Housing Case Worker

The Salvation Army; Kingston; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army is seeking a Housing Case Worker to provide services aimed at obtaining and maintaining housing for individuals in need. This full-time position involves engaging with vulnerable clients, offering support and referrals, as well as managing case documentation. Candidates should have experience in social services, strong communication skills, and the ability to work in a trauma-informed care setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years experience working with those living in poverty or mental health sectors.
• Bilingual in English and French preferred.
• Ability to utilize assessment protocols in service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach services to those living in the rough to understand their housing needs.
• Maintain case files for each household and complete necessary applications.
• Assist individuals with navigating the social service system.

Skills

Communication

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Completion of a two (2) year Community College Diploma

First Aid & CPR Certification

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

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 Housing Case Worker will provide a range of services to obtain and/or maintain housing offered through the Prevention and Diversion Services program.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Client Services

• Provide all aspects of client services as outlined in the city of Kingston’s Housing and Homelessness Services System.
• Provide intake using the Coordinated Intake protocol to determine client eligibility and entrance to the Prevention and Diversion or Assessment for Housing First programs
• Provide outreach services to those ‘living in the rough’ to understand their housing needs and begin the engagement and triage process
• Provide light support for addressing immediate and urgent needs such assisting with income. supports or identification; initiating referrals to mainstream services, including health care; and other time limited activities while the individual is waiting for ongoing case management support.
• Provide referrals and community support to assist households with maintaining tenancy.
• Assist individuals with low literacy and computer skills to complete documentation and online applications for housing and supports.
• Support vulnerable clients with addiction and mental health issues.
• Assisting individuals with navigating the social service system to ensure persons receive the supports needed.
• Collaboration with community services/agencies to provide life skills and programming
• Offer general housing assistance or information as requested.
• Assist the household to secure financial assistance to meet tenancy obligations such as paying rent, utilities etc.
• Ensure household have the tools to maintain tenancy using referrals to community support.
• Assess client suitability to internal and external programs and agencies as required.

Administrative

• Maintain case files for each household including accurate documentation, ensuring all appropriate forms and case notes are completed
• Complete applications for the Discretionary Residency Benefit Fund as appropriate, forwarding applications to the City of Kingston for review and approval.
• Complete Social Housing Applications and daily client activity reports and sign-in sheets.
• Ensure accurate collection and maintenance of data; submit monthly and quarterly statistics
• Ensure the completion of accurate record keeping and management in accordance with relevant privacy legislation
• Attend internal and quarterly Prevention and Diversion meetings
• Participate in staff meetings, information sharing and staff debriefing

Health & Safety

• Ensure that the work area is maintained regarding appearance, condition and safety as recommended by Public Health including outside spaces where individuals may congregate
• Ensure safe disposal of all drug paraphernalia found on property
• Work in compliance with the OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a full-time position based on 37.5 hours per week
• The Supervisor will set the hours of work and work schedule.
• Working environment is typically in the office or out in the community in generally agreeable conditions.
• Ability to lift/move up to 25 pounds.
• This job requires sitting, standing, and driving.
• Travel is not associated with this position.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of a two (2) year Community College Diploma preferably in a Social Services/Addictions related field.
• First Aid & CPR Certification.
• Bilingual in English and French preferred.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certification would be an asset.

Experience and Knowledge:

• Minimum of two years experience working with those living in poverty, dealing with housing and homelessness issues and/or mental health sectors.
• Ability to utilize assessment protocols in the delivery of services.
• Awareness of homelessness and affordable housing issues within the community and Housing First strategies to end homelessness.
• Able to integrate harm reduction and trauma informed care approaches as appropriate in daily interactions with individuals, and families.
• Effective use of assertive engagement techniques as appropriate in interactions.
• Understanding of residential tenancy act and role of Landlord Tenant Board, in landlord Tenant disputes; residential tenancy act and role of Landlord Tenant Board, in landlord Tenant disputes.
• Knowledge of resources in the community for individuals, and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, living in poverty or living with mental health and addiction issues.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Ability to work within a Trauma Informed Care setting.
• Effective interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Proficient in working in a computerized environment; must demonstrate strong skills using Microsoft Office.
• Self-motivated/disciplined.
• Exhibit strong problem solving, conflict resolution and mediation skills within a solution focused framework.
• Communication – strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills
• Ability to work with little supervision but also able to accept direction as required.
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening.
• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $21.83 to $27.29 with a maximum of $32.75.

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [e-mail] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.