Job Description

Outreach Worker

At Shelter Nova Scotia we provide places to stay and services to promote stability for marginalized individuals. You will contribute to a community without judgement with spaces and places for people to belong.

About the Facility

Shelter Nova Scotia aims to provide a safer space for individuals to access basic needs, create crucial opportunities for social inclusion, and to provide support with diversion and eviction prevention. The Hub supports people who are experiencing homelessness through a connection to Coordinated Access System (CAS), support with housing applications, and provides food, clothing, shower and laundry access (laundry and shower are intended for those who sleep outside). It also serves as a space to build connection and belonging among those who are housed but experiencing isolation and loneliness. The Hub also administers a modest fund to disperse to people in need of non-recurring prevention and diversion funds (funded via Department of Community Services).

Requirements

Successful candidate must have post-secondary experience

Favourable Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse Registry Check will be required

Must have Standard First Aid/CPR Level "C" or be willing to acquire within the first 6 months of employment.

A valid driver's license, own vehicle and insurance and a current driver's abstract that is satisfactory

Hours of Work

40 hours per week with an understanding that days, evenings, and weekends may be required.

This is an awake position, staff are required to stay awake, alert, and vigilant at all times while on duty.

Salary

$28.12 per hour

Application Deadline

Thursday, March 27th at 8:00am

Benefits

3 weeks' vacation

12 paid personal days

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Upon completion of probation

2% RRSP Match

Health & Dental

Shelter Nova Scotia is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community without judgement. We value people for who they are, the uniqueness they bring and the opportunities to learn from our differences. We welcome applications from members of diverse communities.

Responsibilities

Client Service Delivery

Capacity and willingness to become proficient in the policies, procedures, structure, mission and mandate of Shelter Nova Scotia

Ability to adhere to a strict policy of confidentiality, code of conduct, policies and procedures

Proven verbal and written communication skills

Behave in a calm, professional manner

Must possess a mature, professional outlook with an ability to experience sound judgement while treating clients with dignity and respect

Attention to details and organizational skills

Administrative skills

Above average interpersonal skills with energy and enthusiasm

- Ability to remain awake, alert, and vigilant at all times while on duty
- Identify and advocate for individuals housed in one of our programs, experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness, and refer to community programs as appropriate
- Knowledge of the structure and organization of the Department of Community Services and applicable legislation and policies (Employment Support and Income Assistance)
- Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with tenants, stakeholders and community partners to achieve goals and influence outcomes
- Be knowledgeable about the impact of poverty and homelessness and affordable housing
- Accurately and professionally document notes relating to client interactions and keep other team members up to date on client issues
- Perform First Aid and/or CPR when required
- Maintain client privacy by sharing information only on a need-to-know basis. Protect the confidential information of the guests, residents and tenants
- Address and resolve conflicts or sensitive situations in a positive and open manner, per established policies and procedures
- Engage regularly and respectfully with clients and respond to queries and requests in a timely, respectful manner

Facility Operation

Support the Hub and housing team in maintaining the daily operations of the facility including drop in, building security, proper storage of deliveries and donations, daily cleaning, etc. as required

Action Planning

- Accompany clients to service, employment and/or housing appointments
- Provide solutions-focused care to clients
- Work in partnership with both the private and non-profit sector of the housing market to ensure appropriate placement of clients.
- Work closely with community partners and other services providers/case managers to ensure continuity of care as required (i.e., medical treatment, shelter, housing, etc).

Complete referrals to the By-Name List (BNL)

Administer and track diversion funds, as available

Coordinate drop-in services, track statistics, ensure employees are assigned to drop-in tasks

Track when clients arrive and depart

Coordinate third party resources to provide services onsite at the Hub

Provide weekly updates at scheduled team check in

Able to develop positive working relationships with clients, referral sources, service agencies, and others encountered in the course of work

Provide community referrals and information about other programs offered

Facilitate programs and food services

Maintain a clean and safe space

Provide conflict prevention and conflict resolution

Provide direction and support to drop-in employees/volunteers/students

Create and facilitate life skills programming and group activities as required

Perform duties that relate to preparation for drop in or outreach

Provide support, in reach/outreach and referrals while building trusting relationships

Provide crisis de-escalation where necessary and provide mediation services if required

Remain abreast of relevant legislation and policy as it relates to tenants, Residential Tenancies, Department of Community Services and community resources

Facilitate activities required to support and enable Trusteeship

Attend Case Conference and group meetings as needed

Be an active team player

Other duties, as required

Admin

Complete case notes and required paperwork as applicable

Record and update appropriate information in HIFIS and/or Incident Reports as required

Prepare additional HIFIS and other progress and evaluation related reports on a regular basis

Liaise with other community partners as required

Create and maintain accurate statistics

Follow policies and procedures

Liaise and familiarize yourself with other existing agencies that may be of assistance to some of our clients

Other duties, as required

Occupational Health and Safety

Be knowledgeable of the Nova Scotia OH&S Act and regulations and abide by same

Comply with the employee responsibilities as outlined in the Internal Responsibility System for OH&S and cooperating with occupational health and safety initiatives.

responsible for following safe work procedures; using personal protective and safety equipment as required

reporting any illness or injury immediately to their manager; reporting unsafe acts and unsafe conditions

Other

Support volunteer and student placements by modeling professional behavior

Support new employee orientation and training by assisting with training and knowledge transfer

Perform other related duties as assigned

Monitor, track and report petty cash spending on a monthly basis

Working Conditions

Hours to be negotiated

Hazards

Exposure to hazardous material (e.g. body fluids), sharps (e.g. needles), chemicals and noxious agents (e.g. infectious material)

Hazards associated with working in physical contact with tenants with possible exposure to body fluids, infections, and communicable diseases

Clients may exhibit unpredictable or volatile behaviors due to mental health and addictions issues (diagnosed or undiagnosed)

Mental, Visual and Physical Demand

Working with clients can often lead to ambiguous situations that are stressful for the employees, management, and guests. Issues encountered are not easily unraveled, and solutions are at times difficult to address and achieve

High stress environment, requiring sensitivity and confidentiality, and significant degree of visual and mental acuity

Challenging, fast pace and constantly changing environment, with multiple interruptions and competing demands

Technical Competencies

Degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Human Services or a Diploma from a recognized educational institution with relevant experience such as human services, social services, healthcare, or a combination of education and experience is required

Certification in the following or the ability to obtain: Standard First Aid/CPR Level "C"; Non-Violent Crisis Intervention; Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST); Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS); Safe Food Handlers certification

Successfully obtain Child Abuse Registry check and/or Government of Canada Personnel Screening or Criminal Record Check

Proficiency in Microsoft Applications, including: Word, Excel, Outlook

Experience with interviewing, counseling, and intervention techniques is considered an asset

Knowledge of mental health and addictions is an asset

A valid driver's license, own vehicle and insurance and a current driver's abstract that is satisfactory

Hours of Work

40 hours per week with an understanding that days, evenings, and weekends may be required.

This is an awake position, staff are required to stay awake, alert, and vigilant at all times while on duty.

Salary

$28.12 per hour

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $28.12 per hour

Work Location: In person