Resource Counsellor- Community Integrated Care Hub

Job Title: Resource Counsellor

Job Status: Full Time

Hours: 35 hours a week- shiftwork- days, evenings, overnights, weekends & holidays

Hourly Rate: $25.66

Pay Period: Employees are paid semi-monthly

Location: 22 Peel Street, Lindsay ON

Reports to: Director of Community Integrated Care Hub

For over 60 years, our programs have addressed crime & its causes in our Kawartha and Peterborough area communities. We practice diverse approaches to violence prevention, intervention, diversion, & response. We work from a trauma and resilience informed, anti-oppressive, restorative lens.

RESUME AND COVER LETTER REQUIRED

As the Resource Counsellor- Community Integrated Care Hub, you will support the daily operations of the Hub as we strive to provide stigma free, low- barrier, accessible services to the homeless community/population within the City of Kawartha Lakes. Homelessness within Kawartha Lakes is becoming more apparent and there are many individuals who are at risk living in precarious situations. The program provides a drop in support space addressing food insecurity, referrals to the local shelter and other community support agencies along with addressing other basic needs. Housing assessments and applications are completed during drop-in times. Harm reduction supplies are also provided at the Hub. Additionally, the Hub will provide low barrier bed spaces on a first come first served basis, for those unable to access traditional shelter beds.

If this sounds like an environment you are comfortable working in, we are seeking a passionate and dedicated person to join our team. This role is pivotal in supporting the daily operations of the Hub to ensure basic needs and support are provided to members of our community. This includes engaging clients by providing resources, assistance, and fostering a sense of belonging and support. If you have a commitment to community development, strong interpersonal skills, and a desire to make a positive impact, we encourage you to apply.

The successful candidate must be available to work days, evenings, overnights, and weekends on a rotating schedule to support program needs and ensure consistent service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

Daily Tasks/Expectations

• Support the daily operations of the Hub- answering doors, monitoring hub activity,

assisting with handing out basic need's supplies, light cleaning of work and program

areas, meal preparation, meal service and assisting with program work as directed.

• Work in collaboration with other housing, mental health, addiction and social services

and health care professionals within the Hub

• Monitor security cameras as required
• Report all concerns to the program Director or delegate
• Maintain clear and professional boundaries with all clients and their supporters
• Maintain strict confidentiality and safekeeping of all client files and identifying information.
• Engage, motivate and maintain rapport with all clients and be flexible to accommodate

client barriers and vulnerabilities.

• Frequent and open communication with the Hub staff team and program Director for

the purpose of maintaining a safe environment.

• Adhere to agency policies and procedures and Ministry guidelines and standards for

program delivery.

• Refer individuals in need of other specialized services internally and externally.
• Report observations at shift change, ensuring all staff are aware of any issues pertaining to the safety and wellbeing of the program.

Administration Tasks

• Track & maintain all client-related data and activities in database.
• Distribution, tracking and collection of all harm reduction supplies, including Naloxone.
• Consult with relevant community partners pertaining to individuals as needed.

Best Practices and Accountability

• Stay informed of issues, information, & best practices re: housing and homelessness, mental health and addictions, justice involvement
• Foster a warm, welcoming, restorative, anti-oppressive, trauma/resilience informed space for individuals.
• Take a strength-based approach when addressing individual needs.
• When providing information, do so in a way that reflects the racial, cultural, linguistic and gender-specific needs of the person being served.
• Attend relevant staff meetings and training sessions.
• Adhere to standard professional guidelines and agency protocols on confidentiality and ethics.
• Follow all Health and Safety guidelines.
• Engage in ongoing collaboration with teammates.
• Report any issues relating to safety and risk to Director or agency CEO.
• Consult regularly with the Director of Community Integrated Care Hub.
• Undertake other duties as assigned by management to improve or enhance the delivery of services, and to meet operational needs.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Job Specifications

Education, Training, and Professional Experience

• Post–secondary education in social services, criminology, community and justice services, psychology, or related field.
• relevant to social and/or justice services, preferably working with individuals experiencing precarious housing, homelessness, addiction and mental health issues, incarceration and/or conflict with the law.
• Relevant training certificates an asset (i.e. Motivational Interviewing, Anti-Racism and Decolonization, Trauma-Informed Care, Positive Space, Brave Space, Restorative Conference Training)
• Thorough knowledge of local community resources and partner agencies
• Certification in at least one of the following: NVCI, Nonviolent Communication training, or De-escalation Training or demonstrated relevent expereince.
• Certification in at least one of the following: Mental Health First Aid Training, ASIST Training or equivalent.
• Standard First-Aid and CPR Level C
• Harm Reduction and Naloxone Training

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent observational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral, listening, written, interpersonal, & conflict resolution skills.
• Self-starter and highly motivated.
• Professional co-operative attitude and behaviour
• Ability to think quickly and use Nonviolent Communication techniques to diffuse conflict and high-risk situations
• Self-awareness and ability to continuously evaluate biases, in order to work with a diverse range of clients
• Strong computer skills, incl.: Microsoft Office, Teams, Excel, etc.
• A deep understanding of the value of relationship-building.
• Actively seeks constructive feedback from colleagues, supervisors, volunteers, & others.
• Ability to work with diverse staff, client community, & a wide range of constituencies.
• Ability to work independently & take initiative.
• Strong ethics, integrity, & confidentiality consistent with the position

Physical Abilities

• Ability to exert up to 30 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Ability to engage in sitting, standing, and walking or a mix of all three for long periods of time.
• Ability to drive for short to medium periods of time to perform duties of the job, e.g. outreach into the surrounding community, attend community events, program supply shopping, and occasional travel to other JHSK office locations.

Other Requirements & Working Conditions

• It is expected that the successful candidate provide and maintain a clear Criminal Record Check with vulnerable sector screening as a condition of employment
• Must have Valid Ontario Driver's License (G-class) and reliable access to a car to preform duties of this job
• This position is an on site position, in Lindsay, based out of 22 Peel Street.
• Must be able to work shift work.
• Regular exposure to secondary traumatic stress (STS), which may contribute to the experience of compassion fatigue.
• There may be exposure to hazards from time to time, e.g. violence, bodily fluids and waste, communicable diseases, working alone, slips trips and falls, and other exposures.

JHS Kawarthas is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to organizational equity & diversity. We actively seek staff who are members of groups designated by federal/provincial legislation as under-represented. These groups include women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, racialized people, & LGBTQ2I* persons.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.66 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person