Job Description

Description

The Program Services Caseworker - Drop in will work within the Drop-in Center. Provide Residential, Transition as well as outreach clients with encouragement and access to wrap around supports that ultimately lead to getting housed and staying housed. Supports and assists homeless and street-involved clients who access Belinda\'s Place Drop-in center.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program

• Promote a comfortable and safe environment (i.e. the Drop-In center) where street-involved clients feel engaged and involved in healthy activities
• Facilitate orientation for Clients by taking basic, required information, provide any requested information, orient Clients to Drop In regulations and schedules
• Ensure client information is recorded in appropriate places
• Provide access to meals for outreach clients
• Provide access to shower, toiletries and towel to outreach clients
• Facilitate commencement of RRTIP for outreach clients
• Assist with supervision of clients
• Perform all necessary Clerical duties for Client documentation, including Drop In Services Forms, computer entries, Logbook entries, toiletries, towel & other required forms
• Data entry of all required data fields in HIFIS
• Report any safety issues that arise in the Drop-in to the Program Services Coordinator
• Build trusting relationships with clients who access services
• Ensure that all clients who access the Drop-In Centre are aware of Belinda\'s Place\'s available services, referring to the appropriate department/staff when necessary
• Follow up on what clients have asked for in a timely manner
• Link participants with housing, health and social services/supports (internal and external referrals)
• Provide crisis counseling and one-on-one support/brief intervention
• Provide advocacy where required
• Case management with other Belinda\'s Place staff
• Compile and maintain relevant referral sources and pertinent programs that benefit clients participants
• Compile and maintain relevant contacts within the systems and those who can help support clients navigate the systems to ensure efficient and effective advocacy efforts
• Gather and present program statistics and other pertinent information in monthly and annual reports
• Ensure all donations received are recorded according to policy
• Ensure that all telephone calls are recorded according to policy
• Enforce agency rules and expectations consistently
• Ensure all Taxi Vouchers Transit Tickets are completed and recorded according to policy
• Provide high-needs (low-functioning) clients with extra individual informal counselling as some clients need continuous support and one-to-one attention to avoid being a disruption to the general population of the shelter
• Organize clubs and groups within the shelter to increase critical thinking; encouraging clients to get involved within the community and take civic action
• Make sure that the Drop-In Centre is clean and orderly and that all computers and lights are shut off at the end of every day
• Conduct Drop in Facility Security/Safety and Maintenance Checks on a regular basis according to policy
• Record all physical facility/building problems in Maintenance Request Binder
• Inform Business Manager/Housekeeping staff of any parts of the Drop-In Centre and/or the basement that require attention with regards to cleaning or organization
• Other duties as assigned by Program Director

Service Responsibilities

• Promote positive and supportive attitudes toward clients who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness
• Promote programs and activities that empower clients to work towards their goals
• Act as an advocate and be a positive role model for clients in the community
• Develop effective working relationships and partnerships with community members, representatives of other departments, agencies and co-workers
• Represent the Salvation Army and the clients we serve at community meetings
• Perform any other related duties as requested by Executive Director

Organizational Responsibilities

• Adhere to standards that are consistent with the values & philosophy of The Salvation Army, Residential Services and the Regional Municipality of York
• Participate fully and constructively in staff meetings and in service training
• Engage in formal evaluation sessions with Program Director at 3 month during first year of employment and annually thereafter
• Read and follow the Policy & Procedures Manual and the Employees Handbook
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters pertaining to clientele and coworkers of The Salvation Army Sutton Clients Shelter and Belinda\'s Place
• Become familiar with the provision of the position description & operations manual, which will be provided for each job position
• As required and is applicable, make suggestions that will improve efficiency, working conditions or procedures to Executive director ; and represent the Organization in a professional manner

Perform other duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• College diploma in Social Sciences field or equivalent experience (minimum)
• Valid Ontario Class \xe2\x80\x9cG\xe2\x80\x9d Driver\'s License and a current copy of a Driver\'s abstract for review and verification that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, an asset
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Previous experience with people experiencing homelessness as asset (one to three years)
• Must have thorough knowledge and understanding of Women\'s issues
• Knowledge and understanding of Mental Health/Addictions
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of and a commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression and equity
• Good knowledge of community resources

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

• Problem solving skills essential
• The responsibilities associated with this position demand a high degree of confidentiality
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Computer skills essential (Processing/Desktop, Publishing, Spreadsheet/Graphing, Database)
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Must have good interpersonal/time management skills
• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening
• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities

In support of our commitment to a healthy and safe workplace and community, The Salvation Army (TSA) has a vaccination requirement for all new employees within the Province of Ontario, Social Services sector. The successful candidate will be made an offer of employment on the condition of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and will be required to provide proof of full vaccination, prior to their employment start date. The requirement to be fully vaccinated is subject to provincial human rights legislation. If the candidate is unable to vaccinate for a reason protected by the Human Rights Code, a request for accommodation can be submitted and written proof satisfactory to TSA will be required

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process. If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

You must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.

The Salvation Army