Job Description

Reports to: Supervisor/Program Manager

Emergency Shelter Workers provide emergency shelter services consistent with the Operating Standards for the Housing Assistance/Emergency Shelter Program and

supports individuals and families in their housing search while staying in the shelter.

Emergency Shelter Workers will work at either Lily's Place Emergency Shelter for families or In From the Cold adult Emergency Shelter.

Description

The Emergency Shelter Worker is responsible for:

triaging individuals and families who seek emergency assistance for their housing crisis through administration of screening and coordinated access protocol; implementing diversion strategies as appropriate and consistent with the screening and intake results and provides general housing assistance during first contact; participating in the coordinated access system by implementing diversion and intake protocols; booking persons into the appropriate shelter when diversion is not successful or appropriate; and initiating a "warm transfer" to the receiving shelter as needed; administering the VI-SPDAT screening tool preferably within 24 hours of all new shelter bookings or when the client circumstance changes; initiating transfers to either the Rapid Rehousing or Housing First assessment team for those who "screen in" and supports housing process while client remains in the shelter; providing essential shelter services to meet the immediate need of clients for safe over-night accommodation; nutrition and hygiene, and security of belongings; assisting in the housing process by providing encouragement to resolve housing issues to decrease length of stays in the emergency shelter system and initiates transfers to Prevention-Diversion Program for clients who require additional support to secure housing; providing housing resources such as access to voice mail, housing listings and general housing search techniques; assisting with completion of application for Homelessness Prevention Fund as appropriate providing information on other community services to assist the individual or family resolve their homelessness;
Required skills and Knowledge

knowledge of homelessness and affordable housing issues within the community and the strategies to end chronic homelessness which are identified the 10 year Municipal Housing and Homelessness Plan (Dec 2013); knowledge of the operating standards for the program and the program's expected client outcomes knowledge of the resources in the community for individuals, youth and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, living in poverty, or living with mental health or addiction issues and skilled at brokering services for client appropriate to the responsibilities of the job; ability to assist in the housing process appropriate to the specific job responsibilities ability to integrate harm reduction approaches as appropriate in daily interactions with clients; ability to use assertive engagement techniques as appropriate in interactions with the client; competence in the administration and interpretation of the Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT) depending on job responsibilities; understanding of psycho-social rehabilitation, recovery model motivational interviewing and journey of change and its influence on client outcomes; ability to identify and assess risk and implement strategies which minimize risk to self, the client, and others; knowledge of and adherence to privacy legislation and policies within the organization related to confidentiality of client information; strong problem solving, conflict resolution and mediation skills within a solution-focused framework; ability to enter client data and information including SPDAT scores and case notes into HIFIS as required the ability to negotiate and mediate difficult situations and produce positive results ability to function as a participating member of the team and understand the work of the team as part of a broader system to end chronic homelessness knowledge of the principles and interventions required in a Housing First and Rapid Rehousing Program background in systems work, data analysis and supporting the work of others to achieve system goals; supports a learning culture that stays up to date with the main currents of thought and practice in the delivery of housing first programs ability to use strategies to appropriately divert people from the shelter system into other shelter solutions excellent written and oral communication skills knowledge of impacts homelessness has on families and children implementation of life skills based programming
Qualifications and Requirements

university degree or community college diploma in a related discipline minimum three years work experience in human services possess a valid driver's license and have access to a reliable vehicle, with appropriate insurance Non-violent Crisis Intervention Training or related training First Aid and CPR CPIC - vulnerable sector required prior to employment
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $46,215.00-$56,741.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental care Employee assistance program Extended health care Vision care
Work Location: In person