Housing Support Worker

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Title: Housing Support Worker

Department: Housing

Reports to: Housing Manager

Job Classification: Full Time, Permanent

Location: Halifax, NS

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 people.

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.

General Summary:

The Housing Support Worker (HSW) contributes to the overall success of the Housing Program and YWCA Halifax by providing participant -centered supports to participants under the direction of the Housing Manager: as necessary to support participant case plans. The HSW researches best practices in preventing and alleviating homelessness and assists in updating procedures and practices to incorporate best practices.

The Housing Support Worker is responsible to identify risk management concerns in her area of responsibility when conducting program activities and supports. The HSW is responsible to follow all YWCA procedures, policies, and ensuring they work safely at all times. The HSW contributes to the advancement and achievement of the YWCA mission, vision, values, guiding principles, strategic plan, business plan, and departmental plan. Work is guided by using a Harm Reduction, Participant-Centered, Housing First, and Trauma Informed model.

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelors in Social work, Human Services or related field preferred, or 3-5 years’ work experience working with marginalized populations.
• Experience in working with individuals who have multiple barriers, women who are homeless or at risk, women in poverty and those who face mental health and addiction concerns.
• Strong knowledge of community resources, excellent organizational and communication (both written and oral) skills and the ability to work collaboratively with community partners.
• Familiar working with evaluation in an outcome-based framework.
• Experience in case management, and delivery of direct supports services required.
• Strong administrative skills, strong advocacy skills and an ability to work independently and in a team environment, effective interpersonal, high level of computer literacy, ability to maintain a collaborative partnership internal and external to the organization, knowledge of community development strategies from a feminist theoretical perspective.

Primary Duties:

Program Delivery:

• Responsible for direct service delivery to participants, case planning, case management, securing resources for participants, working with participant on transitions, advocacy, and referrals.
• Responsible to assist with intake and move in/out procedures in collaboration with the Housing and Intake Coordinator
• Responsible for assisting with By Name List referrals, subsidy applications, and coordinating support to women, children and trans folks in need of housing in collaboration with the Housing and Intake Coordinator and Housing Manager.
• Responsible for developing and maintaining partnerships with external program partners including Department of Community Services workers, Property Managers, Coordinated access participants, donors, and health care providers.
• Responsible for assisting with reports to funders including Department of Community Services, Affordable Housing Association of NS and Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing
• Responsible for achieving goals/objectives/outcomes, and reporting on results in relation to work plans. Responsible for tracking results to outcomes as required.
• Responsible for participant risk assessments.
• Ensures high quality of direct service for program participants, assists in administration of program evaluation to assess the strengths of the program and to identify and assess areas for improvement.
• Ensures that program activities are complying with all relevant legislation, insurance coverage, and reports deficiencies to Housing Manager.
• Ensure that participant information files are properly maintained and kept confidential.
• Must be available to be on call after business hours and on weekends to participants and property managers on a rotating schedule.
• Assist participants with transitions out of existing YWCA Housing programs and provide follow up support in collaboration with Housing staff.
• Provide support to housing participants by phone, in person and by email.
• Participate in regular staff meetings.
• Support existing housing team and program participants in collaboration with the Housing Manager and housing team.

Financial Management

• Responsible to submit monthly billing and operational documentation to Housing Manager.
• Responsible for safe use and storage of YWCA property, which includes cell phone, laptop, unit/office keys, and other YWCA equipment.
• Responsible to follow the direction of the Housing Manager to ensure that program expenditures fall within budget guidelines, fall within YWCA financial policies and procedures, and obtains Housing Manager’s signature for all program expenditures.
• Staff/ Volunteer / Student Supervision
• Under the direction of the Housing Manager, orients program staff, volunteers/students to housing programs to ensure compliance with organizational standards and procedures, to achieve program/project outcomes/goals.
• Monitors and mentors volunteers/students to achieve program outcomes.

Other Duties:

• Serves in community/sector task forces and committees as appropriate.
• Participates in YWCA and community-based advocacy activities that are consistent with YWCA policies.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Ensures the maintenance of all files, information systems, and databases related to areas of responsibility.
• Other duties as delegated by the Housing Manager

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: Housing Support Worker