Social Worker, Permanent Housing

Adsum for Women & Children seeks to lead change to end homelessness through housing, services and advocacy. The organization provides emergency shelter, permanent housing, services, and supports for women, families, and gender diverse persons who experience homelessness or housing insecurity. Adsum believes that everyone has the right to a safe and secure home. Adsum has a staff team of more than 160 people. They provide a variety of services, some available on a 24/7/365 basis.

Adsum operates two emergency shelters, three permanent multi-units housing sites, family condominium units, and several rental properties throughout HRM. Adsum’s housing support team offers outreach support and diversion services from locations throughout HRM.

The Opportunity

Venor is proud to partner with Adsum in their search for a dedicated Social Worker, Permanent Housing to join their team. Reporting to the Program Manager, you will provide supportive counseling and case management services to individuals and families living at Adsum’s permanent housing locations. As the Social Worker, you will act as an advocate for Adsum clients with outside service providers and assist with system navigation. You will play an important role in operating a community drop-in for unhoused or precariously housed community members and will provide support and referrals as necessary to drop-in clients.

In this role, you will monitor and support tenants’ housing stability, providing crisis intervention and one-on-one advocacy to address their unique needs. You will assist tenants in accessing essential services, and provide intake and assessment services to ensure they receive the necessary support. Collaborating closely with housing team members, you will participate in internal committees, projects, and activities, demonstrating your commitment to the development of the Association.

You will develop, implement, and evaluate both short- and long-term programs for tenants, recommending the implementation of programs on their behalf. Additionally, you will create programs in response to identified needs within the communities at each housing site, promoting community-building and evaluating approved programs. Your role also involves fostering and developing community partnerships, as well as collaborating with community organizations to integrate a gender-based analysis and address issues pertaining to women, families, and gender-diverse persons in project proposals. Furthermore, you will contribute to the support and learning plans of social work practicum students and social service students.

Your responsibilities will include liaising with other agencies, participating in both internal and community committees, as well as transporting and accompanying clients to external appointments and meetings as needed. You will be responsible for maintaining accurate records and compiling data to evaluate the effectiveness of Adsum’s housing and community services. Your commitment to the organization will involve participating in internal projects and committees, as well as handling on-call duties as needed.

About You

As the ideal candidate, you are dedicated to social justice and hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work. With at least three years of experience in the social service field, you are proficient in case management and supportive counseling, making a meaningful impact in the lives of those you serve. You are also registered or on track for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Work.

You have a solid understanding of Housing First and Harm Reduction principles, integrating client-centered values, anti-oppressive practices, and trauma-informed care into your daily interactions. Your feminist lens and critical understanding of power dynamics and systemic oppression inform your approach, allowing you to navigate challenging decisions with empathy and insight.

With a valid driver’s license, you are ready to transport tenants to vital community services. Your deep knowledge of mental health issues, substance use, and crisis intervention, combined with your exceptional skills in mediation and conflict resolution enable you to competently manage stressful situations. You are familiar with community resources and the regional social service delivery system, from ESIA, local/provincial housing and subsidy programs, to residential rights, and regulations. Proficient in Microsoft 365, you capably handle record-keeping. Familiarity with SPDAT and HIFIS tools is an asset.

You prioritize confidentiality, embody the organizational Credo, and embrace a culture of self-care, guaranteeing that you can bring your best self to your role. Adhering to the NS College of Social Workers’ Standards of Practice and the Social Work Code of Ethics, you are ready to make a lasting difference.

Rate of pay

Salary is based on credentials and experience and falls within a range set by the organization starting from $26.64 per hour.

Accessibility

While Adsum seeks to be an accessible employer, some office spaces are inaccessible to people with mobility concerns.

Adsum is committed to providing a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. We prohibit the same against employees based on a person’s race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, ethnicity, marital status and pregnancy or other protected status.

This is an opportunity to join an organization that leads meaningful work, enhancing employee experience while supporting ongoing operations. Adsum offers a comprehensive benefits package including basic health and dental care, long-term disability, sick leave, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) active after three months, three weeks’ vacation, and eleven observed holidays throughout the year. You will also enjoy the freedom of a hybrid work environment, offering the flexibility to work from multiple offices.

Adsum and Venor are both committed to employment diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We are deliberate and proactive in hiring in order that the diverse population of women and families and gender-diverse individuals experiencing homelessness can see themselves reflected throughout the organization. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until a suitable candidate is identified. To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please forward your resume and cover letter to Shardeigh McGillivray via shardeigh@venor.ca &Nada Halaweh via nada@venor.ca