DATE:
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January 10, 2019
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POSITION:
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Housing Worker (2 positions)
Full-time, permanent
Starting ASAP
Bargaining Unit Position
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LOCATION:
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747 Warden Avenue,
Scarborough, ON M1L 4A8
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REPORTS TO:
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Senior Manager, Youth Transitional Housing and Shelter Program
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DESCRIPTION:
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The Housing Worker facilitates the transition of youth involved in the YTHSP to independent living in the community. The Housing Worker is responsible for the provision of a range of access and support services for youth in order to assist youth in obtaining appropriate long term accommodation, and assist clients with household move-in and set up. The Housing Worker will be expected to practice within a framework that is a strengths-based relationship-based philosophy of care and a belief in the resilience of youth.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide pre-housing support services to youth such as securing income, ID, review housing options, accompany youth to viewings and/or intake appointments. The Housing Worker works in collaboration with the designated case manager and front line team to support and assist youth to find permanent housing. The Housing Worker will work with a range of housing options.
- Complete housing assessment with all youth to determine the level of housing needs.
- Provides direct practical assistance to residents in life skills particularly around housing, financial services, advocacy, ensuring coordination and access to relevant services and resources in preparation for transition to independent living and maintaining permanent housing. The Housing Worker provides individual practical support to help youth complete housing applications, learn how to access housing information, set and achieve realistic housing goals, mediate and advocate with housing providers, assist with housing links and referrals and assist youth in learning how to sustain tenancies.
- Develop linkages and partnerships with landlords, not for profit housing providers, community and government agencies and housing management companies to secure recurrent permanent housing options for youth. Support landlords as required, including provision of information, building relationships and rapport, assisting with landlord-youth mediation, and presentations on housing issues. Set up links with furniture banks, other sources of inexpensive home furnishings and equipment, moving companies and other businesses or non-profits able to supply free or inexpensive goods and services to assist youth in building their housing life skills.
- Liaise with in house service providers. Ensure a smooth transition into independent living and complete referral to follow up housing supports for long term aftercare.
- Manage client information and database systems. Ensures all documentation is in adherence to SMIS and CYSIS guidelines. Documents according to professional standards any significant interaction with residents, maintains appropriate documentation in case file and logs, completes incident reports, police reports, under age contact reports, child protection reports, safety plans and medical feedback forms. Ensure information regarding service delivery is logged and recorded into the client information database by the end of each shift. Ensure safety and security of clients, guests, staff and property.
- Participates in individual supervision meetings, team meetings, case conferences, workshops and committees as required. Actively contributes to the Agency’s Strategic Plan by participating in initiatives and committees to support the overall Plan. Participate in all mandatory professional training provided by the Agency.
- Represent the Agency in a professional manner when dealing with families, external professionals, general public and community partners.
- Promote an environment of inclusion that promotes equity and respects diversity.
- Takes all reasonable and necessary precautions to protect his or her own health and safety and that of co-workers by complying and demonstrating knowledge of the policies, procedures and safe practices established by YouthLink.
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
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EDUCATION:
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- Undergraduate Degree in Social Work, Social Service diploma or a combination of directly related education and experience.
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EXPERIENCE:
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- Minimum of 2 years’ experience, preferably in a residential, housing, outreach, or shelter setting.
- Proven ability to provide housing related support and knowledge of housing resources in the GTA and Scarborough area.
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ADDITIONAL
REQUIREMENTS:
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- Valid First Aid / CPR certification
- Valid CPI/SMG certification
- Demonstrates a commitment to inclusiveness diversity and anti-oppressive practices
- Demonstrated leadership skills
- Knowledge of adolescent developmental theory and specific issues related to street youth
- Understanding of the complex issues facing our clients
- Appreciation of the importance of engaging youth and families from a strengths-based relationship-based approach
- Knowledge of transitional and other housing systems in Toronto
- Sensitivity to and ability to work with a diverse client and staff group
- Sound knowledge of the issues facing homeless and street-involved youth. Sound knowledge of the City of Toronto Hostel Standards and all other applicable legislation (CYFSA, YCJA, Mental Health Act, etc.)
- Strong professional network and knowledge of relevant community resources
- Ability to exercise professionalism and sound judgment in conflictual and stressful situations
- Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Ability to resolve issues with supervisors and co-workers in a manner that is respectful and cooperative in accordance with the agency culture and philosophy
- Strong administrative and organizational skills
- Completion of required suicide prevention and intervention training
- Flexible person, strong organizational skills, time management skills, the ability to multi-task, shift priorities, handle interruptions and meet deadlines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills;
- Ability to communicate in both official languages and/or other languages is a definite asset
- Ability and discretion to deal tactfully with different clientele who can at times be difficult/ aggressive
- Demonstrated proficiency in the range of Microsoft Office products (intermediate Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet mandatory. Proficient and accurate keyboard skills.
- Ability and discretion to maintain sometimes delicate and confidential information.
- Attention to details and high level of accuracy.
- Ability to work in a Pet Friendly Shelter.
- Police Vulnerable Sector Check required.
- Medical clearance including up to date vaccination and tuberculosis testing.
- This position requires considerable travel throughout the GTA therefore, a valid Class G driver’s license in required and accessibility to a car.
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WORK HOURS:
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35 hours per week. Evening and daytime hours are required as well as 1 weekend per month.
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SALARY:
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$44,939 – 50,911
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APPLY TO:
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shelterposting@youthlink.ca - Please quote File #1056 in the subject line.
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CLOSING DATE:
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January 24th, 2019
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