Community Housing Support Worker

Job Description

The Community Housing Support Worker is responsible for providing holistic case management to youth engaged in our Supported Housing Programs. They will support youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in connecting to and maintaining independent housing. The Housing Support Worker will also be involved in the growth and innovation of our Supportive Living Programs as we respond to the changing housing climate.

Primary Areas of Responsibility

Youth/Tenants Programming & Administrative

Duties and Responsibilities

Youth/Tenants Programming

• Build rapport with and provide support to youth in the Supportive Living Programs
• Develop and document plans with youth through effective case management to further goals related to education/employment assistance, stable and affordable housing, relationships, life skills, identity, engagement, and emotional healing
• Make referrals to other supports and services and participate in case conferencing that includes the youth client and other service providers
• Proactively seek out new housing opportunities, rentals, and resources
• Maintain on-going relationships with landlords and other housing providers
• Provide client-focused supportive mentoring in an adaptable and flexible approach, considering each client’s unique qualities
• Set expectations around keeping and maintaining housing through regular visits with the clients
• Teach tenancy life skills one-on-one or through group work, such as budgeting, recycling, cleaning, being a good neighbor, conflict resolution, and following the lease agreement
• Guide clients through affordable housing subsidy applications
• Coordinate and support clients with unit viewings, moving plan, payment of rent, and set up of utilities
• Facilitate the departure process for clients in collaboration with the Director and/or Housing Support Lead

Administrative

• Create and maintain a Housing Directory, including documentation of all contacts with housing providers/landlords, and provide consistent updates on housing availability
• Possess working knowledge of and demonstrate efficiency in the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS), housing subsidies, and housing assistance programs
• Maintain statistics and records for the Department of Community Services (DCS) using HIFIS.
• Complete and generate monthly and annual reports
• Record progress and statistical information for the project and capture suggestions for improvement and best practices while ensuring confidentiality is protected

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Work in collaboration with the Director, Housing Support Lead, and external agencies
• Participate in Abbey Ridge’s referral committee and referral process for youth, as directed by the Director, and maintain strong community networks
• Participate in team meetings, organizational activities, and informal debriefs as required
• Transport youth on occasion
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and contribute to the development and implementation of effective solutions
• Maintain high standards of quality, safety, and confidentiality in all interactions involving employees, clients, volunteers, and organizational information
• Demonstrate professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity in all interactions, and represent New Dawn in a manner consistent with its mission, vision, and values
• Maintain and enhance professional knowledge and skills through ongoing learning, professional development, networking, and participation in relevant professional associations
• Foster positive workplace relationships through effective communication, mutual respect, collaboration, and reliable follow-through
• Promote and champion New Dawn’s mission, vision, and values both internally and externally
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Core Competencies

• Servant leadership 
• Ethics and integrity  
• Client and community-focused 
• Initiative and problem solving     
• Accountability and dependability  
• Strong oral and written communication 
• Teamwork and collaboration      
• Detail orientation   
• Adaptability 

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree or diploma in social sciences with relevant experience, or a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in a similar role
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
• Experience working with and advocating for individuals and communities facing vulnerability and systemic barriers
• Lived experience with homelessness or risk of homelessness is considered an asset
• Knowledge and understanding of tenants’ rights and responsibilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Internet use
• Demonstrated compassion, empathy, diplomacy, and sound problem-solving skills
• Experience working with and advocating for individuals and communities facing vulnerability and systemic barriers
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively as part of a team, and under direction when required
• Strong attention to detail, with exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to build positive relationships and work effectively with others toward shared goals
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, accountability, and commitment to confidentiality
• Understanding of and working with diverse communities and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered practice
• Alignment with New Dawn’s mission, values, and servant leadership philosophy

Work Conditions

• Regular interaction with employees, volunteers, management, participants, children, families, and members of the public
• Travel between worksites and within the community may be required
• Occasional overtime and evening or weekend work may be required to meet operational needs
• Some bending and lifting is required to clean/maintain home
• Manual dexterity is required for operating desktop computers and standard office equipment and peripherals
• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a desktop computer may be required
• Work is performed in office and community settings, which may be busy or noisy at times 

