Job Description

Description :The Housing Focused Shelter Navigator works closely with and under the day-to-day guidance of the Housing Focused Shelter Navigator Supervisor and Shelter Manager to intentionally engage shelter users and other vulnerable populations to expedite orderly move outs. The Housing Focused Shelter Navigator will work with the most vulnerable and/or chronic Community Members to move out in an orderly fashion from the Mustard Seed Shelter. Walking alongside The Mustard Seed\xe2\x80\x99s community members who are utilizing the shelter and have experienced significant trauma and barriers to housing, food, and other basic needs, the Housing Focused Shelter Navigator will provide housing supports by connecting them with internal and external resources to divert them as soon as possible from the shelter and ensure they are sustainably housed. The Housing Focused Shelter Navigator fulfills the mission of The Mustard Seed by maintaining a high level of professionalism, and respect for all who enter the building and neighborhood. Crisis intervention, meaningful conversations, case management and conflict resolution are daily occurrences for this role.Position Type: Full-Time, fixed-term contract until March 31, 2025, with the opportunity to extend
Schedule: Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Reporting to: Housing Focused Shelter Navigator Supervisor
Location: Central Shelter, Edmonton, ABMAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• As the first point of contact for community members seeking support, you will be expected to provide excellent service that promotes dignity, kindness, and equity for all.
• Through a person- centered approach, you will encourage community members to seek resources and services that support them in achieving their goals.
• Meeting with vulnerable, elderly, or handicapped community members to assess and assist in moving them into more appropriate accommodation expeditiously
• Identifying chronic shelter users for assessment, NSQ as appropriate
• Coordinating orderly move-outs with appropriate agencies
• Referrals and applications to outside agencies and internal programs as appropriate
• Meet all requirements outlined in the Housing Focused Shelter Navigators Grant
• Supporting in the preparation of administrative tasks necessary to secure housing such as connection to income, identification, and housing needs assessment.
• Supporting in the execution of securing housing such as housing search, apartment viewing landlord engagement, and move in.
• Be a supportive and proactive member of the team, including volunteers and other visitors.
• Enforce shelter rules, expectations, and suspensions with community members when necessary.
• Respond quickly to individuals in crisis, including but not limited to physical or mental health concerns, anger and aggression, and interpersonal crises. The worker must identify the crisis, minimize the harm to the individual and others, use de-escalation skills and assist the individual to explore healthy alternative options.
• Adhere to the privacy and confidentiality standards as outlined by FOIP and the Health Information Act.
• Use case management tools to help shelter/drop-in participants work on short-term and long-term goals in relation to housing.
• Model healthy relationships with community members and volunteers through active listening, advising, providing appropriate referrals and being open to spiritual conversations.
• Take initiative and use critical thinking to assess situations and make appropriate decisions to support community members.
• Practice conflict resolution and facilitate reconciliatory conversations.
• Participate in staff training, attend staff meetings, and have one-on-one sessions with supervisor.
• Collect data and outcomes and maintain accurate client records using FDARP.
• Reports will be submitted both monthly and quarterly on data and outcomes to track housing goals.
• Submit incident reports when necessary.
• Respect proper boundaries with community members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• 1 year of experience working with a marginalized population.

• Work independently and under the direction of Housing Focused Shelter Navigator Team Lead;

• This position is often fast-paced, and requires moderate amount of mental effort to analyze information and problem solve

• Essential job functions include the use of word processing software, spreadsheets, proficient in email communication, Microsoft Outlook, and PowerPoint Presentations

• Experience working within the culture of the inner city and/or with the less fortunate.

• A demonstrated passion to be involved in ending homelessness in Alberta is essential.

• Follow organizational protocols of front-line programs to completion.

• Experience in case management and advocacy is considered an asset.

• Able to multi-task and demonstrate organizational skills with shifting priorities.

• Experience working in a volunteer-based organization is considered an asset.

• Strong communication (written and verbal) and conflict resolution skills.

• Customer service experience an asset.

• A self-starter with the ability to work in a cross-functional team.

• Desire to serve in a Christian ministry.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• As The Mustard Seed is a Christian ministry, we require our employees sign an agreement indicating that they will respect and not detract from our Statement of Faith

• The working environment for this position requires moderate amounts of walking, climbing, standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, and daily interactions with colleagues and community participants.

• This position is often fast-paced and requires a moderate amount of mental effort to analyze information and problem solve.

• This position requires varied mental and emotional effort and must be able to respond appropriately to intense situations, provide conflict resolution, and work directly with community members at risk.

• This position requires training in the usage of a two-way radio communication system, MS Office-based computer programming, as well as familiarity with the CCMS database system, ETO Case Management Tool, SPDAT Assessment Tool, FDARP, FOIP, First aid, NVCI, and SafeTALK.

• Employees are to be aware that many of our clients may experience difficulties or impairment at times, which could result in them uttering threats, discriminatory statements, and other insults at your person. This may in a raised voice, or in seeing unpredictable behaviour up to and including the possibility of them becoming aggressive
• Training on how to respond is provided, but this is to be considered typical working conditions. Many of our clients are unaware of the impact of these comments

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• An Employment Background Check is required for all positions at The Mustard Seed
• As The Mustard Seed is a Christian ministry, we require our employees to agree to respect and not detract from The Mustard Seed\xe2\x80\x99s Employment Values during their employment at The Mustard Seed.
• Must have legal authorization to work in Canada on a full-time basis for anyone other than current employer.
• Driver\xe2\x80\x99s Abstract, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Employment Security Check is required.
• Participate in all staff training (e.g. First Aid, SafeTALK, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, Naloxone Training)

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• The Mustard Seed offers a competitive compensation package including an access to a $200 health spending account.
• All The Mustard Seed employees have access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program, which provides support for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, addressing mental health concerns, and focusing on personal development in various areas.

NOTE

• Your privacy is important to us. The information we collect is used solely for consideration for employment.
• We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The Mustard Seed reserves the right to amend job advertisements. No phone calls please.
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The Mustard Seed