Casual Housing Support Worker

Job Title: Casual Housing Support Worker

Department: Housing

Reports to: Housing Manager

Job Classification: Casual, Hourly, Non-Management

Location: Halifax

YWCA Halifax is a progressive, multi-service, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women, girls, two-spirited and gender diverse people and their families at critical turning points in their lives. We work to transform lives by providing a continuum of services and programs that drive lasting positive change. We strive to change the underlying issues that are root causes of inequality, violence, poverty, and homelessness. Our four program focus areas include: promoting the health, wellness, and leadership of women and girls; advancing women’s economic and housing security; delivering quality, accessible, early learning, and childcare; and working to end violence against women, girls and gender diverse individuals.

Why work for the YWCA

Staff at YWCA Halifax enjoy a supportive and dynamic team environment, a commitment to staff growth, a connection to the national and international YWCA movements, learning from colleagues in a multiservice agency, and a strong shared vision.

Why YOU should apply

Even if you don’t have all the requirements listed in this position, you may be the right candidate. If you are a natural leader with a strong attention to detail and a passion for social justice and gender equity, we want to hear from you. Take a chance and apply. Tell us how you can make a difference through your YWCA.

Program Overview

YWCA Halifax operates a variety of supportive housing programs, including SHYM (Supportive Housing for Young Mothers) and Safer Spaces, which offers transitional housing for victims (aged 18-29) and survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking. YWCA also operates multiple affordable housing programs, including Carlton and Waverley, which both offer supportive housing to women and gender diverse individuals. The goal of all of YWCA Halifax housing programs is to provide safe, secure, and supported housing to women and gender diverse people who have experienced barriers to stable housing.

Role of the Casual Housing Support Worker:

• Provide support to participants within the housing program, which may include:
  • Case Management
  • Navigation
  • Advocacy
  • Life Skills Programming, and
  • General Support.
• Assist with programming, including meal preparation, recreational activities
• Daily monitoring of safety and risk management concerns.
• Log writing and other administrative duties
• Attending monthly staff meetings
• Light cleaning to maintain the cleanliness of shared spaces.
• Ensuring the policy and procedural guidelines are followed.
• Other duties as directed by Management or the House Lead.
• Advance the mission and vision of the YWCA Halifax
• For Housing Support Worker positions within our SHYM Housing Programs, child minding will be required.

Qualifications and Requirements:

The Housing Support Worker will hold a degree in social work or related field such as, international development studies, sociology, child and youth studies, education, health promotion, or equivalent education and experience. They will have experience working in a supportive role, as well as a minimum of 6-12 months’ experience working in supportive housing. SHYM Housing Programs require the Housing Support Worker to have experience caring for infants and young children. The Housing Support Worker will have an understanding of feminist theoretical perspectives and intersectionality. Also, of issues such as racism/colonialism, violence against women, sexualized human trafficking, sexual health, and poverty. They will have knowledge of, and experience with community-based, trauma-informed, harm reduction practices as well as a strong commitment to ongoing learning and development in these areas and experience working in collaborative environments on complex issues involving multiple and diverse stakeholders.

You must be able to commit to a minimum of 2 shifts per month, and have availability on weekends and overnights.

The Housing Support Worker will possess the following:

• Collaboration skills
• Good communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Computer literacy
• First Aid/CPR
• WHMIS
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention

YWCA Halifax is committed to diversity, and we welcome all suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. YWCA Halifax is governed by, employs, and serves diverse individuals and community members. Self-identification by applicants does not guarantee an interview but we want you to know that we understand that lived experience of racialization, Indigeneity, disAbility, and gender diversity are their own knowledge and expertise. We value this expertise and consider it as we discern who to interview.

If interested, please send your cover letter and resume in one document to humanresources@ywcahalifax.com

Subject Line: Casual Housing Support Worker