Homelessness Services Worker

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
 

MANAGERIAL/TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY:
• This position reports directly to the Emergency Shelter Manager.
• Initial and primary point-of-contact for all shelter service users with respect to their immediate needs and housing needs.
• This position has no direct reports but does give some direction to volunteers and students.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:
• Handles bus tickets, transportation and clothing vouchers, utilizing appropriate forms, and tracking documents.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Schedule may vary according to requirements of responsibilities – some weekend and evening work may be required.
• May deal with clients who become angry.
• May encounter verbal abuse.
The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, exemplifying Christian standards of conduct.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Qualifications and Certifications:
• College diploma in social services and/or combination of education and life-related experience in working with marginalized individuals.
• Completion of Non-Violence Crisis Intervention Training, or willingness to obtain.
• Current First Aid and CPR, or willingness to obtain.
• Training in Naloxone administration and Mental Health First Aid.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:
• Minimum of two (2) year prior related experience in front line work in a social service setting.
• Respect and understanding of The Salvation Army - its mission, culture, and values

Skills and Capabilities:
• Solid background of how to work with people from diverse backgrounds and enjoy assisting others to solve problems.
• Knowledge of issues facing persons experiencing housing crisis.
• Knowledge and sound understanding of the mental health and addictions support systems available to individuals in the Niagara Region.
• Knowledge of various social issues pertaining to homelessness and its impact on the clients served.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and under supervision.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including those experiencing mental health and addictions.
• To maintain confidentiality in all matters pertaining to clientele and staff of The Salvation Army.
• Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment when making decisions.
• To communicate effectively and efficiently in a positive manner as it relates to all levels of interaction with colleagues, clients and community.
• Experience with or willingness to learn program specific software such as HIFIS.
• A high degree of proficiency in duties as well as being able to handle and prioritize numerous tasks and evident desire for self-development, ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Sensitive and empathetic to vulnerability of clientele.
• Competent with MS Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s license and current copy of driver’s abstract that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.
• Provide an original copy of a Criminal Records Check (CRC) with vulnerable sector screening secured through either the national Canadian Police Information Centre or through a local police detachment. Note: A satisfactory criminal background check and an Enhanced Reliability Status Screening with Corrections Canada are required.

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $23.10 to $28.88 with a maximum of $34.65.

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 Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.