Job Description

Description

Reporting to the Program Services Manager, the HRC Representative will provide a range of housing and homelessness services to promote individual, family and community well-being, and to ensure that resources available to homeless people and people at risk of homelessness are obtained and are allocated in a coordinated and effective manner. Housing and homelessness services include, but are not limited to, providing emergency housing and basic needs, applying eviction prevention strategies, assisting persons to find and maintain safe and affordable housing, liaising with landlords to secure safe and affordable housing, acting as trustee of finances, delivering ongoing in-home and/or community-based support services to an assigned caseload. The Housing Resource Representative will be responsible for providing services to clients in Brantford and Brant County in a collaborative manner with other community partners

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program

• Provides a range of individual/family, group, and community interventions to address homelessness and to reduce the risk of homelessness, including but not limited to short-term crisis intervention, ongoing case management, training and education, and community development and networking.
• Interviews, assesses, and verifies urgency of situation and collaboratively problem solves with individuals and families who are homeless/at-risk of homelessness, responding with appropriate housing, basic needs, and other supports; Assesses personal and family circumstances (e.g., health, finances) in order to provide intervention and/or referral to appropriate community resources.
• Explores options with clients and problem solves to avoid eviction and to make appropriate referrals and follow-up; Advocates with professionals and community agencies on behalf of the individuals and families (may include short-term and longer-term interventions); Provides mediation between landlords/utility companies and tenants so that current tenancies can be maintained as appropriate.
• Management, and Outreach/Housing Search Assistance; Assists tenants to maintain eligibility for Rent Subsidy by explaining rent subsidy eligibility requirements. Assists tenants to obtain, complete and submit verification of income forms and documentation or Internal Review requests (liaises with OW/ODSP for completion of required documentation, etc.)
• Facilitates case conferences and community meetings, provides skill building opportunities, and educates tenants on their rights and responsibilities as well as on local community resources and services that may be of assistance.
• Develops and maintain networks and positive relationships with community agencies services and programs to stay current on available resources and represents the Housing Resource Centre by educating community on services and the housing needs of low-income residents.
• Identifies service issues/gaps/needs and brings to the attention of Program Services Manager in timely manner and participates in the development and implementation of appropriate processes for effective and efficient program delivery; Participates in self-evaluation of performance to enhance effectiveness and program delivery.

Financial and Administration

• Prepares and/or inputs appropriate forms, monthly statistical recording, and reporting, and maintains case notes; Communicates continually and effectively with team members and is an active and cooperative team member; Participates at staff meetings, in-house training and in ongoing development of relevant skills/knowledge.

Community Outreach

• Promotes Healthy Communities by working with existing (or developing) Community Resource Centers (or neighborhood associations) to encourage involvement in recreational and social activities, promoting positive citizenship in the housing community, pride in the community, reduction in vandalism, and mediating social conflicts, where appropriate.
• Prepare, deliver, and promote programming throughout the community through program flyers, promotional materials, and community presentations.

Perform other duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This is a permanent full-time position with 37.5 hours per week. Flexibility in scheduling is required. The work schedule is determined in consultation with your supervisor and may vary according to requirements of responsibility. Applicable shifts include a \xc2\xbd hour unpaid meal break.

Shift: Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

• Schedule may vary according to requirements of responsibilities - some weekend and evening work may be required.
• Ability to lift/move up to 20 lbs.
• Some travel required.
• May work with potentially aggressive clients.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• A post-secondary degree in Social Work or another related social science, or equivalent education.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certification and CPR/First Aid Certification would be an asset or willing to obtain.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum of two (2) years of prior related experience as a Case Manager working with marginalized clientele in a social service setting.
• Demonstrates skilled knowledge in conflict resolution/mediation, non-violent crisis intervention, and strengths-based interventions with diverse populations and stakeholders, including vulnerable and marginalized populations.
• Experience in statistical gathering, report writing, and case recording, as well as mathematical ability to calculate and analyze eligibility for entitlement; Education and experience in research and program evaluation considered an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required.

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

• Support for and an understanding of the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada.
• Working knowledge of pertinent provincial and federal legislation and guidelines related to mental health, income support programs, employment and the Housing Services Act, the Residential Tenancies Act, Child Welfare Act and social assistance legislation.
• Familiarity with municipal policies and procedures, as well as local community agencies and service providers.
• Demonstrated understanding of mental health issues, impacts and treatment and the relationship between mental health and housing/homelessness.
• Proven ability to provide supports to people with mental health concerns as demonstrated through experience in community mental health or homelessness prevention and/or related fields.
• Maintain information in confidence as required.
• Participate as an active and responsible team member.
• Participate in mandatory orientation training.
• Participate in regular supervision and performance appraisal process.
• Represent the organization in a professional and engaging manner.
• Must comply with all Salvation Army policies and procedures and associated legislation.
• Treat the property of The Salvation Army with due care and caution.
• Self-motivated and disciplined.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, integrity, and adaptability.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive, productive, and supportive relationships with the community, volunteers, and staff.
• Valid Ontario Class G driver's license, own vehicle, and insurance; a current driver abstract that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.
• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening.
• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

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In support of our commitment to a healthy and safe workplace and community, The Salvation Army (TSA) has a vaccination requirement for all new employees within the Province of Ontario, Social Services sector. The successful candidate will be made an offer of employment on the condition of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and will be required to provide proof of full vaccination, prior to their employment start date. The requirement to be fully vaccinated is subject to provincial human rights legislation. If the candidate is unable to vaccinate for a reason protected by the Human Rights Code, a request for accommodation can be submitted and written proof satisfactory to TSA will be required.

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process. If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

You must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.

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