Housing Support Worker
Please note that this is a one year contract, covering an educational leave.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Community Programs Manager (CPM) and the Executive Director (ED), this position is responsible for the delivery of housing and support services to McLaren Housing Society of BC’s (MHS) HIV+ clients that require assistance to obtain and retain adequate housing while working toward independent living.
Responsibilities:
- Identify clients in need of affordable housing and support services through MHS’s waitlist in addition to referrals from other community and AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs).
- Within established criteria and expectations, assess and evaluate client’s suitability for MHS’s Housing Establish a collaborative relationship with the client through effective communication, role modeling and behavior management.
- Assist clients in a housing search including, but not limited to: accompaniment on housing searches; completing applications for housing; meeting and negotiating with prospective landlords; arranging security deposits; obtaining furnishings; and supporting moving arrangements.
- Under the guidance of the CPM, develop good working relationships with housing providers, community ASOs, and other health and community partners.
- In consultation with the CPM and the client’s “support network”, work with the client to develop an individualized plan to ensure housing stability and success.
- Assist clients with referrals / linkages with other community-based organizations, local government agencies and the continuum of health, mental health and addiction services.
- Facilitate successful independent living through building clients capacity to understand their rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA).
- Implement, when necessary, crisis management techniques, while accessing other agencies, professionals and/or the client’s “care team” to provide appropriate services.
- Regularly maintain all relevant records, statistics and client files. Provide CPM and ED with written and oral reports as required.
- Build capacity to evaluate and deliver programs and services.
- Assist the CPM and ED in developing/growing MHS’ housing stock.
- Contribute to MHS’s community engagement endeavours.
- Complete any other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the ED.
Qualifications:
Education, training and other requirements:
- BA in Social / Human Services or equivalent or extensive experience in an applied Human / Social Service field.
- Current First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain)
- Valid BC Driver’s License and vehicle for work required (or ability to obtain both).
- All candidates must successfully complete a criminal records check prior to commencing employment
Skills and Abilities:
- Demonstrated experience and ability to work with individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS, other chronic illnesses and dealing with physical, mental health and addiction health challenges.
- Demonstrated experience and ability working with marginalized and culturally diverse populations including but not limited to LGBTQ2, immigrants and indigenous communities experiencing poverty and housing issues.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.
- Extensive computer skills, demonstrated experience with Office 2010 and high proficiency in Word and Excel.
- Ability to organize and prioritize.
- Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients, outside agencies and other professionals.
- Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients.
- Knowledge of the RTA, affordable housing systems and resources is an asset.
See complete job posting for application details. Closing date is Monday July 2nd, 2018 at 12 noon.