Housing Support 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

JOB SUMMARY To work primarily with clients from The Salvation Army Halifax Centre of Hope, Men’s Emergency Shelter and Transitional Apartments and help them achieve long term housing within the community. To work with the clients to create effective plans that address their ongoing issues of homelessness and strive to overcome them. To work as a member of the team at Halifax Centre of Hope, supporting the total ministry that occurs there. To provide support for a caseload of up to 75 within housing placement program. POSITION OBJECTIVES and RESPONSIBILITIES Service Responsibilities: Ensure support program delivery congruent with the Centre of Hope’s (COH) Mission, Vision and Values. Work in accordance with COH policies, procedures and philosophy of practice. 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. Provide for men: intake, assessment and referral services, assistance in accessing resources, crisis intervention and eviction prevention services, outreach and mediation in relation to the Housing Support program. Liaise with other agencies on behalf of men and programs and participate in community committees, projects or activities as appropriate. Work in collaboration with other Housing Support Workers within HRM. (Example: Metro Turning.) Advocate with community agencies to ensure that the needs, barriers and strengths of males who are at-risk and homeless are addressed. Conduct public education presentations about the issues of homeless males. Complete and maintain records, assessments, daily statistics and files, and ensure confidentiality is protected. Compile statistics and data for accessing housing supports that will assist with the outcomes and evaluation of this housing initiative. Commit to the development of COH projects and activities and participate in internal committees. Assist in program and service development to ensure that quality, effective and client-centered programs and services are delivered. Provide a supportive environment and foster a therapeutic milieu that promotes empowerment. Supervise field placement students as required. Perform other duties a required; Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Demonstrated skill applicable to a client-directed approach and a social justice perspective. Knowledge of mental health issues, substance abuse and crisis intervention. Demonstrate knowledge of Trusteeship programs and effective money management. Demonstrated exceptional level of interpersonal, communication and organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to build appropriate and healthy rapport with at-risk and homeless persons. Extensive knowledge of community resources and the social service delivery system. Ability to work in a team environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and using the Internet. Demonstrated a high level of understanding of the issues of homelessness. Organization Responsibilities: Ability to work within the mandate of The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement. To expect to help with occasional “special occasions” after hours: i.e. Feast of Christmas, resident’s Christmas Party, to be supportive to Chapel programs. ROLE COMPETENCIES Communication Leadership Independent Networking Interpersonal skills Organizational skills Counselling WORKING CONDITIONS The incumbent’s work environment is typically at work sites within various residential or community settings. The incumbent will work under the following disagreeable conditions: dealing with angry and abusive people, verbal abuse, odours, and exposure to drugs and alcohol.