Compensation Package for Salaried Employees

At New Dawn Enterprises, we recognize that employee well-being is fundamental to individual success, organizational excellence, and thriving communities. In addition to competitive salaries, permanent salaried employees may be eligible for the following benefits and supports. Eligibility for specific benefits may vary based on employment status, position, and length of service

Group Health Employee Benefits

New Dawn offers eligible employees participation in group benefits which are provided by GroupHEALTH and include coverage for medical, dental, and vision care, as well as insurance coverage including long-term disability, life, and accidental death and dismemberment. New Dawn pays 50% of group benefit premiums. Long-term disability premiums are fully employee-paid, allowing any future disability benefits received to remain non-taxable

Extended Health & Well-Being  

GroupHEALTH offers integrated wellness services through Sparrow Health, including enhanced mental health support, seamless access to virtual healthcare, and an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). Services include critical incident support, 24/7 crisis assistance, substance-use management, and other wellness resources

Retirement Savings Matching Program

Eligible employees may choose to participate in New Dawn’s Self-Directed Retirement Savings Matching Program by contributing up to 5% of their gross salary toward a registered retirement savings plan, which is deducted from their pay cheque. New Dawn matches employee contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 5% of gross salary. Eligible savings accounts include Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and eligible Community Economic Development Investment Funds (CEDIFs)

Flexible Work Arrangements

In recognition of the benefits of greater work-life balance and the value of flexibility and autonomy for human well-being, New Dawn makes every effort to offer flexible work schedules. Divisions across New Dawn are structured differently and may offer varying levels of flexibility while continuing to meet operational requirements. Depending on the role, flexible arrangements may include self-scheduling (regular schedule and/or time off coverage), flexible start and end times, remote work, and other accommodations

Reduced Hours Work Week

Full-time salaried employees are eligible to participate in a 32-hour reduced-hours work week while maintaining full-time employment status and compensation. These hours can be worked over four 8-hour days, or five 6.5-hour days, with the chosen schedule identified at the beginning of employment and at the start of each year

Paid Vacation 

Full-time, salaried employees are entitled to 120 hours (equivalent to 15 days) of paid vacation annually. Part-time, salaried employees are entitled to paid annual vacation hours prorated to their FTE status

Paid Mental & Physical Wellness Days 

Full-time, salaried employees are entitled to 56 hours (7 days) of paid mental and physical wellness leave annually. Part-time, salaried employees are entitled to paid annual leave for mental and physical health prorated to their FTE status. These hours can be used to take time off work for physical and/or mental wellness/illness, and to attend appointments for the employee and/or their dependents

Paid Holidays 

New Dawn observes the following thirteen (13) public holidays annually, exceeding current statutory minimums. These include: New Year’s Day, Nova Scotia Heritage Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day

Subject to operational requirements, New Dawn may provide eligible employees an additional paid office closure between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day annually, allowing employees additional time with family and loved ones without using vacation entitlement 

Rewards & Recognition 

New Dawn celebrates employee contributions through service awards, milestone recognition, and ongoing appreciation programs that acknowledge achievements and significant personal and professional milestones

Paid Required Education Renewals

When certifications, training, licenses, or credentials are required for a position, New Dawn covers renewal costs. Support for professional designations and licensing fees may also be provided based on role requirements and divisional budgets

Professional Development

New Dawn is committed to supporting employees in developing their skills, expanding their knowledge, and pursuing lifelong learning opportunities. Development of new position-relevant skills and perspectives creates a stronger, more informed, and modern organization. Employees are encouraged to explore professional development opportunities in collaboration with their manager

Café Marie Discount

Employees are entitled to a staff discount at Café Marie, located in the Eltuek Arts Centre

Corporate YMCA Membership Program

To support employee health and wellness, New Dawn offers a corporate membership in partnership with the Cape Breton YMCA. The corporate membership provides staff with a 12% discount on the cost of individual membership, and New Dawn covers 50% of the discounted individual membership cost