Housing First Caseworker

OVERVIEW

The Housing First Caseworker (HFC) provides intensive case management support services to individuals and families in the north Durham townships of Uxbridge, Scugog and Brock. Operating under the Housing First framework, the HFC will engage with individuals to support basic needs and develop a case plan for those that are chronically homeless while housing is being secured. They will also help to stabilize clients by fostering personal growth and development based on client choices through skill development, advocacy, coaching, informal counseling, crisis planning, and connection with services and resources within their community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Educate key stakeholders, clients, and community organizations about the benefits and principles of the housing first approach
• Intake clients from the Durham Region By-Name List and perform intake assessments using the housing first program agreement and conduct a SPDAT assessment to determine initial case planning
• Educate clients on housing market while assisting with housing searches, rental applications and landlord advocacy
• Attend rental viewings to ensure living accommodation is safe, suitable and affordable
• Collaborate with the program participant in the formulation of a comprehensive service and crisis plan that is reviewed and modified with the program participant on a regular basis
• Perform in-home visits with program participants to work toward agree upon goals and teach life skills once housed and stabilized
• Provide outreach, case management, informal counselling, advocacy and other needed services to clients
• To maintain a case load of 10 individuals and families who are of high acuity and are experiencing chronic homelessness
• Transport clients strictly for rental viewings, medical appointments and grocery if comfortable and safe
• Assist program participants with financial literacy and money management to ensure housing stability and work towards self-sufficient living
• Assist with and supervise clients with shower, laundry, kitchen and resource center needs
• Educate, inform and advocate for program participants regarding benefits and entitlements (OW, ODSP, etc.)
• Work with a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency team to provide desired social and clinical services to program participants; provide crisis intervention linkages, referrals through consultation to ensure client support and housing stabilization
• Maintain up-to-date case notes, progress reports and client files with clear rationale for methods and intervention used, and statistical documentation in accordance with the program requirements
• Complete and maintain accurate statistical and narrative reports on all clients
• Maintain a system to track and report all performance indicators for North House programs
• Ensure that all client data is entered accurately and within 48 hours into the HIFIS (Homeless Individuals and Families Information System) database
• Ensure client consents are up-to-date at all times, and provide informed consent in relation to services and supports
• Guide and support student placements and learning plans including student shadowing of client appointments and services
• Distribute, report on, and provide Harm Reduction education and supplies to clients and walk-ins as needed
• Maintain client files with all relevant information required by the program guidelines and Durham Region Service Standards
• Attend all team meetings, weekly debriefing sessions, case conferencing and participate as a full member of the team
• Other related work as assigned

SKILLS

• Social Services Worker or Social Work diploma is a mandatory requirement
• Member in good standing of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or must be able to obtain membership within the first three months of employment
• Minimum of 3 years recent experience in the area of housing placement and or social work
• Knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act is an asset
• Work within the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice as set out by the OCSWSSW
• Should be open to constructive criticism and be able to provide professional feedback and evaluations in areas of responsibility
• Experience providing support services to individuals facing challenges surrounding their homelessness, including, but not limited to; mental health, family violence and/or addictions
• Strong knowledge of needs, experiences and community services for the homeless population
• Knowledge and understanding of social housing, the Residential Tenancy Act and eviction prevention strategies
• Experience working with at-risk or homeless individuals
• Possess knowledge and have core competencies in the history of homelessness.
• Understand the poverty impact on life, affordable housing, mental health, health, addictions and treatment, harm reduction, housing and tenancy legislation and income and support benefits.
• Has a working knowledge of corrections, domestic violence, addictions and mental health
• Ability and experience assessing client needs, and ability to assist clients to develop strategies for achieving their goals while problem-solving barriers
• Experience and ability to appropriately respond to crisis situations; combined with strong de-escalation, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively within a team setting
• Driver’s license and access to vehicle required with a minimum of $2M liability insurance
• Ability to work sensitively and effectively with people from various life situations and backgrounds
• Demonstrated excellent administrative and organizational skills; strong computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint is an asset
• Previous experience using and data entry into HIFIS is an asset
• A current police vulnerable sector check is required

WORKING CONDITIONS        

• Sits at a desk, as well as stands and walks daily, in order to perform the duties of the job
• Concentration, attentiveness and creativity required daily to attend meetings, develop Client Care Plans, teach life skills, manage a caseload, prepare documents, listen to clients, etc.
• Works in office and work field environments
• Exposure to abusive/irate clients, distractions, interruptions and deadlines
• Possible exposure to substances and/or needles, pests, and biohazards (PPE provided)
• Interacts with clients, staff, visitors and staff from other organizations
• Able to lift items as heavy as 25 lbs
• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• A current police vulnerable sector check is required

LOCATION
The North House main office is in Uxbridge. Due to North House’s service delivery requirements, the incumbent will be required to work and travel throughout Durham Region, primary in the north Durham area. Office setting with occasional travel to events or client and agency meetings within the Durham Region catchment area.

COMPENSATION AND HOURS

This is a full-time position in-office with regular hours of work are 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday; however, occasional evenings and weekends may be required. Salary $53-55K/year based on experience. Extended health care including dental and vision care. Ten paid personal days plus three weeks vacation.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement of all North House staff except for those with an approved medical or human rights exemption.

If you are ready to embark on this journey with us and join in on the continued growth and success of this organization, this may be the opportunity for you!

Please note that submissions will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and therefore early submission is encouraged. Please send your resume to careers@northhouse.ca. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.