Job Description

WHO WE ARE

Through the vision to eliminate poverty in our community and guided by a passionate concern for the dignity and well-being of each individual, Bissell Centre's work is based on building relationships, hope and trust. Our mission is to work with others to empower people to move from poverty to cultural, social, and economic prosperity. We empower people to meet their own basic daily needs, participate in community and have sustainable livelihoods, secure housing, feel hope for the future and make plans for a prosperous life. By joining Bissell Centre, you will become part of a fast-paced and dedicated team that works together to realize our vision.

Are you a

Social Worker Professional looking to make an impact in your community? Do you have endless optimism, ready to move and create change in the community? Through the vision to eliminate poverty in our community and guided by a passionate concern for the dignity and well-being of each individual, Bissell Centre's work is based on building relationships, hope and trust. Our community comes from all walks of life and so do we.

Through our programs we work to empower people from meeting their own basic daily needs to having sustainable livelihoods, secure housing, and feeling hope for the future and make plans for a prosperous life. By joining Bissell Centre, you will become part of a fast-paced and dedicated team that works together to realize our vision.

Currently, Bissell Centre is looking for an individual wanting to join our

Housing Services

team. Are you ready to be our

Housing Navigator

and make an impact in our community?

Housing Navigator - Bissell Centre

The

Housing Navigator

provides

housing-focused outreach and case management

to individuals and families living in properties identified by the Residential Inspection Safety Compliance (RISC) team. Using a

client-centered and strengths-based approach

, the role supports residents in overcoming barriers to safe, stable housing by offering navigation, advocacy, and referrals to appropriate housing programs and services.

The navigator will build connections between community members, Residential Inspection Safety Compliance (RISC) team, the City of Edmonton, housing providers, landlords, Bissell Centre programs, and other community-based supports to secure and maintain housing. The goal is to provide an individualized range of service navigation across the housing spectrum for individuals who are at risk of homelessness.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Delivery

Provide direct housing navigation and outreach support to residents of properties identified by the RISC team.

Triage housing-related inquiries and provide appropriate referrals.

Support residents in developing individualized housing plans and connect them with appropriate housing programs, subsidies, and resources.

Support pre-housing readiness by providing access to Government ID and Income.

Identify housing barriers and assist individuals to seek creative housing solutions.

Complete intake assessments with individuals and clearly explain relevant housing program options and expectations

Arrange and participate in "Warm Transfer" meetings with internal and external agencies and programs.

Complete assertive outreach to connect with Participants as necessary.

Provide resources and referrals to individuals that support problem solving and address immediate needs.

Develop and maintain strong relationships with partner organizations, funders, landlords and other housing providers.

Provide updates and consistent communication to the Residential Inspection Safety Compliance Team and City of Edmonton.

Develop and maintain accurate, confidential case files in compliance with POPA & ATIA .

Participate and network in related program, agency, and community meetings.

Identify program gaps and implement creative solutions for the purpose of building program capacity.

When necessary, assist with completing of High Intensity Referrals for Supportive Housing and collecting relevant supporting information for these applications.

Other duties as required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Degree or Diploma in Social Science or related discipline

Minimum of one-year related employment experience

Alberta Class 5 License, satisfactory driver's abstract and a vehicle

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, result oriented, good time management, strong organizational and problem-solving skills

Knowledge and familiar with the Alberta College of Social Workers Code of Conduct and Standards of Practice

Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and ETO programs

Detailed understanding of poverty, oppression, and marginalization, specifically as it relates to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Knowledge of housing programs, subsidies, and case management

Conditions of Work

Operation of personal vehicle with required insurance

This position is primarily scheduled Monday through Friday, with some evening and weekend work required to meet operational and community needs.

Employees may be exposed to challenging environments, including properties with poor sanitation, structural issues, or other hazards

Personal Characteristics

The Housing Navigator should demonstrate competence in all the following:

Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behaviour and business practices and ensure own behaviour is consistent with these standards and aligns with the mission and core values of Bissell Centre.

Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.

Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.

Focus on Participant Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of participants and the community to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.

Foster Teamwork: Foster, sustain and role model productive team management practices, and contribute to a positive team environment. Share expertise and knowledge to support, coach and develop others.

Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions that are timely and in the best interests of the organization.

Organizational Skills: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities.

Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement action plans, and evaluate the process and results.

Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.

Screening Requirements

Enhanced Criminal Record Check

CWIS Check

Driver's abstract, valid driver's license and proof of $2 million Liability Automobile insurance

Training Requirements

Standard First Aid and CPR

Conflict Into Calm Training

Suicide Prevention

Motivational Interviewing Skills

The above-noted training must be completed during the first six months of employment.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to: chancharuk@bissellcentre.org.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, Bissell Centre continues to take action to protect person served and staff. Strategies related to Bissell Centre's response to COVID-19 are driven by the guiding principle of taking all reasonable precautions and measures to protect the health and safety of both persons served and staff. In keeping with this intentional purpose, COVID-19 full vaccination is a condition of employment for new hires, except due to legitimate, established exceptions.

Bissell Centre is an equal opportunity employer who is committed to diversity within our community and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, or disability. Bissell Centre is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees, in accordance with provincially and federally legislated protected grounds.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: $24.18 per hour

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Dental care Extended health care On-site childcare On-site parking Paid time off Vision care
Work Location: In person