Housing Case Worker (Part time)

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY:   
The Housing Caseworker renders direct casework and conducts assigned group work to assist clients within The Salvation Army—Crossroads Residential Services policies and programs. The Housing Caseworker also provides supervision and support for clients at Crossroads Transitional Living programs and is part of the Case Management Team for Crossroads Residential Services.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:     
1.    Casework Accountabilities & Client Support 
•    Under the direction of the Director of Housing Services or designate, works with clients in exploring and maintaining suitable, appropriate, and affordable housing options (housing stabilization and eviction prevention focus).  
•    As part of the Intake Committee, assesses clients' suitability to the program. 
•    Develop a realistic and well-documented case plan with the clients, focusing on barriers to housing, SMART goals, early eviction prevention, and community referrals and supports.
•    Builds relationships with community property management companies and private landlords to support the clients and the program. This work includes, among other things, being informed and exploring the rental market, advocating and being a liaison for clients, connecting clients with potential landlords and supporting both parties with the goal of successful housing, viewing potential rental options, etc.
•    Supports property management companies and clients with rental applications and tenancy issues due to behavioural matters and clients’ barriers to stable housing. 
•    Supports clients transitioning from the shelter into the transitional living program (e.g., tour of the building, intake forms, explanation of program guidelines and expectations, service agreement).
•    Orientates clients with the building rules and regulations (as defined by the property management companies or Crossroads programs). 
•    Completes discharge processes when clients are discharged from the transitional living programs (discharge form, exit survey, follow-up plan).
•    Casework duties, including analysis of data, formulation of housing stabilization plans and supports (in consistency with The Salvation Army – Crossroads Residential Services policies), identifying barriers and supporting clients to achieve safe, realistic, and reasonable goals, provision of ongoing support and community referrals, interpersonal conflict resolution, advocacy services, early eviction prevention plans, among others.
•    Builds and maintains a therapeutic environment with clients. If necessary, confront in a therapeutic manner to de-escalate tensions and resolve conflict. Documents clients' observations along with actions taken by the Caseworker. 
•    Ensures the psychological needs of residents are being met through programming, individual counselling, etc.
•    Attends and facilitates case conferences with the Case Management Team. 
•    May chair monthly (or as needed) planning meetings for clients and other support workers.
•    Plan and conduct monthly house meetings with residents. 
•    May support clients with appointments (medical, counselling, etc.).
•    Supports residents in gaining life skills by ensuring they follow up with their chores. 
•    Provides statistical and evaluative information to management and funders.
•    Supports the efforts made to meet the client’s spiritual needs and cultural practice by working with the Spiritual Care team.
•    In coordination with the Spiritual Care team, may support and planning, development and delivery of social enterprise projects with residents. 
•    Maintains an active interest in all phases of the residential program and suggests improvements to the same.

2.     Case Management
•    Provides responsible case management services for all program participants (clients in their caseload).
•    Meets and interviews clients to complete intakes, develop case plans and establish goals, monitor progress, and provide ongoing support. 
•    Conducts individual counselling sessions, keeping records as to the nature of each session. Make self-available to other clients as required.
•    Records and maintains case plan documentation. All documentation should provide objective information, including behaviour, attitude, and concerns regarding all activities, events, and interactions. 
•    Conducts regular wellness checks, building appropriate relationships with clients and securing their holistic care.
•    Monitors the environment and clients to ensure safety and security.
•    Attends to distressed residents, de-escalates conflict, and provides crisis intervention and basic counselling skills. 
•    Responds to day-to-day “urgent” needs of clients when available.

3.    Communication & Reporting
•    Maintains accurate, comprehensive, legible, and current client file records.
•    Maintains confidentiality and keeps accurate statistical records (SAMIS).
•    Presents to the Director of Housing Services or designate, when required, a written or oral report on the housing stabilization plan and progress of each assigned client.
•    Promptly reports incident reports in accordance with policy.
•    Contacts other social service agencies on behalf of the client and based on their case plan goals, including liaison with other non-profit organizations.
•    Identifies and reports maintenance needs and safety concerns to the Property Manager.

