Job Description

Position Summary:

The Follow-Up Support Worker plays a critical role in assisting individuals and households transitioning from homelessness to stable housing. This position provides mobile, case management services to clients who have secured permanent housing. The worker meets clients in their homes and other community spaces, delivering responsive, person-centered support based on their individual needs and strengths. The level of service provided is determined by the client's support needs (low, medium, or high) to ensure a smooth transition into permanent housing. A key focus of the role is to connect clients to community resources, services, and supports that foster long-term housing stability and independent living. All services are provided using a Housing First approach.



In addition, frequency of services provided to each individuals/ household on the active caseload will be in accordance with the level of supports required (low, medium, high supports). Clients are connected to their community and linked to ongoing services, supports and resources that helps ensure successful housing outcomes and promotes independent living.



The successful applicant must have a current valid Ontario driver's licence, use of a vehicle for work. A current police record check is required. This position is a

Union position.



Reports to: This position reports directly to the Follow Up Program Supervisor

Responsibilities:

Extensive knowledge and experience in housing work, conflict resolution and mediation skills Strong understanding of community resources and referral paths both within the catchment area and throughout the City of Toronto Provide responsive and person-centred case management services that meet each individual unique needs and/ or complex challenges Provide non-judgemental, trauma informed, and anti-oppressive services rooted in harm reduction and Housing First approaches Provide mobile supports in person, including travelling to meet clients in their housing units/ public spaces, accompanying clients to other service providers and conducting services afterhours and on weekends when necessary Accept new referrals from the Follow Up Program Team Lead/ Supervisor where the expectation is that a case transfer is coordinated with a new client within 1-2 business days Participate in all meetings and case conference processes (monthly case conferences) established by the City of Toronto/ Coordinated Access Team as required Provide client directed, goal-oriented service planning that fosters/ promotes the development of independence, integrates appropriate referrals to community supports and/ or long-term case management and embeds comprehensive discharge processes when required Advocate on behalf of clients with landlords, OW, ODSP, and other services Provide life skills training in areas including landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities, budgeting, housekeeping, and pet care Maintain a caseload to provide individualized and flexible case management services, through a housing-first approach. Assist clients to identify and achieve goals in relation to housing, income supports, substance use, physical and mental health, food security and other service needs as defined by each client. Work with clients to access and manage social housing applications Assist clients towards integrating into the community and empowering their use of resources and services to maximize their independence and potential. Provide informed, managed referrals to other services including Rent Bank and utility programs, legal services, Toronto Employment and Social Services offices, and other community agencies/ resources. Facilitate follow-up meetings in community to implement action plan, assess progress of goals and explore new challenges. Provide life skills training in areas including landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities, budgeting, housekeeping, and pet care

Provide harm reduction counselling to identify strategies that reduce negative impacts of substance use on tenancies. Accompany clients to appointments, including Landlord and Tenant Board hearings as required. Work with clients to complete community mapping, crisis plans, discharge planning. Facilitate access to services within Rexdale Community Hub, through meetings and collaboration with staff and agency partners Complete service linkages and referrals to ANS's income tax clinic, medical clinics, Drop-In, food bank, along with other service providers within case management team, ensuring easier access points to services. Build and maintain responsive relationships with housing providers to troubleshoot and support the resolution of tenancy issues, mediating when required. Maintain accurate case management records and complete statistical and qualitative reporting as required by funder and supervisor.

Qualifications:

Degree/ diploma in Social Work and/ or related discipline pertinent to this work/ or the equivalent combination of education and experience 3+ years experience providing intensive case management services to clients with complex needs that are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Demonstrate understanding of housing, health, trauma, substance use, financial, legal, and other issues that impact clients' lives. Strong understanding of market rent and subsidized housing systems and policies, keeping up to date on emerging trends and changes; knowledge of the RTA Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, and to manage time well. Experience with maintaining statistics, writing program reports, developing, and implementing evaluation tools. Strong crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills Competency in Microsoft Office 365 as well as data reporting programs. Experience working with diverse communities. Strong organizational, time management, written and communication skills. Valid driver's licence and access to vehicle is a must. Negative Vulnerable Sector Check.

Work Schedule

: Monday- Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm and occasional evenings and weekends, when necessary

Compensation

: $30.42 per hour including applicable pay equity

Benefits

: Extended Health Benefits and Pension Plan

Start Date

: ASAP

How to Apply: Submit your resume and cover letter by Feb 28, 2025

Albion Neighbourhood Services is committed to a healthy workplace that is reflective of the diverse community we serve. We strongly encourage applications from: racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientations or gender identities, among other equity seeking groups. We are committed to inclusive and barrier free hiring and will provide reasonable and appropriate accommodation during all stages of the hiring process in accordance with applicable legislation. In order to ensure the equal and fair assessment of all job applicants, applicants are asked to make any accommodation request in advance