Housing Support Worker - Nikao

• Delivering person-centered support services and programs following a “housing first” philosophy to tenants as part of a dedicated team;
• Following prescribed policies and procedures associated with Property Management;
• Supporting tenants through a PSR approach;
• Advocating on behalf of tenants with community agencies;
• Attending to overdoses and administering naloxone.

• preparing, documenting, implementing, monitoring and evaluating personalized support plans with each tenant;
• assisting with case management by identifying potential problems and reporting any difficulties;
• providing input to counsellors and other professionals with regard to the development of appropriate program plans;
• monitoring client mental health and substance use and determining when to provide additional support;
• recognizing, analyzing and responding to potential emergency situations;

• encouraging and facilitating tenant participation in decision-making regarding housing and support policies and practices;
• providing life skills training such as meal preparation, housekeeping, personal care and personal self-management skills;
• assisting tenants in navigation of Ministry services;
• assisting tenants with financial management including coordinating with the Public Trustee, budgeting and ensuring rent and damage deposits are made;
• contributing to the evaluation of tenants’ progress and preparing related reports;
• supervising and supporting tenant participation in the community volunteer program;
• liaising and actively planning with community resources including Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams, mental health and health care practitioners, police and emergency services;
• coordinating referrals to essential services and programs for tenants;
• providing support for a wide variety of on-site and off-site programming including life skills and recreational activities; attends appointments with tenants such as medical, psychiatric, counseling etc. (building specific);
• providing support to tenants experiencing health issues including end of life support;
• advocating for tenants who are experiencing oppression, stigmatization and/or discrimination within the community;
• providing transition support for tenants moving in or out of supportive housing.

• coordinating maintenance related requests with the Property Management team;
• providing direct assistance to tenants preparing for pest control (i.e bed bugs) or maintenance/repair activities;
• assisting with minor repairs and maintenance (such as light bulb changes), as required.

• maintaining reports such as statistics, logbooks, tenant daily activity records;
• preparing Incident Reports for staff follow-up and for the Health and Safety Committee;
• assisting the Manager with the development of protocols, policies, procedures and/or proposals;
• assisting in fundraising, public relations campaigns, workshops and special events.

• maintaining regular contact with, and providing back-up for team members and other staff as required;
• participating in community meetings including coordinating individual case conferences.

• Training and/or education in a related human/social service field is an asset

• Conflict resolution/crisis prevention training and experience is an asset

• Recent and related experience preferably in the non-profit housing sector or in a related social service field
• Demonstrated experience working with populations impacted by substance use and mental health challenges, homelessness, and/or other barriers to stable housing

• Knowledge of the psychosocial rehabilitation model
• Demonstrated ability to manage and balance role responsibilities and interpersonal dynamics in a fast paced, high pressure environment
• Working knowledge of harm reduction and Housing First theory and practice
• Proficient in MS Office programs including Word, Outlook and Excel

• First Aid Certification is required.
• Naloxone administration training is required.

• A mission driven and meaningful working environment.
• Competitive salary from a Certified Living Wage Employer.
• Minimum six (6) percent vacation accrual rate for staff working 20+ hours per week.
• 10.2% of straight-time pay in lieu of scheduled vacations and paid holidays paid every pay cheque for casual and temporary employees.
• Additional $2/hour overnight shift premium (for shifts where the majority of hours are worked between 9pm and 5am).
• Excellent benefits package for permanent staff working 20+ hours per week (includes extended health and dental, life insurance, and more).
• Pension Plan for permanent staff working 20+ hours per week.
• Employee assistance program.
• Wellness time for permanent staff working 20+ hours per week. Or up to 5 paid wellness days a year for casual and temporary employees.
• Career development and internal advancement opportunities.
• Organization and individual training opportunities.
• Social committee that includes robust team building and staff social events.
• Dog friendly offices.

Pacifica Housing