4.    Other Duties
•    Responsible for demonstrating by word and action a positive and professional role model for residents and staff. 
•    Practices The Salvation Army professional code of ethics and communicates and cooperates with all co-workers, partners, and clients respectfully, openly, and honestly, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
•    Required to work alone in a group home setting and also in cooperation with other staff members in job-related areas and treat all clients, staff, volunteers, and members of the public with respect, dignity, and confidentiality.
•    Dress in a manner that is professional and presentable with respect to the employment position
. Adhere to standards consistent with the values and philosophy of Crossroads Residential Services and The Salvation Army.
•    Participates fully and constructively in staff meetings and service training.
•    Engages in formal evaluation sessions with the direct supervisor after the probation period and annually thereafter.
•    Reads and follows the Policy & Procedures Manual and the Employee Handbook.
•    Represents the organization in a professional manner.
•    Responsible to work safely and report all unsafe or unhealthy working conditions to the Health and Safety Committee.
•    Works in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
•    Participates in regular supervision and performance reviews/evaluations as required.
•    Other work-related duties as assigned by the Director of Housing Services or designate.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
Governance Boards and Councils: None
Internal: Case Management team, clients, staff
External: Property management companies

MANAGERIAL/TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY:  
•    Reports directly to: Director of Housing Services or Designate.
•    No direct reports. Workflow coordinator.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:  
•    Uses or maintains organization assets in accordance with established guidelines. 
•    Access to a corporate credit card for program supplies.

WORKING CONDITIONS:  
•    Weekend and evening work may be required. 
•    This position will have On-Call responsibilities for client crisis management.
•    The incumbent’s work environment is typically in an office or work site within a group home setting. 
•    The incumbent will work under the following disagreeable conditions:
o    Exposure to dirt, bodily fluids, bodily waste
o    Exposure to drugs and alcohol
o    Noise
o    Dealing with angry and abusive people
o    Verbal abuse
o    Odors
•    The incumbent may be exposed to the risk of moderate injury or illness due to:
o    Physical attacks by others (i.e., being attacked by a client/resident)
o    Exposure to infectious diseases
o    Exposure to toxic chemicals
o    Sharp Objects (i.e., needle sticks)
o    Other dangerous situations
•    For this position, <25% travel required.

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS: 
Education, Qualifications and Certifications :  
•    Completion of a formal post-secondary/college program of two academic years in Social Services, Human Services, or any other relevant fields
•    Certification in Mental Health & Addictions would be an asset
•    A different combination of education and experience might be considered
•    First Aid/CPR certificate
•    E-learning (Abuse Prevention & WHMIS) – to be completed before the first shift
•    Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements  
•    A minimum of two years of prior related experience, including housing sector casework support experience or frontline experience in a social service environment.
•    Experience on how to work with people from diverse backgrounds and enjoy assisting others to solve problems.
•    Have a solid understanding of issues facing persons experiencing a housing crisis, various social issues pertaining to homelessness and its impact on the families served.
•    Have knowledge and a solid understanding of the Mental Health and Addiction supports systems available to individuals in the region. 
•    Training in crisis intervention, conflict resolution and mediation skills is an asset.

Skills and Capabilities (examples provided below) : 
•    Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
•    Strong understanding of professional boundaries when working with a vulnerable population.
•    Patience and ability to de-escalate situations.
•    Ability to coach and provide constructive feedback.
•    Ability to problem solve and make independent decisions within an established framework while understanding the impact decisions will have on programming as well as programs around them.  
•    Ability and willingness to respect, promote, and support the mission, vision, and values of TSA and develop an understanding of the purpose of the Salvation Army in Canada and its implication as related to position responsibilities. 
•    Attention to detail, problem-solving and analytical skills.
•    Strong interpersonal, motivational, leadership, and organizational skills.
•    Attentive listening skills for the purpose of coaching and conflict resolution.
•    Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills. 
•    Ability to work independently and as part of a team; work cooperatively and effectively with other caseworkers and direct support workers to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
•    Demonstrated ability to take initiative, be reliable and operate in an environment of accountability.
•    Proficient in Microsoft 365 computer programs and HIFIS.
•    Understands the dynamics of resident’s behaviour with the ability to assess their needs and risks.
•    Ability to demonstrate understanding of and empathy toward cultural differences. Must be sensitive to and respectful of cultural and lifestyle diversity. 
•    Maintain and promote a positive image of The Salvation Army by providing a high calibre of services and dealing with others in a courteous and professional manner.

Note: This is a part-time position; weekly scheduled hours:16

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.