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 Support Worker

and make an impact in our community?

Housing Support Worker - Bissell Centre

The Housing Support Worker provides support to participants to find permanent, stable housing that meets the needs of the individual.

The Housing Services team works with participants to navigate the income system, connect with landlords and facilitate a smooth transition from homelessness to housing. Additional tasks will be assigned to workers based on team need, worker strengths, and caseload. Some post-housing follow-up and case management duties may be required.

This position is based primarily out of the agency's community space, a welcoming, low-barrier environment that serves as a program hub for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The Housing Support Worker will engage with clients on-site, providing accessible, in-person support in a dynamic and often fast-paced setting.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Delivery

Target and connect between two and eight participants with appropriate housing monthly

Accurately complete the whole process of participant intake and assessments

Assist participant to find housing by providing location choices and help to secure the apartment within the time frame specified

Help participant establish housing by assisting with utility and insurance set up, furniture acquisition and delivery, completing a Move in Inspection Report and lease

Facilitate a smooth transition of participants to the Follow-Up Support Worker

Recruit and develop good relationships with landlords

Liaise with Homeward Trust's Landlord Relations Manager to access rental housing options

Attend relevant team meetings, supervision sessions, and training opportunities

Familiarity with available resources for Alberta Works, basic needs and available housing options is recommended

Utilize client centered practice determine housing barriers, preferences, needs and goals with individual

Encourage and promote an environment that is strength-based to assist clients in meeting their goals

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

Other duties as required

Financial

Manage and record accurate expenses for all participant start up costs

Maintain accurate mileage and expense logs for reimbursement

General and Administrative

Maintain accurate written file notes, computer records, program information, and critical incident reports within established time standards

Provide latest program information & updated statistics and any other reports as required

Participate in probationary evaluations and annual performance reviews

Attend scheduled staff and supervision meetings

Maintain a current and accurate Participant file for each participant

Attend trainings as required

Perform other duties as required

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Degree or Diploma in Social Science or related discipline

Minimum of 3 years 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

Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel programs

Experience with data management systems

Familiarity with group facilitation

Familiarity with issues of poverty, homelessness, and Edmonton's urban core

Familiarity working with high-risk populations and an understanding of Indigenous cultures, history and current issues

Conditions of Work

Some evening and weekend work required

Operation of personal vehicle with required insurance

Personal Characteristics

The Assertive Housing Worker should demonstrate competence in all of 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

Criminal Record Check

CWIS Check

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

Training Requirements

Standard First Aid and CPR

Conflict Into Calm Training

Suicide Prevention

Motivational Interviewing Skills

Other trainings as required

The above-noted training must be completed during the first three 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 Type: Full-time

Pay: From $24.18 per hour

Work Location: In person