New Dawn Enterprises

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Manager of Abbey Ridge, the Community Housing Support Worker will provide holistic case management for youth engaged in our Supported Housing Programs. They will help youth who are homeless or at risk of being homeless connect to and maintain independent housing. The Housing Support Worker will be involved in growth and innovation in our Supportive Living Programs as we respond to the changing housing climate.

Duties and Responsibilities

Youth/Tenants Programming:

Build rapport with and provide support to youth in the Supportive Living Programs
Through effective case management, develop and document plans with young people to further goals for 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 client
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 Manager and/or Team Lead

Administrative:

Create and maintain a Housing Directory to include documentation of all contacts with housing providers/landlords. Provide consistent updates on housing availability
Possess working knowledge of and efficiency in the Homeless Individual and Family Information System (HIFIS), housing subsidies and information on housing assistance programs
Maintain stats and records for 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 and Responsibilities:

Work in collaboration with Manager, Team Lead and external agencies
Participate in regular supervision and informal debriefs
Participate in ongoing training and professional development
Participate on Abbey Ridge’s referral committee in the referral process for youth when directed by the Manager and maintain strong key networks within the community
Ensure a quality, effective, and client-directed program is always delivered and contributes to a collaborative and cohesive work environment
Transport youth on occasion
Ensure Abbey Ridge’s program is congruent with New Dawn’s vision and values. Provide suggestions to the Manager for change and/or improvement based on observations of what is or is not working
Work in accordance with Abbey Ridge and New Dawn’s policies, procedures, and framework of practice
Other duties as required

Qualifications

Undergraduate degree or diploma in social sciences with relevant experience or 3+ years of experience doing similar work. Lived experience in homelessness or risk of homelessness is an asset
Excellent communication skills, particularly listening, mediation, program facilitation and writing skills
Possess strong organizational skills with ability to meet a demanding workload
Detail oriented to complete requirements of files and contract compliance
Creative thinker/adaptive personality
Knowledge or understanding of tenant’s rights and responsibilities
Demonstrated knowledge of community resources, social service agencies, and landlords
Experience with computers and common applications
Valid driver’s license and a car
Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the population served
A commitment to empowering others to solve their own problems
A conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change
The ability to establish and set appropriate limits with persons served to help them gain skills and confidence
The ability to work collaboratively with other personnel and/or service providers or professionals
Knowledge of youth/family/community resources, programs and services within the community and within Nova Scotia
Demonstration of experience in working from a strengths-based and relationship-based perspective
Willingness and flexibility to work evening and weekend hours
Complete all appropriate monthly and annual reports. Post secondary education in social sciences (Communications, Social Marketing or Community Development) and/or lived experience in homelessness or risk of homelessness
Demonstrated high level of understanding of youth development and the issues of homelessness
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and using the Internet
Physical ability to lift light loads, walk up and down stairs, and maintain a fairly active pace
Demonstrated skill using anti-oppressive practice (harm reduction, narrative practice, a client directed approach and a social justice perspective)
Standard First Aid/CPR or commitment to secure upon hiring
Positive attitude and ability to work in a team environment

The Abbey Ridge Supportive Living Program provides a safe, supervised, and supportive transitional housing option for youth who are between the ages of 16 and 27. Abbey Ridge has two locations in Glace Bay with each home servicing different age groups.

The youth in the supportive living program are at high risk of negative life outcomes due to a lack of resources and support. The program aims to overcome this barrier by assisting youth in identifying and reaching their own personal goals through support, empowerment, and advocacy. The program offers a supportive environment that fosters the development of life skills and independence.

As a team, the manager, team lead, youth workers and community housing support worker develop and implement individualized program plans for each youth that includes wrap-around care and supportive counselling. Program plans also include life skills programming to help youth build their competencies and independence as they transition into adulthood.