Job Description

Good Shepherd Ministries provides food, shelter, clothing, medical care, housing services, and pre-and-post addiction treatment services for people struggling with poverty and homelessness.

In its work, Good Shepherd Ministries strives to promote and protect human dignity. Services are offered in a spirit of compassion, trust, acceptance, and respect.

Services are provided free of charge and without distinction to anyone in need. Services are available 365 days a year.

We are currently accepting applications for a term contract full-time Housing Follow-up Support Case Worker position for 40 hours per week.

Reporting to the Manager, Housing Follow-up Support Program, the Housing Follow-up Support Case Worker enhances the dignity and quality of life of Good Shepherd's clients by helping individuals and households exiting homelessness to work towards continued housing stability. These tailored, in-person supports meet the unique strengths and needs of each household while assisting their transition from shelter or outdoors into permanent, safe homes.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide non-judgmental, trauma-informed and anti-oppressive services rooted in harm reduction and Housing First approaches Deliver services in person, including travelling to meet with people in their housing units, accompanying people to other service providers and conducting services after hours and on weekends when necessary Referrals are to be assigned by the Manager, Housing Follow-up Support Program, designate or the Coordinated Access team. To proceed with the assigned referrals in a timely manner through collaborative consultation according to the provided Transfer Process Guidelines. Participate in all meetings and case conferencing processes with housing follow-up support providers (i.e., monthly case conference meetings) established by the Coordinated Access team, as required Provide client-directed, goal-oriented service planning that fosters developing independence, integrates appropriate referrals to community supports and/or long-term case management and embeds comprehensive discharge processes Provide services and strategies to stabilize housing for people at risk of homelessness, including landlord mediation, support with navigating the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), arrears repayment and re-housing Compile, maintain and provide program statistics and submitting activity data and program outcomes, as required Assist clients during the resettlement process and provide support, direction and encouragement. Provide comprehensive housing follow-up support services for clients moving to independent living. Facilitate connections to community, social, cultural, and recreational activities, including accompanying clients to those activities if necessary. Provide case management/counselling services to housed clients focusing on assisting clients in maintaining long-term accommodation Assist clients with 'Life Skills' development. To create supports and foster positive relationships to help clients develop daily living skills. Generate opportunities for clients to develop problem-solving, conflict resolution, and budgeting skills. Assist clients with job searches, providing referral to employment agencies, developing interview skills and preparation of resumes. Provide eviction prevention services, including regular check-in with clients and, if necessary, with landlords, to ensure rent is paid and to identify if landlord mediation is needed. Provide outreach services to clients, including providing information on drug/alcohol recovery, referrals to appropriate services, crisis intervention, and eviction prevention. Proactively assess and follow up on client needs. Conduct regular home visits that focus on goals and specific activities/outcomes that can move clients toward independence where appropriate, to refer clients to community/intensive case management services, local substance abuse services, medical and psychiatric care, intensive stabilization units, etc. Attend case conferences, other discussions and meetings as directed. Participate in City committees and working groups, if or as required Follow the guidelines of the City of Toronto's strategic direction as it relates to housing and case management. Be familiar with the relevant statutory and voluntary services available to our client group to effectively advise and assist clients in their legal right to fair housing and other entitlements. Maintain the confidentiality and ethical standards of Good Shepherd Ministries at all times. Perform any other related tasks that may from time to time be assigned by the Manager, Housing Follow-up Support Program or designate.

Requirements

Must have: Degree in Social Work or equivalent educational and work experience. Must have: Solid experience in social work and counselling/ case management/ crisis intervention/ program development to provide responsive and client-centred case management services that meet each person's unique needs and/or complex challenges. A thorough understanding of homelessness, poverty, health and related issues. Knowledgeable of the Residential Tenancies Act, the Housing Services Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Excellent written communication skills to produce routine memoranda, correspondence. Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills to maintain teamwork and work professionally with clients, visitors, and colleagues

Thank you to everyone who applies. However, only those selected for interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $29.88-$30.60 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

Dental care Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance Paid time off RRSP match
Application question(s):

How many years of counselling experience do you have?
Education:

Bachelor's Degree (required)
Experience:

Housing settlement: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person