New Dawn Enterprises

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Manager of Abbey Ridge, the Team Lead will work as part of the team in supporting clients and staff in delivering the Supportive Living Program at both Abbey Ridge locations. The team lead will take a strong leadership role in supporting the Manager in overseeing the daily activities of Abbey Ridge’s programs and completing a variety of support and administrative duties.

Duties and Responsibilities

Team Leadership:

Lend support to staff in planning and carrying out of programming for youth to foster independence and healthy transition to adulthood by encouraging positive attitudes and reinforcing concrete daily living skills which are necessary for successful independent living
Oversee and support the team in all case management. Provide leadership, guidance, and support to program staff when applicable
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
Responsible for ensuring that youth programming is developed, delivered, and monitored
Coordinate programming opportunities with external community agencies
Meet with youth as required to discuss case management and provide supportive counselling and crisis intervention when appropriate
Assume on-call responsibilities and follow prescribed procedures when scheduled
Assess and address the immediate and basic needs of the program’s youth
Complete and maintain logs, files and records when directed by the Manager and ensure confidentiality is protected
Liaise with other agencies on behalf of youth and programs and participate in community committees, projects, or activities as appropriate; build positive relationships with the families, schools, and communities of the youth
Form healthy relationships with youth, model healthy living and positive choices and contribute to a supportive environment that focuses on youth empowerment and decisions
Ensure a quality, effective, and client-directed program is always delivered and contributes to a collaborative and cohesive work environment
Transport youth on occasion

Building/Facility:

Identify the details of any damage/disrepair and report to Manager of Abbey Ridge
Ensure Occupational Health and Safety policies and procedures are followed to maintain staff and client safety and security
Run house errands when directed by the Manager

Administrative:

Support all aspects of the program including strategic planning, program development and implementation, service delivery and communication
Oversee staff scheduling and submit payroll bi-weekly. This includes arranging last-minute coverage
Assume the role and responsibilities of the manager, when necessary, i.e., on-call weekends, vacation, and mental health and wellbeing coverage
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
Work with the Manager to determine needs for hiring casual staff
Facilitate the on-boarding process of staff and clients in collaboration with the Manager
Facilitate the departure process for clients and staff in collaboration with the Manager and/or Community Housing Support Worker
Supervise placement students when applicable
Work with the Manager to develop and deliver staff training i.e. orientations, emergency procedures, incidents, daily routines etc
Take notes during resident and staff meetings and lead these meetings in the Manager’s absence.
Create documents when directed by the Manager
Possess working knowledge of and efficiency in the Homeless Individual and Family Information System (HIFIS), housing subsidies and information on housing assistance programs

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

Participate in regular supervision and informal debriefs
Participate in both New Dawn and Abbey Ridge internal/team meetings and PD sessions
Maintain professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity to portray New Dawn in a positive manner, consistent with its values and vision
Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, engaging in professional networks, and participating in professional organizations when appropriate
Respond to the needs of others with effective communication, mutual respect, and consistent follow through to build trust and workplace relationships
Promote the mission and values of New Dawn both internally and externally
Other duties as required

Qualifications

Demonstrated high level of understanding of youth development and the issues of homelessness
Demonstrated exceptional level of interpersonal, communication, youth service and organizational skills
Experience supervising employees, and/or students, volunteers with demonstrated leadership, supervision skills and ability to develop an effective team
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
Extensive knowledge of community resources, government funding, and the social service delivery system an asset
Strong understanding of facility management, security, and health and safety is an asset
Relevant education in the social service field and/or experience working with youth
Demonstrated skill using anti-oppressive practice (harm reduction, narrative practice, a client directed approach and a social justice perspective)
Knowledge of mental health issues, substance abuse and crisis intervention
Standard First Aid/CPR and Food Safety 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.