Job Description

Division

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Homelessness Services & Community Engagement

Important Notices & Amendments

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As an employer of choice, Niagara Region offers competitive salaries and benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, a corporate wellness centre, access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), mentorship and training programs, employee recognition programs, and more. In addition, the Region recognizes the value of having flexible work arrangements to support better work-life balance for our employees. Hybrid work arrangements may vary from one employee to another and may also differ in the number of remote workdays. These opportunities remain subject to the alignment of operational needs, business requirements, and customer service expectations.

Important Notices & Amendments

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Bridge housing is a service that supports an intensive shorter-term accommodation, that fills the gap between staying in a shelter or staying outdoors. When the individual can secure safe and appropriate housing connections are made to address the specific service and support needs of the individual.

Temporary Duration

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Approximate Duration: 6 months, ending December 31, 2025

Please note:

This position will be located at Various Locations (Summer Street Shelter in Niagara Falls, Bridge Housing in Niagara Falls or Riordan Street Shelter in St. Catharines)

Shift Schedule:

will be scheduled days, afternoons, nights, weekends and holidays in a 24/7/365 environment - with 12 hours shifts.

About Us

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Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high-quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada's most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada's most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario's most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.


At Niagara Region, we value diversity - in background and experience. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We aspire to hire and grow a workforce reflective of the diverse community we serve. By doing so, we can deliver better programs and services across Niagara.


We welcome all applicants! For more information about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Niagara Region, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Niagara Region, Ontarioor email related questions to diversity@niagararegion.ca. To send input on reducing barriers in the current hiring process, please email myhr@niagararegion.ca


For the Region's full employee equity statement, Working at Niagara Region - Niagara Region, Ontario.

Don't have every qualification?

You may be hesitant to apply if you do not have every qualification listed in the posting. While specific qualifications are important for certain roles, we invite individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of experience and education to apply. Our recruiters will evaluate your suitability for the role.


Please note that for unionized roles, we must follow collective agreement requirements. However, we encourage all interested candidates to submit their applications. We believe success in a role can extend beyond meeting every single requirement.

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JOB SUMMARY

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Reporting to the Supervisor, Homelessness Services, this position provides intensive case management services to individuals who are experiencing homelessness and may be living with severe and chronic mental illnesses, addictions issues, and trauma. Intensive Case Managers provide facilitation and support from a trauma-informed approach, ensuring hospitality, dignity, and respect to individuals accessing emergency shelter services. The Intensive Case Manager will collaborate with staff across the homelessness sector to assist individuals towards rehousing goals through a progressive engagement approach. Intensive Case Managers will identify the needs of service users and assist them with referrals to appropriate services, system navigation and crisis intervention when needed. The Intensive Case Manager will assist individuals to meet their basic needs and provide linkage to formal supports and services in a 24 hour a day operation.

QUALIFICATIONS

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EDUCATION
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College Diploma or a University Degree in social services, social work, or a related discipline and/or equivalent combination of education and experience Current certification in First Aid/CPR Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training or willingness to be certified within 3 months of hire Naloxone training or willingness to be certified within 3 months of hire Understanding and Managing Aggressive Behaviour (UMAB) training an asset
KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE
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Minimum of 2 years experience working with the homeless population Knowledge and utilization of client-centred, trauma-informed approaches Knowledge of harm reduction practices Knowledge and experience in addictions, mental health, concurrent disorders, trauma, poverty, and gender-based violence are an asset Experience providing person-centered, trauma-informed, anti-racist anti-oppressive informed services and supports to individuals with diverse experiences and identities An understanding of Housing First and Housing Focused sheltering principles An understanding of/or demonstrated practice of crisis intervention Knowledge and understanding of local community resources an asset
SKILLS
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Written communication and computer skills sufficient to perform documentation and related administrative duties Verbal and interpersonal communication skills sufficient to relate to patients, families, and other healthcare professionals in a calm and professional manner Strong advocacy, problem solving, de-escalation, mediation and negotiation skills Demonstrated teamwork, problem solving, and leadership skills sufficient to deal with crisis situations. Ability to handle confidential information with diplomacy and discretion. Ability to work under pressure and in crisis situations Skills in counseling, addictions, housing, community outreach, concurrent disorders, and general aspects of physical health are an asset. Demonstrated ability to form relationships based on trust and empowerment. Working knowledge of the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS) an asset. Demonstrated ability to maintain objectivity while working with high acuity individuals
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
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Must be able and available to work shift work, weekends, and statutory holidays (24 x 7 x 365 operation) and meet requirements of availability as per the Collective Agreement. In accordance with the Corporate Criminal Record Check Policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Vulnerable Sector Records Check.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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Intake and assessment

Serve individuals experiencing homelessness with high acuity needs. Assess whether safe and appropriate alternative housing arrangements are available for individual's seeking emergency shelter and connect individuals with identified services/supports, in line with principles of diversion. Complete necessary forms and processes for intake Complete necessary forms and processes for exit planning and discharges Provide harm reduction through conversation and supports as needed. Support individuals to ensure they have the basic needs of daily life (e.g. ensure clients have food, access to medications, support line numbers, and addictions supports).

Case management

Assist with obtaining identification, accessing financial assistance and benefits, assisting with applications and access to community- based resources such as primary health care, mental wellness and addictions services. Provide system navigation while using motivational interviewing techniques Work in partnership with client to develop an Individualized Service Plan with a goal to securing permanent housing (eg document readiness, landlord resourcing, health and wellness needs). Monitor and support individuals through periods of crisis and ensure attachment to appropriate community resources. Ensure holistic case coordination and effective individual interventions through case conferencing with team members and/or staff or professionals from other agencies Provide crisis intervention when needed. Respond to emergency/crisis situations by providing responsive and timely actions and referrals to internal and external supportive agencies. Provide ongoing supportive options, which may include but not limited to crisis intervention to a vulnerable population. Monitor ongoing mental health and compliance with treatment as needed.

Administration/Documentation

Complete timely intake and case notes related to service user interactions. Update HIFIS daily with service user information and case notes. Document activities and exit planning sessions. Follow all policies and procedures (e.g. service restriction policies, infection control and prevention procedures). Attending training as required. Ensure the transfer of information at shift change. Light cleaning duties. Participate in evaluation of the program, as required by third party evaluators.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Closing Statement

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Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow's challenges TODAY!



Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.



We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.



If you require an accommodation for the application process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the alternate formats for contacting us are as follows:

Email: myhr@niagararegion.ca Phone: 905-980-6000 or 1-800-263-7215 Bell Relay: 1-800-855-0511 * In-person: Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 - Human Resources Department