Housing Focused Case Worker

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as a primary caseworker for community members with more complex barriers to housing. And support shelter workers case planning with other community members in the shelter
• Through a person-centered approach, encourage community members to seek resources and services that support them in achieving their goals
• Meet with vulnerable, elderly or community members with disabilities, to assess and assist in moving them into more appropriate accommodation expeditiously
• Coordinate orderly move-outs with appropriate agencies and provide detailed exit planning to community members in order to support the independence.
• Make referrals and applications to outside agencies and internal programs as appropriate
• Support the preparation of administrative tasks necessary to secure housing, such as connection to income, identification, and housing needs assessment
• Support in the execution of securing housing such as housing search, apartment viewing, landlord engagement and move in as well as follow up after move out
• Be a supportive and proactive member of the team, including volunteers and other visitors
• Enforce shelter rules, expectations, and suspensions with community members when necessary
• Respond quickly to individuals in crisis, including but not limited to physical or mental health concerns, anger and aggression, and interpersonal crises. Must identify the crisis, minimize the harm to the individual and others, use de-escalation skills and assist the individual to explore healthy alternative options
• Adhere to the privacy and confidentiality standards as outlined by FOIP (The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act)
• Model healthy relationships with community members and volunteers through active listening, advising, providing appropriate referrals and being open to spiritual conversations
• Take initiative and use critical thinking to assess situations and make appropriate decisions to support community members
• Practice conflict resolution and facilitate reconciliatory conversations to help maintain housing to community members who have left the shelter.
• Participate in staff training (including FOIP, First aid, NVCI, and SafeTALK), attend staff meetings, and have one-on-one check-in meetings with supervisor
• Collect data and outcomes and maintain accurate client records using FDARP
• Submitted reports both monthly and quarterly on data and outcomes to track housing goals
• Submit incident reports when necessary
• Respect proper boundaries with community members
• Perform other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• 1 year experience working with a marginalized population
• Experience working within the culture of the inner city and/or with the less fortunate
• Ability to work independently and under the direction of Housing Focused Shelter Navigator Supervisor
• Ability to follow organizational protocols of front-line programs to completion
• Ability to multi-task and demonstrate organizational skills with shifting priorities
• A self-starter with the ability to work in a cross-functional team
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Conflict resolution skills
• Experience in case management and advocacy is considered an asset
• Experience working in a volunteer-based organization is considered an asset
• Demonstrated intermediate-level computer skills, including proficiency in email communication tools (such as Microsoft Outlook) and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, with familiarity with HIFIS database systems, SPDAT Assessment Tool.
• Possession of a Class 5 driver’s license, and access to a reliable vehicle with $2 million liability Insurance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• An Employment Background Check is required for all positions at The Mustard Seed
• As The Mustard Seed is a Christian ministry, we require our employees to agree to respect and not detract from The Mustard Seed’s Employment Values during their employment at The Mustard Seed.
• Must have legal authorization to work in Canada on a full-time basis for anyone other than current employer
• This position requires the use of a personal vehicle for company use. The candidate must have a valid driver’s licence and maintain $2M Vehicle Liability insurance on the vehicle being used.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• The Mustard Seed offers a competitive compensation package including 100% employer paid extended health and dental benefits for staff and dependents, matching RRSP after one year of service, and wellness days.
• All The Mustard Seed employees have access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program, which provides support for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, addressing mental health concerns, and focusing on personal development in various areas.

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