Description:
Inn From the Cold (IFTC) is seeking a Housing Retention Worker to provide assistance to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in York Region. This full-time position involves working closely with clients to help them retain their housing and transition out of emergency shelter. The successful candidate will collaborate with partner agencies, conduct tenancy education sessions, and create housing stability plans for clients.
The Housing Retention Worker will also be responsible for administrative tasks such as case notes, data collection, and reporting. They must adhere to health and safety guidelines, communicate effectively in English, and possess strong interpersonal skills. A degree or diploma in a social/human services field is required, along with experience working with marginalized populations and knowledge of homelessness issues.
To apply for this position, interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to karink@innfromthecold.ca with the subject line "Housing Retention Coordinator." Inn From The Cold is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Disability-related accommodations are available upon request.
Provide trusted, person-centred assistance and guidance to clients who are recently housed and/or at risk of losing their housing.
Provide appropriate intervention to assist former emergency housing, Stability Now, Please Come Inn, and Drop By clients to retain their housing.
Provide informal counselling, crisis prevention and intervention, and conflict resolution coaching.
Work collaboratively with partner agencies to ensure housing stability.
Assist vulnerable clients transitioning out of emergency shelter and into housing.
Complete VI SPDATs and create individually focussed housing stability plans for all housed clients.
Provide continuous support as plans are implemented.
Conduct and co-ordinate tenancy education sessions, invite guest speakers, evaluate sessions and seek feedback re: housing related needs from clients.
Work collaboratively with other IFTC staff and programmes.
Case notes and incident report documentation (HIFIS)
Data collection and reporting, as required (with support from supervisor)
Document Housing Stability Plans
Participate in bi-monthly one-on-one supervision meetings and an end of contract performance review with the Housing Manager
Participate in All Staff Meetings.
Clean driving abstract, valid driver's license, and access to a reliable vehicle with an insurance rider ($2M liability) to transport clients is required (costs can be covered by IFTC)
Ensure all Health & Safety, psychological wellness, and IPAC guidelines are followed as per IFTC policies
Adhere to all IFTC policies, including Working off-site, Confidentiality & Maintaining Professional Boundaries policies
Report any relevant health & safety concerns to the Housing Manager
Degree/Diploma in social/human services field or other relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
Communicate effectively in English, both written and verbally
Demonstrate advanced interpersonal skills specific to the role, including de-briefing, active listening, conflict resolution, problem solving, and the ability to form supportive relationships with marginalized individuals
Strong risk assessment skills, with an ability to support clients in distress and de-escalate challenging situations
Demonstrated ability to participate and contribute in a team environment with an inclusive, collaborative approach, and engage in trauma-informed practice
Ability to work under minimal supervision and act with a high degree of independent judgement, taking action on a variety of matters as required
Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback
Knowledge and understanding of the issues associated with homelessness and/or socially isolated adults
Knowledge of concurrent disorders and experience with the continuum of addiction and mental health services
Demonstrated commitment to continual learning in providing services to the homeless population
Proven ability to work in a stressful and changing work environment
Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position
Vulnerable sector screening prior to commencing work is essential
Level 1 Occupational 1st Aid and CPR certificate is required prior to commencing work
Food Handler's certificate prior to commencing work is an asset
