Housing & Drop-in Worker - Relief

We are seeking to hire Relief Workers who could take shifts both in our housing and drop-in programs.

Summary Drop-in Program:

The Drop-In Program Worker works with the drop-in team to ensure the smooth operation of the Drop-In program and its related services to PARC members (a member is defined as any or all of the following: psychiatric survivor, marginalized, homeless/under-housed or socially isolated person).

Responsibilities in Drop-in:

• Drop-In Program Worker carries out a variety of duties during drop-in operations direct/personal member support, crisis interventions, responding to member concerns and making recommendations for further support activity and running small group activities and recreational programs as assigned.
• Drop-In Program Worker carries out various assigned tasks supporting different aspects of the weekend or weekday drop-in program on a shift by shift basis.
• Drop-In Program Worker provides support and friendly contact for all members using the centre. The Drop-In Program Worker upholds safety and the preservation of a healthy space and access to PARC for all members.
• Drop-In Program Worker will assist in the development of community resources, use creative strategies to address systemic issues, and contribute to public education and awareness.
• The practice of the Drop-In Program Worker is guided by the agency’s standards (policies & procedures) and relevant legislation, including the Mental Health Act and professional standards and ethics.

Summary Housing Program:

The PARC Housing Support Worker is responsible for supporting adults living with mental health and/or addiction challenges in a community-based independent living environment. They are responsible for maintaining and promoting the wellbeing and independence of each resident. This may include but is not limited to providing: daily tenant support, crisis support care/planning, supplies management, referrals, life skills coaching, group facilitation and day-to-day tenancy management and documentation.

The practice of the PARC Housing Support Worker will be guided by the agency’s standards (policies & procedures) and relevant legislation including the Mental Health Act and Residential Tenancies Act, Occupational Health & Safety and professional standards and ethics.

Core competencies include: strong communication skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team, adaptability/flexibility, creative thinking, member focused service delivery, planning/organizing, problem solving, accountability/dependability, strong ethics and commitment to social justice, strong clinical judgement.

Responsibilities in Housing:

• Provides one-to-one ongoing assistance and group support to tenants at PARC housing sites and other sites as needed;
• Provides detailed assessment, support planning and advocacy on issues related to health (primary/mental health), drug use, financial, housing, legal, employment and social support;
• Collaborates with tenants using a strengths-based perspective to set goals and create support/safety plans;
• Connects members to community resources/programs that can help address members’ needs by maintaining current knowledge of a wide range of available resources that support members;
• Provides proactive support to tenants including doing home visits, assisting with activities of daily living and coordinating case conferencing within a circle of care;
• Provides crisis prevention, intervention, risk assessments and crisis care planning;
• Ensures confidentiality is maintained on all clients;
• Maintains timely and thorough case notes, records and complete reporting required by funders and supervisor;
• Completes administrative duties;
• Engages in reflective practice, and is aware of systemic oppression and one’s own social location;
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1.5 years direct experience in a community mental health or community development setting with marginalized people, socially isolated adults, psychiatric survivors and homeless/under-housed people or combination of experience;
• Completion of post-secondary education in a related field of Community Development, Social Services, Mental Health etc.
• Sound knowledge of the issues presented by psychiatric survivors & marginalized people who have been homeless or under-housed and pertinent legislation. Broad experience with individual, family, and systems advocacy. Counselling, crisis prevention and intervention experience. The ability to demonstrate sound judgment;
• A justice-based analysis of social service provision, experience in navigating systemic barriers to resources and experience providing personal support for high need /high-risk populations, gained either through life experience, front-line work, social work education or some combination of the above;
• Excellent communication skills, organizational skills, written skills, and computer skills;
• Possess the ability to work effectively in a high-stress environment with a diverse team;
• Experience with supporting and overseeing the work of member workers, students and volunteers;
• Experience with system navigation about our members experience including housing-especially eviction prevention, legal, food security, diversity/inclusion and income security;
• Experience with advocacy or community organizing.

Hours of Work: The schedules are during the Weekdays, Weekends, and on stat holidays primarily between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm.

We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

PARC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people who are reflective of the diverse communities we serve. We strongly encourage applicants with lived experiences, from Indigenous communities, people of all races, ethnic origins, religions, disabilities, and sexual orientations to apply. We recognize that equitable access to employment is an agent in social change.

We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

If you have any requirements for accommodation due to disability, please advise Human Resources during the recruitment and selection process. We will work with you to best meet your needs as per resources available to us.