Housing First Case Manager, Housing Specialist

Housing First Case Manager, Housing Specialist

Job Title: Housing First Case Manager, Housing Specialist

Status: Regular Full-Time

Hours: 35 hrs/week

Pay scale: $31.825-$37.44/hr

Benefits: Cost-shared health and dental benefits, HOOPP pension plan eligibility

Who are we?

Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre is an innovative, community-based, multi-service centre. We strive to meet the needs of the diverse communities we serve. We work in partnership with individuals, families, and communities to achieve their full potential, paying particular attention to those who face barriers to care due to race, gender, income and/or ability. PQCHC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. If at any stage in the selection process, you require accommodation due to a disability, please let us know the nature of the required accommodation.

Job Summary:

The Families First Program provides intensive support to families leaving the City’s Shelter System and/or who are housed, but at risk of homelessness. The goal of the program is to have families establish themselves in their communities and develop resources that will support stability and prevent homelessness.

This position provides housing-based case management to families as well as offering expertise in housing subsidies to colleagues. The position will hold a primary case load as well supporting staff to ensure rental subsidy applications and renewals are correctly completed, submitted, and actioned. This involves direct service provision and partnership building with the City’s Rent Supplement Office, shelter case workers, Ontario Works, social housing providers and private landlords.

Job Specific Responsibilities

• Provides intensive, direct support to families (in their homes and virtually) who have been referred to the Families First Program.
• Assesses the needs and strengths of families using intake and point in time assessment tools to coordinate and implement a plan of support/service delivery.
• Completes housing intakes, goal planning and discharge plans for all families.
• Works collaboratively with families by establishing short-term and long-term goals using a strengths-based and client-centered approach.
• Assesses and makes referrals to community resources as required.
• Assists families in making necessary contacts with community groups and resources based on assessed needs.
• Attends and contributes to multi-agency meetings that bring together practitioners from different sectors as part of a team around the housing first approach.
• Provides follow-up contact with families, including regular home visits.
• Balances and prioritizes competing demands of a caseload.
• Maintains electronic client records and protects the confidentiality of the information.
• Works with colleagues through a team approach to apply coordinated, multi-disciplinary support to families in the program.
• Operates in an effective, efficient and client-focused manner to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
• Assists clients to access services, make appointments and complete forms.
• Participates in regular chart reviews and case conferences.
• Participates in data collection and analysis as required.
• Assists in the development of procedures and guidelines for the Families First program and in the overall planning and development of the Families First program.
• Performs chart audits and other related duties as requested.
• Supports and participates in information sharing, Families First Working groups and other PQCHC committees and initiatives.
• Provides support to Families First Case Managers to ensure rental subsidy applications and renewals are correctly completed, submitted, and actioned. This involves being the key point of contact on matters related to subsidy entitlements and rental payments with the City’s Rent Supplement Office, shelter case workers, Ontario Works, social housing providers and private landlords. In rare cases in which clients need to move during their tenure with Families First, the Housing Specialist may also assist with housing search.
• Undertakes other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge and Key Competencies

• Knowledge of, and experience working with community resources.
• Creative use of community resources to maximize opportunities to meet client goals.
• Strong knowledge of rental subsidy programs including COHB, Large Family Allowance and Rent Geared to Income.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and collaborate with individuals, client groups, agencies, and other organizations.
• Establishes trusting and meaningful relationships with families.
• Demonstrated crisis intervention, de-escalation, problem solving, conflict resolution, and advocacy skills.
• Excellent customer service, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Effective at building good interpersonal relationships; ability to be flexible and patient when interacting with clients, peers, and volunteers.
• Knowledge of the political, structural, and sociological reasons for homelessness and poverty.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and sensitivity to people from diverse cultural, mental health and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Familiarity with the Residential Tenancy Act.

Qualifications and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in health or social science from a recognized university or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of three years’ experience in a community-based setting with an emphasis on community outreach and working with unhoused populations.
• Experience in case management with individuals and families facing barriers, including immigrants and refugees.
• Experience and training in working with people with trauma/mental health and/or substance use issues, as well as individuals who have experienced domestic violence.
• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness or who have challenges in obtaining and maintaining housing.
• Experience working with all levels of professionals in community agencies and government offices.

Personal Suitability/Other Requirements

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and sensitivity to people from diverse cultural, mental health and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Fluency in English essential, other languages desirable.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and various software applications.