ROLE PURPOSE
This position will provide culturally appropriate, intensive case management support and services to individuals transitioning from regional supportive housing sites, as well as from homelessness into permanent long-term housing. The Indigenous Outreach Worker will be responsible for both outreach support and landlord support.
REPORTING AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
- Reports and is accountable to the Director of Programs.
- Liaises with staff and volunteers of community and government agencies as required.
- Participates in the Centralized Assessment and Access process for client selection.
- Liaises with the staff of JHS (John Howard Society), as necessary.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Assists individuals transitioning from Supportive Housing into more permanent long-term housing.
- Working with Indigenous and non-Indigenous housing agencies, such as landlords, shelters, and other related housing partners.
- Provide a range of Outreach support services that promote wholistic wellbeing for those experiencing homelessness, are at risk of homeless or are in a crisis situation with a focus on Indigenous clients facing difficulty in community.
- Provide financial assistance to those needing short term financial support for personal services such as prescription medication costs, transportation, food, clothing, and temporary crisis accommodations.
- Provide a range of opportunities for clients to learn daily life and living skills, while increasing their sense of community and belonging and connection to culture and traditions, as requested.
- Provide comprehensive culturally appropriate assessments and culturally relevant service plans.
- Educate clients about their tenant rights and responsibilities.
- Support the implementation of realistic and culturally relevant goals and objectives through regular community and home visits.
- Participate in direct support and case planning with community agencies and clients.
- Assist individuals with locating and securing long-term safe and affordable housing.
- Provide outreach, case management, counselling, advocacy, and other needed services to clients in any environment including institutional settings, the streets, shelters, hospitals, housing, and office.
- Provide individually tailored services to each client—i.e., housing placement, independent living skills, vocational guidance, appointment escorts, information and access to integrated substance use treatment and mental health services.
- Maintain written and computerized records, compiles reports and completes other program documentation (including case notes, statistics, letters, available file information and reports.
- Educate, inform, and advocate for clients regarding benefits and entitlements (social assistance, rental subsidies, employment supports, low-income services i.e., food bank etc.
- Participate in staff meetings and meetings with community partners.
- Other duties as requested.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Functions independently, while remaining a critical member of the case management team
- Adheres to JHS policies and procedures.
- Core hours are 8:30-4:30 including on weekends. (Sun-Thurs or Tues-Sat)
QUALIFICATIONS
- A diploma and/or a degree in social or behavioural sciences.
- Combination of education and work experience (minimum 2 year) in the social services sector particularly, working within the housing and outreach sector. Acquired knowledge of the continuum of housing and barriers to accessing safe and affordable rental markets; and serving socially marginalized or disadvantaged populations with complex and multifaceted needs.
- Experience working with Indigenous people in community-based settings.
- Patience, creativity, flexibility, and compassion.
- Demonstrated and clear ability to respond well in crisis situations.
- Sensitivity to the unique needs of those of Indigenous ancestry and ethno-cultural groups, and persons with disabilities.
- Ability to deal with and deescalate potentially violent interactions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong computer skills, especially working within Microsoft Office.
REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to successfully complete a Criminal Records Check.
- Current Emergency First Aid Certificate.
- Class 5 driver’s license.
- Travel will be required within the CRD.
- Personal transportation that is in good repair, insured for business up to $5,000,000 for liability, and which can be used to transport clients.
- Proof of COVID 19 vaccination.
Please submit your application to careers@jhsvic.ca with a resume and detailed cover letter indicating what you enjoy most about working in the social services sector and why you feel you would be a good fit for this role. Please DO NOT drop off resumes to the John Howard Society in person.