Housing Support Worker

Open Arms Resource Centre Housing Support Worker

About Open Arms:

Open Arms is a dynamic and growing nonprofit organization dedicated to providing shelter, support, and community services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Rooted in Christian values, our mission is to create lasting, positive change by addressing the root causes of homelessness and fostering a supportive environment for those in need. Open Arms is committed to treating every individual with dignity and respect, recognizing the inherent worth and unique journey of each person.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Housing Support Worker reports directly to the Housing Programs Manager.

The Housing Support Worker will provide ongoing support to individuals exiting homelessness as they obtain and maintain permanent housing. Working within a Housing First model, they will support their clients in creating a personalized plan and goals. The Housing Support Worker will meet regularly with their clients and provide the necessary support to help their clients achieve the goals they set. With the focus being on developing meaningful, therapeutic relationships, staff will engage in person with each individual on their caseload a minimum of once every two weeks.

Major responsibilities:

• Develop, with the client, a recovery plan that is strength-based and grounded in the principles of Housing First and harm reduction, and monitor client progress
• Maintain working knowledge of relevant community resources and supports, and make referrals and connections for clients as needed
• Maintain relevant, timely and accurate documentation
• Complete program-selected assessments in a timely and accurate manner
• Attend all team meetings
• Advocate for clients
• Ensure timely communication with all service agencies that serve clients, including landlords
• Connect clients with community resources and supports as required
• Support client community engagement
• Attend appointments with clients and provide supported referrals as required
• Maintain client confidentiality and clear boundaries
• Represent the program and the agency in the community in a professional manner
• Adhere to the standards set out in the program's policy and procedures manual
• Work with all team members to achieve excellent service and outcomes
• Maintain a caseload ratio of a maximum 1:25

Knowledge, skills and abilities requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field (preferred)
• Experience working with at risk clients
• Solid understanding of Housing First and harm reduction principles
• Able to work effectively as part of a team
• Valid driver's license and regular access to a personal vehicle
• Insurance to transport clients in both company and personal vehicle
• Superior interpersonal, communication and documentation skills
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries
• Experience working from a strengths-based and relationship-based perspective
• Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision
• Excellent time management skills
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Suicide Intervention, and CPR/First Aid training an asset

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00-$25.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Work Location: In person