Housing Support Worker

Title:                     Waverly Inn: Housing Support Worker
Department:      Housing              
Classification:    Full-Time, Hourly, Permanent

Number of Positions available: Four
Hours:                  Shift work: must be available to work 8-12 hours shifts, weekends, evenings, and holidays
Start Date:          As soon as possible
Deadline:            November 30, 2023
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

The YWCA Halifax will be operating a 32-room housing program for single, unaccompanied women and gender diverse people, aged 35-70+, named Waverly Inn. The program will offer living accommodations in the form of a bachelor room with a private bathroom, with shared common rooms and kitchen. Housing is anticipated to be long-term for the duration of the building’s leasing contract. As with all of the YWCA’s housing programs, the goal is to provide safe, secure and supported housing to women and gender diverse people who have experienced barriers to stable housing.

Role of the Housing Support Worker

The Housing Support Worker will work in teams of two to support the daily operations of Waverly Inn.  The Housing Support Worker will work to ensure the safety and support for residents while on shift. The worker’s role will include providing navigational support, referrals and supportive programming to residents.

Essential Duties of Position:

• Responsible for direct service delivery to residents of Waverly Inn, this may include:
  • Case management
  • Navigation
  • Advocacy
  • Life skills programming
  • General support
• Awareness of local community resources and agencies to assist in wrap around supports for residents in need.
• Daily monitoring of safety and risk management concerns.
• Maintaining daily records and notes.
• Maintaining operational standards.
• Light cleaning to maintain the cleanliness of shared spaces.
• Ensuring the policy and procedural guidelines are followed.
• Advance the mission and vision of the YWCA Halifax

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 a minimum of 6-12 months’ experience within supportive housing programs. 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. There should be a high proficiency in the following:

• Delivery of direct support services
• Collaboration
• Communication, both written and oral
• Interpersonal skills
• Computer literacy
• First Aid/CPR
• 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, (dis)Ability, 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: Waverly Inn: Housing Support Worker