Good Shepherd Centres·Hamilton, Ontario
The specialist provides low-barrier permanent supportive housing and individualized care plans for women and non-binary individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Responsibilities include offering supportive counselling, facilitating community integration, and ensuring a trauma-informed, safe environment.
At Good Shepherd, we are committed to providing hope and enhancing dignity and self-determination for individuals and families. To learn more about Good Shepherd, visit our website at www.goodshepherdcentres.ca. This opportunity is with our Good Shepherd - Women's Services - Dorothy Day Place How You Will Make an Impact Dorothy Day Place provides low-barrier permanent supportive housing to cis women, trans and non-binary individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness in the community. The program will offer a hospitable and respectful environment for people who face significant personal and structural barriers to accessing and maintaining housing. Commitment to the provision of cultural safety and Trans/Gender positive space is prioritized. Dorothy Day will operate within a trauma-informed, feminist, anti-racist/anti-oppressive framework and firmly rooted in harm reduction principles. A demonstrated commitment to the values of responsibility, availability, adaptability, quality, and dignity Work in partnership with program participants to establish individualized care plans, assist to develop and maintain safety plans, encourage community integration through the use of participant-driven self-help and special interest initiatives Provide supportive counselling, education and information on trauma, mental health and harm reduction Participate in complex care planning meetings and case conferences involving relevant clinical and community supports as well as provide accompaniment to community-based appointments Hospitality and availability are aided by providing an environment that is welcoming and dignified Demonstrate flexibility in the carrying out of work in response to participant and organizational needs and must be able to adapt to a fast-paced environment Responsible for participating in Good Shepherd's Health and Safety programs, procedures and work in compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations to minimize risk to clients, staff and others as well as to the property of the Good Shepherd What You'll Bring to Our Team A minimum of 1-year experience delivering direct client care in a social services setting. Completion of post-secondary education in a related field is required Understand and utilize feminist, client-directed, anti-oppression, anti-racism frameworks and harm reduction principles. Demonstrated understanding and ability to work in Hamilton's broader Housing and Homelessness serving sector with particular knowledge of Coordinated Access Knowledge, skills, and experience to support/enhance a service/residential environment that is culturally safe and Trans/Gender positive is essential Experience in a residential setting is preferred A valid Ontario Driver's License (G) and ability to drive company vehicle is an asset An appreciation and understanding of a range of issues impacting cis women, Trans and non-binary individuals including abuse, poverty, homelessness, mental health and substance use. Valid CPR certification (or willingness to be certified) Demonstrated ability to work with individuals with diverse and complex health and psycho-social needs. Committed to anti-racist/anti-oppressive practice and to the mission and values of Good Shepherd. Fluency in a language in addition to English is an asset Demonstrated understanding of workplace health and safety practices and understanding of an employee's responsibility under current legislation.
Be a part of a caring TEAM THAT SUPPORTS OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY Support for continuing EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Staff recognition programs along with access to self-care supports and EMPLOYEE / FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) POSITIVE and ENCOURAGING atmosphere Make a difference and provide HOPE Extended Health Benefits Good Shepherd, a ministry of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, is an equal opportunity employer operating within an anti-racist and anti-oppression framework. We strive to establish workplaces that reflect and are enhanced by the rich diversity of the community we serve. Good Shepherd welcomes and encourages applications from all people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you need accommodations, please contact Human Resources at 905-528-5877.
Candidates must have at least one year of social services experience and post-secondary education in a related field. Proficiency in harm reduction, anti-racist frameworks, and knowledge of Hamilton's housing sector is required.
Market context
In Ontario, behavioral-health roles are typically driven by ongoing need in community, outpatient, and support settings serving people with mental health or substance use challenges. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for experience with diverse populations plus a high school diploma or GED, with a bachelor’s in social work or a related field preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show relevant client-facing experience and readiness to work with varied needs.