Salary: Job Band H (hourly wages): Min - $28.65, Mid - $31.10, Max - $35.27

STARLING COMMUNITY SERVICES IS DEDICATED TO SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES WHERE EVERYONE EXPERIENCES MENTAL WELLNESS, OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYMENT, A PLACE TO CALL HOME, AND A SENSE OF BELONGING.

To better serve the diversity of our community, the agency is committed to embedding anti-racist, anti-oppressive practices, and perspectives into the fabric of our organization. We have implemented mandatory antiracism training, we are actively building safe spaces to host brave conversations for learning, and we are fostering a culture of belonging for all, but especially BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, historically and presently marginalized individuals and communities.

There are two Full-Time contract Housing Stability Worker positions available starting on November 11, 2024, and ending on March 31, 2025, working 37.5 hours per week.

Your Role:

As part of the PATHS2Home team, provides case management support to individual participants to access and stabilize housing. Works with community partners to ensure a coordinated approach to ending chronic homelessness in Waterloo Region. Works from a person-centered approach to identify and meet the complex needs of individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Works in alignment with the agency's commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression values.

Tasks:

Client Service:

1. Offers and provides service of PATHS2Home program to high acuity individuals with complex mental health, addiction, and physical health issues.
2. Works from a trauma informed approach using progressive engagement, crisis intervention, harm reduction and motivational interviewing skills to engage and provide services.
3. Attends housing viewings with participants, supports participants with tasks related to securing tenancy and move in (i.e. setting up rent direct, securing first and last month's rent, tenant insurance, utility hook up and supporting participants in attending signing of the lease).
4. Secures furniture and household goods with participants prior to move in.
5. Provides intensive home-based support to individuals and assists them to develop and execute strategies to promote housing stability.
6. Utilizes local assessment tool to determine level of complexity and acuity to develop and execute individualized support plans.
7. Develops individualized participant housing support plans.
8. Conducts home visits and client contacts at flexible times and locations.
9. Works in partnership with community agencies to gain resources and support to maintain basic needs and improve quality of life for individual participants.
10. Coordinates regular case conferences between tenants, community agencies and significant others to ensure effective service provision.
11. Assesses environmental safety issues and follows all worker safety protocol when working in the community.
12. Engages in creative problem-solving to address individual needs, systemic barriers, and service gaps. Assists in referral and access of services as required.
13. Serves as a support to facilitate eviction prevention and housing stability.
14. Works with participants to address related needs as they attempt to access and adjust to permanent housing.

Partner and Community Development:

1. Supports participants in developing and strengthening relationships with landlords and community partners.
2. Visits and checks properties for safety in relation to participants' support needs.
3. Works with community partners to ensure a coordinated approach to service.
4. Collaborates with community partners to establish ongoing support for eviction prevention and housing stability.
5. Develops and strengthens relationships with landlords and community partners.

1. Maintains a high level of diplomacy in communicating with landlords and community partners.

Administration:

1. Establishes and maintains client files.
2. Keeps supervisor informed of high-risk client situations.
3. Ensures the completion of all documentation including accurate and up-to-date participant goals, case notes, crisis plans, SPDAT, etc.
4. Maintains current knowledge of all legislation that governs landlord and tenant relationships.
   

Your Talents and Experience:

A degree or diploma in social services with relevant experience working in a community-based setting. Experience in supportive counseling and case management. Ability to work autonomously and decision-making ability is required. Knowledge of the local housing market, Housing First principles, and community services within Waterloo Region. Demonstrated passion and understanding of anti-racism and anti-oppression. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Reliable transportation is essential for this position. Required to hold a “G” class license and a two-million-dollar liability policy as part of personal car insurance.

What's in it for you?

• Rate of Pay: At Starling Community Services all salaries are categorized under a series of "bands" determined during our job evaluation process. When determining rate of pay for external hires, a candidate's past related experience will be taken into consideration along with where others with similar experience currently fall within the band.
• Note: most new team members will start between the starting salary and the mid-point of the range.
• Job Band H (hourly wages): Min - $28.65, Mid - $31.10, Max - $35.27
• A positive work culture, inclusive workplace policies, and employee wellness initiatives.
• Eligible to join the HOOPP defined pension plan on a voluntary basis.
• 3 Weeks paid vacation (pro-rated to start date and hours for position; accumulated bi-weekly) + 15 hours of personal time per year.
• Paid sick time (pro-rated to start date and hours for position; accumulated monthly) to a maximum of 300 hours.
• 11 paid holiday benefits per year plus a floater day.
• Access to our Employee and Family Assistant Program (no cost).
• Discounted GRT passes through membership with Travel Wise.
• Employee Referral Incentive Program.
• Agency Orientation and Training modules.
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
• Responsive Leadership Training Program (leadership positions only).
• Staff appreciation events.

If you are community-focused and share our values and antiracism commitment, we want you to grow with us. Please submit your application through BambooHR, in confidence, no later than 4 pm on October 29, 2024.

This is an internal and external posting.

The Agency requires all employees to obtain a Police Vulnerable Sector Check prior to commencing employment. We require certain positions to obtain a Medical Certification.

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If you don't have every single requirement and the exact level of experience listed in our description, but the skills and experience needed for the role still resonate with you, please consider applying.

If you require any support with submitting your application, or through the interview process, please contact the Human Resources department at [email protected] or by calling 519-707-1958 ext. 1247.