Cornerstone Community Association
Position: Homelessness Resource Advocate
Position Reports To: Shelter Manager
Location(s): 133 Simcoe Street South, and various locations in Durham Region
Salary: $53,805.36 up to $62,292.24 over 5 grids (as per Collective Agreement)
Shift Coverage Times: 40 hours per week
Some flexibility is required, may involve evening and weekends, including emergency coverage; on-call.
*Note: Shift times and schedules may be subject to change depending on program needs.
Purpose of Position: Responsible for provision of full, individualized, case management services for each client; including advocacy, assistance with employment opportunities and locating, securing, and maintaining housing in the community.
Education: This position has an educational requirement of an Undergraduate Degree from a recognized University in a
directly applicable field and progressive, related work experience in the social service sector. Standard First Aid/Basic Rescuer CPR – A and Non-violent Crisis Intervention certification are also required. This position requires an acceptable RCMP Enhanced Reliability Clearance Certificate. Certification in Mediation as an asset.
Requirements:
- Demonstrated understanding of accepted standards of Case Management practices and protocols
- Previous experience with a high-needs population will be considered an asset.
- Ability to work independently as well as within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule and to multi-task
- Ability to relate to homeless individuals and to establish relationships of confidence and trust.
- Standard First Aid/CPR and CPI is required and must be maintained.
- Possess a positive, approachable manner and ability to always represent the organization in a professional manner.
- Demonstrated understanding of, and ability to manage, boundaries and professional ethics.
- Demonstrated understanding of mediation and conflict resolution techniques
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a clean driver’s abstract. Access to a reliable vehicle
- Ability to successfully pass and maintain an (in-house) Enhanced Reliability Screening
- Knowledge of current legislation affecting tenancies such as the Tenant Protection Act and Social Housing Reform Act
- Proficiency in computer keyboarding and computer software
- Maintain a sound knowledge of community resources related to housing, legal information, social service issues, mental health and addictions issues which are relevant in making effective referrals.
- Maintain confidentiality of all information related to the position.
- Attending shift change, staff meetings, training and other meetings as required and assist with orientation and training of new staff.
- Ability to use intervention and therapeutic skills in an adaptable way to motivate individuals.
Responsibilities:
Housing and Employment
- Develop and maintain a contact list of potential landlords and employers.
- Liaise with and maintain positive relationships with housing providers, employers, and other community client support workers.
- Provide support and facilitate access to appropriate housing as needed by providing housing applications and information on housing providers.
- Provide support for employment opportunities, including resume preparation, and job-readiness and interviewing skills for individuals seeking employment.
- Provide assistance in obtaining and completing necessary forms and identification as required.
- Research appropriate housing and/or employment for clients through telephone, electronic and in-person inquires with landlords, housing agencies, and potential employers.
- Accompany clients to appointments as required.
- Facilitate and maintain a process for managing conflicts. Participate in negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution with housing providers/employers.
- Provide long term interventions by assisting in the development of supportive networks, pro-social norms, and social living skills to support growth and development for clients with a view to promoting their ability to maintain housing/employment.
- Source and coordinate resources for clients who require additional support.
- Develop and conduct workshops and presentations regarding housing, employment, and other services to clients, staff, and community partners.
Administration
- Conduct client Intakes and maintain all client files to legally accepted standards. Complete comprehensive client assessments and service plans, including identification of areas of need, goal development, and achievement strategies
- Develop evaluation tools to assess client progress and effectiveness of the service plan.
- Assess and identify individuals requiring addictions or mental health related supports.
- Manage and approve appropriate allocation of relevant funds for clients in conjunction with manager, including implementation of an effective system for documenting/monitoring of funds
- Initiate/attend Case Management meetings with other service providers as required
- Compile and manage a database of housing providers/employers, requirements for referrals and applications, resource books, newspapers and publications for clients housing searches
- Maintain and update knowledge of relevant legal information, social assistance issues, mental health system and other relevant housing issues
- Maintain an effective system for reporting daily itinerary to Community Service Workers including periodic, scheduled contacts throughout the day
- Complete daily travel and activity logs as required
- Develop and maintain statistical reports as required
- Ensure due diligence in personal safety as well as the safety of clients and other staff. Observe and adhere to all health and safety policies as well as Occupational Health and Safety legislation. Perform the duties of the position in a safe manner and manage risks of outreach appropriately
- Adhere to all Agency policies, procedures and directives as well as all other applicable legislation i.e. Protection of Personal Information and Electronic Documents Act
- Assist in Program development as required
- Provide back-up support as required to other Program areas and other duties as may be assigned from time to time
Team Work
- Work within a team environment, providing support and information to Shelter team members regarding outreach work and liaising with staff regarding client needs
- Provide Case Management support in other Program areas as required
- Attend or initiate regular Case Management meetings as necessary to discuss the progress of clients
- Provide support as required to other staff in the event of a client related crisis
- Work as a member of the overall Cornerstone staff team, adhering to the organizational mission and values
- Attend regular staff meetings, staff training and other meetings as required.
Public Relations
- Develop relationships for the purpose of supporting the downtown community and assist organizations such as the police and hospital with homeless clients.
- Assist in outreach program development where requested.
- Set up appointments, escort and advocate on behalf of homeless or boarding house clients.
- Work with individuals and groups in need of housing to address related needs as they attempt to access housing (i.e. employment, financial services, etc.).
- Consult other program coordinators, the Housing Administrator and outside agencies (where appropriate) in planning the transition of residents to permanent housing and/or to other programs or services in the community.
- Develop contacts with other housing projects, particularly through the Durham Housing Access Centre, in order to access additional links for singles in need of affordable housing.
- Represent C.C.A. on the various community housing initiatives as assigned.
NOTE: The above specifications are representative of the basic nature of the position and are not intended to be all inclusive.
Cornerstone Community Association welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $53,805.36-$62,292.24 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Discounted or free food
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care
Flexible language requirement:
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Work Location: In person
