Job Description

The County of Lambton is an urban-rural area in southwestern Ontario that is home to over 126,000 residents. The Corporation\'s seven divisions operate programs and services for the residents of Lambton County such as land ambulance, provincial offences court, three Long-Term Care Homes, 25 library branches, two museums, an art gallery, archives, local roadways, public health services, housing services, social services, building services and planning and development services. Lambton County is a community dedicated to economic growth, environmental stewardship and an enhanced quality of life through the provision of responsive and efficient services and collaborative efforts with its municipal and community partners.

Position Overview

Provide street-level outreach to a variety of locations throughout the County of Lambton, visit encampments and connect with individuals experiencing homelessness to provide support and resources. Assists clientele in meeting their needs, linking them to resources and/or referring to other agencies where appropriate. Acts as an advocate on their behalf and aids in improving the quality of life.

Duties and Responsibilities

Knowledge:
Participate in a multidisciplinary specialized mobile outreach team.

• Conduct standardized assessment/intake interviews with clients in a variety of locations: public (e.g., on the sidewalk, in public squares, parks and ravines, etc.), homeless and low-income service settings (e.g., shelters, drop-in centers, etc.) and institutional settings (e.g., hospitals, court houses, etc.) and assess client\'s functional, income, employment, and housing status.
• Use a housing first approach consistent with the service model when implementing the program.
• Obtain appropriate information and documentation in order to assess situation and determine appropriate course of action to ensure client is adequately housed.
• Interpret and apply Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), Housing Services Act (HSA), accompanying regulations and local policies and procedures.
• Maintain working knowledge of various income security programs such as Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (El), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Old Age Security (OAS) and Ontario Works (OW).
• Maintain working knowledge of the Homelessness Prevention Program.
• Maintain working knowledge of community resources, social service agencies, and government departments to provide clients with access to the appropriate programs. Examples would include Canadian Mental Health Association, Community Legal Assistance, and Inn of the Good Shepherd.
• Utilize appropriate skills related to counselling practices, community support and integration, mental illness and life skills for case planning to move client towards increased self-sufficiency.
• Maintain working knowledge of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Technology:

• Develop and maintain records, reports, and statistics necessary for program functioning, evaluation and funding.
• Collects documents and evaluates information to determine client\'s initial eligibility, including verifying client information through personal interviews and liaison with client supports, relevant service providers, community agencies, landlords, other Ministries, and institutions.
• Use the required County of Lambton programs such as Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Use the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS).

Communication:

• Responds to and investigates enquiries, complaints and emergency situations involving clients experiencing homelessness/living rough.
• Work closely with County of Lambton and partner service provider teams to enhance connections with local programs with the goal of identifying clients who need support.
• Use communication skills to support clients through sensitive issues, i.e., life skills, mental health, homelessness, addictions, legal matters.
• Establish collaborative relationship with clients that provide support through coaching, mentoring, negotiating, intensive case management and the utilization of non-violent crisis intervention and conflict resolution techniques ensuring adherence to the Code of Ethics.
• Support and accompany client to housing and other appointments and services when appropriate.
• Engages in active listening and problem solving around client\'s difficulties and/or recommends appropriate resources to address client needs.
• Participates in case conferences.
• Act as an agency liaison to advocate on behalf of clients and to determine appropriate course of action.
• Issue financial assistance/rent supplements and supports as necessary.
• Represents the department on various internal and external committees related to this position.
• Participate in program meetings, staff education and act as a resource for other staff.

Other Responsibilities:

• Conduct regular hotspot mapping of engagements and potential encampments.
• Appear before Landlord Tenant Board as witness or support for clients.
• Assist in ongoing program development.
• Follow health and safety protocols.

General:

• Incumbents must keep up to date on all relevant legislation, collective bargaining agreements, County Policies and Procedures, etc. ensuring that these are implemented as prescribed.
• Incumbents must possess the physical ability to meet the duties and responsibilities of the job description and/or the requirements identified within the position\'s Physical Demands Analysis.

These describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents in this classification. They are not an exhaustive list of all job duties in the classification. Other duties may be assigned.

Supervision Requirements
Direct Supervision: None
Indirect Supervision: None
Functional Authority: None

Qualifications

Minimum Formal Education

• A University degree from an accredited post-secondary school institution in Social Sciences.
• Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor certificate from the Canadian Addiction Counsellor\'s Certification Federation an asset.
• Cultural sensitivity training an asset.

Experience

• Experience in counseling, assessment, and crisis intervention skills with an understanding of client difficulties related to economics, education, victims of family violence, physical or psychiatric impairments, aging, addiction and isolation.
• Must possess excellent communication and interview skills in dealing with a diverse client group.
• Able to work independently and in inter-departmental teams, with minimum supervision in a busy and flexible environment.
• Exceptional computer skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of the psychology of addiction, issues underlying addiction, trauma, and mental health issues.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• A good understanding of appropriate federal, provincial, and municipal legislation and regulations related to areas of responsibility.

A valid Ontario Driver\'s Licence and use of a vehicle.

The County of Lambton is an equal opportunity employer servicing our diverse communities. The County of Lambton is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs. This information is available in an alternative format upon request, to accommodate individuals with a disability. Although we appreciate all applications, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Personal information required by this posting/advertisement is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 1990, CHAPTER M.56, as amended. The treatment, storage and handling of personal information is governed by the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER M.56, as amended and will be used in reviewing applications. Questions about this collection should be directed to the Corporate Manager, Human Resources, County of Lambton, 789 Broadway Street, Box 3000, Wyoming, Ontario N0N 1T0. Phone 519-845-0801 or Toll-free at 1-866-324-6912.

County of Lambton