Team Lead

Job Description

The Team Lead is responsible for supporting clients and staff in delivering the Supportive Living Program at the Abbey Ridge III location. The Team Lead will take a strong leadership role in supporting the Director in overseeing the day-to-day activities of Abbey Ridge’s programs and completing a variety of support and administrative duties.

Primary Areas of Responsibility 

Team Leadership, Building/Facility, Administrative

Duties & 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 in the youth referral process and referral committee, as directed by the Director of Youth & Family Care, while developing and maintaining strong community partnerships
• 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 the Director, Youth & Family Care of Abbey Ridge
• Ensure Occupational Health and Safety policies and procedures are followed to maintain staff and client safety and security
• Complete household errands as assigned by the Director of Youth & Family Care

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 Director, 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 Director 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 Director to determine needs for hiring casual staff
• Facilitate the on-boarding process of staff and clients in collaboration with the Director
• Facilitate the departure process for clients and staff in collaboration with the Director and/or Community Housing Support Worker
• Supervise placement students when applicable
• Work with the Director 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 Director’s absence
• Create documents as assigned by the Director
• 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 & Responsibilities

• Participate in regular supervision and informal debriefs
• Participate in both New Dawn and Abbey Ridge internal/team meetings and PD sessions
• 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, representing 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
• Champion and promote 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 

• Relevant education in the social service field and/or experience working with youth
• Demonstrated high level of understanding of youth development and the issues of homelessness
• Knowledge of mental health issues, substance abuse and crisis intervention
• 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
• Demonstrated skill using anti-oppressive practice (harm reduction, narrative practice, a client directed approach and a social justice perspective)
• Standard First Aid/CPR and Food Safety or commitment to secure upon hiring
• 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
• 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 are required to clean/maintain home
• Work is performed in an office and community setting and may be busy or noisy at times
• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a desktop computer, including the use of standard office equipment and peripherals