Housing Support Worker - HOMES Niagara Falls Site - Regular Full-Time (7 positions)

PLEASE NOTE - these positions are located at our Niagara, Ontario location

HOURS - 12 hour shifts:- Days & Overnights

Who We Are

The work of Good Shepherd is based on a fundamental belief in providing hope and restoring dignity to the most vulnerable members of our community. Our services include emergency food and clothing; daily hot meals; emergency shelters for men, youth, families, women and children; transitional housing and education for homeless and street-involved youth; hospice palliative care; community mental health programs; and supportive housing programs. We are committed to integrating Harm Reduction practices into our programs and to prioritizing the rights, dignity, and choices of those who use substances. By integrating a Harm Reduction framework at Good Shepherd, we can decrease barriers to service and better support some of our community's most marginalized members.

Good Shepherd is seeking to fill several housing support worker positions for our growing needs as we are expanding our supportive housing program into the Niagara Region. Good Shepherd will begin operation of a 24 hour supportive housing program in Niagara Falls, ON.

How You Will Make an Impact

The successful candidate will extend our mission to on-site HOMES tenants through the provision of respectful and appropriate trauma-informed & recovery best practices in a supportive housing setting. This may include case management, crisis intervention and supportive counseling. The incumbent must be able to work independently and in a multi-disciplinary team within a challenging and rewarding values-based environment.

The Housing Support Worker works as a member of a dynamic team of individuals to assist people in enhancing the dignity and quality of life in the lives of adults in a supportive housing setting. At all times the Housing Support Worker uses all available resources to provide the best service possible to assist tenants in maintaining housing and thriving in their own recovery.

This role will be responsible for the provision of direct service to tenants who have experience homelessness, trauma, substance use, mental health, oppression and poverty. These vulnerable members of our community are tenants who require the services of the best practices found in the Good Shepherd HOMES program.

The Housing Support Worker will demonstrate a compassionate, non-judgmental and patient demeanor when working with clients to develop a level of trust so they feel secure in being supported to reach their highest level of skill development possible. This level of trust will be established and maintained by involving the client as much as possible in discussion around their goals and recovery process.

In addition, the Housing Support Worker is responsible for participating in Good Shepherd's Health and Safety programs, procedures, procedures and work in compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations to minimize risk to clients, staff and others as well as to the property of the Good Shepherd.

What You'll Bring to Our Team

• This position requires a post- secondary education in social or health sciences
• must have two years' work-related experience; particular to persons who experience homelessness, require supportive housing, persons who experience problematic substance use, and mental health
• Knowledge of the Social Service system and Community Resources so as to make the appropriate referrals
• Have working knowledge of the Social Determinants of Health and how to positively support tenants within those parameters
• A demonstrated understanding of Harm Reduction best practices including overdose prevention strategies
• An understanding of the importance of healthy diverse communities and community development approaches
• Proficient computer skills in various software platforms is an asset
• CPR/First Aid certification
• Fluency in a 2nd language is an asset
• CPR certification or willingness to be certified is required
• Valid Driver's license is preferred
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
• Committed to anti-racist/anti-oppressive practice and to the mission and values of Good Shepherd
• Demonstrated understanding of workplace health and safety practices and understanding of an employee's responsibility under current legislation

What We Offer

• Be a part of a caring TEAM THAT SUPPORTS OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
• Support for continuing EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Staff recognition programs along with access to self-care supports and EMPLOYEE / FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
• POSITIVE and ENCOURAGING atmosphere
• Make a difference and provide HOPE
• Extended Health Benefits

Good Shepherd, a ministry of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, is an equal opportunity employer operating within an anti-racist and anti-oppression framework. We strive to establish workplaces that reflect and are enhanced by the rich diversity of the community we serve.

Good Shepherd welcomes and encourages applications from all people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you need accommodations, please contact Human Resources at 905-528-5877.

Good Shepherd has a mandatory verification of COVID-19 vaccination policy. More information on the full policy requirements and accommodation allowances will be provided to those selected for an interview.

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