Liaise and develop relationships with landlords and property managers within HRM.
• Develop a list of viable housing stock and options for men transitioning to independence within this housing program.
• Liaise with other agencies on behalf of men and programs and participate in community committees, projects, or activities as appropriate.
• Work cooperatively with the community partners and complete necessary documentation as required.
• Network with Salvation Army, government and community social service providers to coordinate resources for the benefit of clients and programs.
• Engage in the development of inter-personal relationships that promote dignity and respect.
• Perform required scheduled check-ins of clients, unit visits and room inspections.
• May liaise with police, funders, court personnel, community agencies, families, and other staff members.
• Coordinate care services; help clients identify and obtain resources.
• Seek to enhance own role with service providers as to build confidence and trust.

Administration

• Compile and maintain accurate case files and appropriate documentation related to clients and initiates and any new documentation.
• Complete all reports required by the funder and The Salvation Army, including HIFIS.
• Compile statistics and data for accessing housing supports that will assist with the outcomes and evaluation of this housing initiative.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Internal

• Direct supervisor and members of the management team
• Other ministry unit staff

External

• Niagara Region Homelessness Services
• Community service partners