Job Description

Organization Introduction:

At Margaret's Housing & Community Support Services Inc., our mission is to provide a continuum of housing and support services for individuals who struggle with addiction, substance abuse, and mental health challenges through an array of innovative programs, advocacy, and education which empowers individuals to build and reclaim their lives.

Margaret's hosts a collaborative work environment, built of employees who share our core values of being compassionate, respectful, and innovative and strongly believe in empowering and providing support to vulnerable individuals in need. We support open communication and strongly encourage employees to take a direct, hands-on approach to their work as part of a team that plays an instrumental role in providing support services to our clients.

Job purpose:

Reporting to the Senior Director of Programs & Services, Margaret's Housing and Community Support Services (Margaret's) is seeking a Housing Worker that will assist individuals in searching for, securing, and sustaining affordable housing through the development of housing readiness and provision of case management for homeless individuals, along with educating clients and service providers of crisis intervention, prevention and management strategies. The worker must collaborate in a warm and collegial fashion with team members including other employees, volunteers, and residents.

Responsibilities:

Assist clients with housing applications to acquire housing and/or funding (furniture bank, Rent Bank, COHB, etc.), utilizing an eviction-prevention approach

Conducts intakes and needs assessments

Work in partnership with clients to help them gain access to basic needs and transportation, and to maintain and/or develop a supportive network for housing maintenance

Assist with income supports by supporting clients in accessing assistance programs and application assistance to clients for rental applications as well as other required documentation

Educates clients on housing options and housing related issues including landlord / tenant rights and responsibilities

Complete and submits financial support applications such as Rent Bank etc.

Record Rent Bank client and service data in the Rent Bank Portal

Maintain client files, program statistical information and evaluation data: prepares program reports as needed

Advocate on behalf of clients with landlords, OW, ODSP and other services

Verifies information with current landlords (arrears) and new landlords (rental deposits)

Promote problem solving by providing information to and facilitating a discussion that focuses on clear communication and achievable solutions between clients and landlords and contributes to the common goal of sustaining successful tenancies for the long term.

Make links and referrals by assisting clients with connections to other housing stability resources.

Develop and maintain collaborative relationships working with the City of Toronto, key partners, supports, and community agencies for events and programs, as needed.

Complete administrative requirements which include, but are not limited to, TGRIP, Pirouette for documentation and satisfy and complete government and/or funder reporting requirements.

Attend meetings and ensure representation for designated staff meetings and networking events

Participate in staff training & development and provision of training as required

Perform any other tasks and duties as required.

Qualifications:

Social Service Worker Diploma or equivalent with relevant practicum experience

Minimum of one (1) year experience working within the Housing Help Sector utilizing the Housing First model of service

Minimum 3 years' working experience with individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly in the role of crisis intervention, mediation, and advocacy

Demonstrated knowledge of eviction prevention, housing access, housing stabilization and special priority housing applications

Demonstrated experience in housing search, housing applications, and connecting with landlords

Demonstrated experience of completing financial housing support application
(Rent Bank and supplements, HSF, OESP, LEAP, etc.)

Strong understanding of market rent and subsidized housing systems and policies

Knowledge of settlement and housing related services and resources, with an emphasis on the services and resources that exist within the Greater Toronto Area

Possess a comprehensive understanding of mental illness, addiction and recovery, and working with the anti-oppression framework

Possess great understanding of and demonstrate care with regards to client confidentiality

Ability to work with digital case management software

Must possess strong written and oral communication skills, and strong problem-solving and client-advocacy skills

Willingness to work flexible hours

Second language an asset

Working conditions:

Primarily?work indoors Under normal circumstances, work?in close proximity with?others?with near-constant interaction with clients and/or residents and fellow staff

Physical requirements

Use of hands - typing to input client information into database and case management software Use of PPE - face mask, face shield, gloves, gowns, etc.
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Margarets is an equal opportunity employer. Should you need accommodation for the interview process, please do not hesitate to reach out prior to your scheduled interview.

We thank all individuals for applying, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Schedule:

8 hour shift Day shift Monday to Friday Weekends as needed
Application question(s):

Are you legally eligible to work in Canada?
Education:

DCS / DEC (preferred)
Experience:

Social Services - Housing: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person