Job Description

The Rapid Rehousing Support Specialist is responsible for the coordination, evaluation and continued development of the Rapid Rehousing program for Powell Place and Springhouse. The incumbent will act in accordance with The Bloom Group Policy and Women and Children's Practices and Procedures to provide low barrier harm reduction trauma informed support and assistance to women and children in crisis, working under the supervision of the Case Planning Support Specialist. The incumbent will oversee a client-centred rapid rehousing service that involves providing eligible participants with support on housing searches and services needs that promote independence, self-determination, integration into community and permanency in housing. The role of the rapid rehousing support specialist is to facilitate quick housing placements with wrap around services that allow residents to achieve housing stability thereby shortening the amount of homelessness for program participants.



EDUCATION/PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE:


• Bachelor of Social Work or other relevant bachelor's degree directly related to human services and/or community development
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered
• Five years recent related work experience providing support to women and/or children in crisis with a focus on complex case planning/management with vulnerable and marginalized populations is required; with a focus on case planning and/or case management is preferred
• Three years recent experience in a supervisory capacity is preferred
• Two years recent experience with program development, implantation and evaluation is preferred
• Level 1 OFA First Aid Certificate is required
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention or Mandt training is required


REQUIREMENTS:


• Gender is a bona fide occupational requirement: self-identifying women only applicants please.
• We are particularly interested in receiving applications from women who reflect the diversity of the women who access our services: Indigenous and Racialized Women strongly encouraged to apply.


ABILITIES/SKILLS:


• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbally
• Strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite and ability to present documents in an appropriate business format
• Requires knowledge and commitment to Housing First Philosophy and Approaches
• Demonstrated knowledge of Tenants Rights and Responsibilities
• Demonstrated supervisory ability and leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to review existing policy and procedure, providing recommendations to align with current best practice models
• Demonstrated skills in both individual and group supportive counselling, including the ability to observe and recognise changes in residents' behaviour and emotional state
• Demonstrated commitment to continual learning and improvement through the incorporation of reflective work-based learning approaches
• Demonstration of advanced interpersonal skills specific to the role including de-briefing, active listening, conflict resolution, group facilitation, one to one direct support and problem solving
• Demonstrated ability to participate and contribute in a strong team environment with an inclusive and collaborative approach
• Proven commitment to and understanding of the harm reduction, low barrier, strength based, empowerment, trauma informed and client-centred approaches to working with women and children
• Strong ability to work under minimal supervision and act with a high degree of independent judgement, acting on a variety of matters as required
• Strong working knowledge of child welfare and protection issues, including relevant legislation and reporting requirements
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience providing parenting support, incorporating a women centered, culturally sensitive, strength-based approach
• Proven ability to work with a high degree of compassion, understanding and sensitivity
• Demonstrated ability to provide non-judgmental, client-centered, non-therapeutic emotional and practical support to women and children in crisis
• Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback
• Knowledge and understanding of the complex issues which affect women and children in poverty, with a demonstrated awareness of specific issues facing aboriginal women, women of colour, ageing women and women with disabilities
• Proven ability to work in a stressful and changing work environment
• Demonstrated ability to support individuals with mental health and substance use issues, utilizing a harm reduction approach, working within a harm reduction model
• Ability to work and empathize with people who may have experienced abuse, poverty, grief and loss, oppression, violence, mental health challenges, addictions issues or may be living with HIV/AIDS and other life-limiting or life-threatening conditions
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position, experience operating related equipment and ability to effectively use industrial grade cleaning products



Posted : February 12, 2025

Posted for submission :February 19, 2025, for internal applications or vacant until filled