Temporary Full Time Housing Worker – Evening Services Team Lead (6 months)

The Housing Worker – Evening Services Team Lead will provide support in the Day Services drop-in center. The Team Lead will oversee operations in the evening and provide supervision to evening staff. They will ensure adherence with the program operating standards as set out by the Housing and Homelessness System for the City of Kingston.

Client Services

• Provide a welcoming and safe space for clients utilizing harm reduction strategies; supervise evening programming and closing.
• Exercise empathetic care and facilitate effective problem-solving strategies.
• Ensure required information is collected for all clients accessing the Day Services program.
• Assist and direct those in need to appropriate services in the community.
• Provide client services as outlined in Kingston’s Housing and Homelessness Services System
• Provide intake using the Coordinated Intake protocol to determine client eligibility and entrance to the Prevention and Diversion or Assessment for Housing First programs.
• Address the immediate housing crisis based on the intake results and needs of the household through triage to the Prevention and Diversion or Assessment for Housing First programs.
• Provide light support for addressing immediate and urgent needs such assisting with income supports or identification; initiating referrals to mainstream services, including health care; and other time limited activities while the individual is waiting for ongoing case management support.
• Supervise and serve pre-made meals and provide after dinner clean up.
• Offer general housing assistance or information as requested.
• Ensure household have the tools to maintain tenancy using referrals to community supports.

Team Lead

• Assist in training and ongoing performance management of evening staff.
• Implement program activities and life skills for Day Services
• Ensure program compliance with the City of Kingston program guidelines and processes.
• Maintain accurate statistical records on the distribution and use of services and generate reports as required by the Salvation Army and City of Kingston
• Develop and maintain cooperative connections with community agencies

Administrative

• Maintain case files for each household including accurate documentation, ensuring all appropriate forms and case notes are completed.
• Ensure accurate collection and maintenance of data; submit monthly and quarterly statistics.
• Ensure the completion of accurate record keeping and management in accordance with relevant privacy legislation.
• Attend Housing and CFS team meetings as required.
• Participate in staff meetings, information sharing and staff debriefing.

Training

• Participate in mandatory orientation training and ongoing professional development.
• Complete all Salvation Army required training.

Health & Safety

• Monitors and ensures staff safety practices in compliance with health and safety standards, ensures incidents reports are completed as needed and identify proactive safety measures to the Housing Program Coordinator based on needs and concerns.
• Maintain cleanliness of space and outside areas, ensuring work area is maintained regarding appearance, condition and safety as recommended by Public Health etc.
• Seek continual education and resources for all areas of responsibility.
• Work in compliance with the OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.

Perform other related duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a temporary full-time position for 6 months based on 37.5 hours per week.
• The working environment is typically inhouse in program space in generally agreeable conditions.
• Ability to lift/move up to 25 pounds.
• This job requires sitting, standing, lifting.
• Working with vulnerable populations that may have addictions, mental health issues and unpredictable behaviour.

• Completion of up to two years Community College preferably in a Social Services/Addictions related field
• First Aid & CPR Certification
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certification would be an asset.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum of two years' experience working with those living in poverty, experience with housing and homelessness issues and/or mental health sectors
• Knowledge of homelessness and affordable housing issues within the community and Housing First strategies to end homelessness.
• Knowledge of residential tenancy act and role of Landlord Tenant Board, in landlord Tenant disputes
• Knowledge of resources in the community for individuals, and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, living in poverty or living with mental health and addiction issues.

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

• Strong background of and understanding of Indigenous histories and cultures
• Ability to utilize assessment protocols in the delivery of services.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Effective interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to integrate harm reduction approaches as appropriate in daily interactions with individuals, youth, and families.
• Ability to use assertive engagement techniques as appropriate in interactions.
• Proficient in working in a computerized environment; must demonstrate strong skills using Microsoft Office.
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Self-motivated/disciplined.
• Exhibit strong problem solving, conflict resolution and mediation skills within a solution focused framework!
• Confidentiality and professional ethics required.
• Ability to work with little supervision but also able to accept direction when necessary.
• May require screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry
• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening.
• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

Please forward resume along with a cover letter outlining how your experience and education meet position requirements.

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process.  If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

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

You must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.