Housing Support Worker – 6 Month Contract

To work primarily with clients from The Salvation Army Halifax Centre of Hope, Men’s Emergency Homeless Shelter and Transitional Apartments and help them achieve long term housing within the community.

Service Responsibilities:

• Ensure support program delivery congruent with the Centre of Hope’s (COH) Mission, Vision and Values.
• Work in accordance with COH policies, procedures and philosophy of practice.
• Liaise and develop relationships with landlords and property managers within HRM.
• Develop a list of viable housing stock and options for men transitioning to independence within this housing program.
• Provide for men: intake, assessment and referral services, assistance in accessing resources, crisis intervention and eviction prevention services, outreach and mediation in relation to the Housing Support program.
• Liaise with other agencies on behalf of men and programs and participate in community committees, projects or activities as appropriate.
• Work in collaboration with other Housing Support Workers within HRM.
• Advocate with community agencies to ensure that the needs, barriers and strengths of males who are at-risk and homeless are addressed.
• Conduct public education presentations about the issues of homeless males.
• Complete and maintain records, assessments, daily statistics and files, and ensure confidentiality is protected.
• Compile statistics and data for accessing housing supports that will assist with the outcomes and evaluation of this housing initiative.
• Commit to the development of COH projects and activities and participate in internal committees.
• Assist in program and service development to ensure that quality, effective and client-centered programs and services are delivered.
• Provide a supportive environment and foster a therapeutic milieu that promotes empowerment.
• Supervise field placement students as required.
• Perform other duties a required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Demonstrated skill applicable to a client-directed approach and a social justice perspective.
• Knowledge of mental health issues, substance abuse and crisis intervention.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Trusteeship programs and effective money management.
• Demonstrated exceptional level of interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build appropriate and healthy rapport with at-risk and homeless persons.
• Extensive knowledge of community resources and the social service delivery system.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and using the Internet.
• Demonstrated high level of understanding of the issues of homelessness.

Organization Responsibilities:

• Ability to work within the mandate of The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement.
• To expect to help with occasional “special occasions” after hours: i.e. Feast of Christmas, resident’s Christmas Party, to be supportive to Chapel programs.

ROLE COMPETENCIES

• Communication
• Leadership
• Independent
• Networking
• Interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills
• Counselling

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Social Work, or an undergraduate degree and Human Services diploma or other relevant undergraduate degree or a combination of education and experience.
• Registration or Candidacy for Registration, certification or membership of a related professional body (if applicable).
• A minimum of one to three years of experience working with at-risk and homeless persons providing case management and advocacy.
• Non-violent crisis intervention (NVCI), Suicide Intervention (ASSIST), Standard First Aid and COH medication training and/or a commitment to secure those requirements within six months of being hired.
• Experience in program development.
• Experience working for a Walk-in Centre of a non-profit organization is an asset.
• Independent and a team player

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

The incumbent’s work environment is typically at work sites within various residential or community settings. The incumbent will work under the following disagreeable conditions: dealing with angry and abusive people, verbal abuse, odours, and exposure to drugs and alcohol.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Schedule may vary according to requirements of responsibilities – some weekend and evening work may be required.
• This is a Full time contract position based on 40 hours per week;
• Normal location of work is at The Salvation Army Halifax Centre of Hope, 2044 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS.

Interested applicants must respond in writing by December 31st, 2024 to:

Hiring Committee:

e-mail: Kris.Burns@salvationarmy.ca

The Salvation Army will accommodate candidates as required under applicable human rights legislation.   If you require a disability-related accommodation during this process, please inform us of your requirements. 

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

PLEASE NO PHONE CALLS