Housing Support Worker

Full-time, Permanent

Start date: As soon as possible

Since 1987, Phoenix has been dedicated to supporting youth and contributing to a vibrant community. Phoenix’s thirteen locations in Halifax, N.S. provide a continuum of care for youth aged 11-24 and their families. Our team of caring professionals recognizes that each person who comes to us has individual needs as well as strengths. People are the leaders in their own lives; Phoenix is a leader in supporting them.

A staff group that represents the diversity of the people and communities we serve is of the utmost importance. Phoenix is committed to reducing barriers that have traditionally impacted access to employment and career growth. As such, we encourage those interested to self-identify their ethnicity, and or race, gender, sexuality, ability, etc. We also invite you to share your pronouns in your cover letter or resume.

Job Summary: The Housing Support Worker works with youth, staff of PCFY and Phoenix Shelter, as well as landlords, mental health, addictions, and any other supports and services that will support youth to access and maintain their housing. The initial focus of this position will be to facilitate shared accommodations for youth that maximizes opportunities for youth housing considering income parameters from various sources, including ESIA benefits.

Phoenix Centre for Youth is a street-front, walk-in service offering counselling, referral to community resources, advocacy, health services, parenting support, food, showers, and laundry facilities for youth aged 16-24 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Phoenix Youth Shelter is a 20-bed emergency shelter for youth. Services offered include support, crisis intervention, the provision of basic needs, referrals, on-site health care, and support to develop independent living skills. In addition, staff support and provide guidance for securing housing, education, parenting support, exploring career options, and accessing income assistance and recreational opportunities.

Compensation: $49,779 base annual salary, comprehensive group medical insurance plan, Employee and Family Assistance Program, RRSP contribution, three weeks annually of vacation in the first year and four weeks in the second year, generous sick leave, a generous paid holiday schedule, in-house training, and professional development opportunities.

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., with some flexibility for evening work.

Where: Phoenix Centre for Youth, Halifax, NS (Coburg Street).

Reports to: Manager, Phoenix Centre for Youth

Screening Requirements: Due to the sensitive nature of our work with youth, this position is subject to a satisfactory criminal record check including a vulnerable sector search, a child abuse register check and proof of education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work in accordance with Phoenix’s policies, procedures, and framework of practice.
• Work with youth and other Phoenix programs to create effective housing plans that address the issues of those who experience homelessness.
• Work in collaboration with staff of Phoenix Centre for Youth, especially the other Housing Support Worker and the Trusteeship Worker, and Phoenix Youth Shelter to assist youth in the creation of housing/goal planning.
• Provide support for a caseload of approximately 20-25 youth within the housing program.
• Liaise and develop relationships with landlords and property managers within HRM.
• Develop a list of viable housing stock and options for youth transitioning to independence within this housing program.
• Help youth move into or out of their apartments. This involves moving their belongings including furniture and often necessitates a full cleaning of the apartment.
• Provide for youth: intake, assessment and referral services, assistance in accessing resources, crisis intervention and eviction prevention services, outreach, mediation for youth and their families in relation to the Housing Support program.
• Liaise with other agencies on behalf of youth 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 youth who are at-risk and homeless are addressed.
• Conduct public education presentations about the Association and the issues of homeless youth.
• Complete and maintain records, assessments, daily statistics, and files, and ensure confidentiality is protected.
• Compile statistics and data for youth accessing housing supports that will assist with the outcomes and evaluation of this housing initiative.
• Commit to the development of the Association and participate in internal committees, projects, and activities.
• Assist in program and service development to ensure that quality, effective and youth-centered programs, and services are delivered.
• Provide a supportive environment and foster a therapeutic milieu that promotes youth empowerment.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Requirements:

• Demonstrated high level of understanding:
  • Of youth development and the issues of homelessness.
  • In a housing first model and approach.
• Demonstrated:
  • Skill using anti-oppressive practice (harm reduction, narrative practice, a client-directed approach, and a social justice perspective).
  • Knowledge of trusteeship programs and effective money management.
  • Exceptional level of interpersonal, communication, youth service and organizational skills.
  • Ability to build appropriate and healthy rapport with at-risk and homeless youth.
• Knowledge of mental health issues, substance abuse and crisis intervention.
• Extensive knowledge of community resources and the social service delivery system.
• Must have valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and using the Internet.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor of Social Work, or an undergraduate degree and Human Services diploma or other relevant undergraduate degree.
• Registration or Candidacy for Registration, certification, or membership of a related professional body (if applicable).
• A minimum of five years of experience working with at-risk and homeless youth providing case management and advocacy.
• Non-violent crisis intervention, suicide intervention, standard first aid and Phoenix medication dispensing training or a commitment to secure those requirements within six months of being hired.
• Experience in program development.
• Experience working for a walk-in centre, or a non-profit organization is an asset.