Identifying Information

Job Title: Housing Diversion Coordinator

Program Area: Navigation Service

Job Level: Program Coordinator

Reports to: Team Lead, Housing Diversion Program

Vacancies : 3 Permanent Full Time

Organization Summary

CMHA-Edmonton is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure that all people experience good mental health and well-being. We strive to increase awareness and understanding of mental health, mental illness, recovery, and suicide prevention through education. We support the resilience and recovery of people in distress including those affected by mental illness or suicide by providing crisis intervention; safe, long-term and affordable housing; peer support; suicide grief and family support; information and referral support; and providing opportunities to improve your wellness.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Team Lead, Housing Diversion Program, the Housing Diversion Coordinator will provide assistance to clients via the new Housing Diversion Program at CMHA-Edmonton.

The program aims to prevent individuals experiencing mental health challenges from experiencing homelessness by delivering targeted prevention and diversion activities. Activities will focus on improving housing stability and facilitating connections to appropriate support services. The program will assist individuals with mental health challenges in accessing both government and community-based services tailored to meet their specific needs. Time-limited referral and follow-up support will be provided, incorporating peer-assisted navigation and advocacy to ensure participants receive the necessary assistance to improve their circumstances.

The Housing Diversion Coordinator will work closely with the 211 Navigation program staff who will provide the majority of incoming referrals to the program. Along with the Peer Services Lead and Peer Services Coordinator through warm hand off mechanisms for clients who would benefit from access to peer support on their support navigation journey.

Core Competencies

• Client Assessment and Service Planning: Ability to conduct in-depth client assessments to evaluate needs, financial stability, and support requirements. Skilled in developing personalized action plans and setting achievable goals with clients.
• Effective Communication: Proficiency in communicating complex processes to diverse audiences in a clear manner. Demonstrates strong advocacy skills, promoting client rights and facilitating positive outcomes.
• Relationship Management and Client Engagement: Skilled in building trust and maintaining strong working relationships with clients, colleagues, and community partners. Ability to engage with diverse populations empathetically and without judgment.
• Service Coordination and Resource Navigation: Proficient in navigating complex social service systems. Demonstrates organizational skills in coordinating multiple services to address comprehensive client needs.
• Problem Solving and Crisis Management: Skilled in addressing crises with a calm and solution-oriented approach. Demonstrates the ability to assess risks and implement safety plans as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform needs assessments to create individualized service access plans.
• Utilize trauma-informed approaches to identify client strengths and areas requiring support.
• Support clients in their advocacy in accessing services and support with landlords, housing authorities, and service providers to address barriers in accessing support.
• Educate clients on tenant rights, housing and community resources, and program eligibility requirements.
• Establish trusting relationships with clients to facilitate engagement.
• Collaborate effectively with external service providers to connect clients with resources such as employment support, mental health services, and substance use treatment.
• Coordinate referrals to appropriate programs and services, ensuring all necessary documentation and eligibility requirements are met.
• Support maintenance of a resource database of housing resources and community services, staying informed about changes and new opportunities.
• Respond to client crises promptly, utilizing de-escalation techniques and connecting clients to emergency resources.
• Develop strategies to overcome housing barriers, such as credit issues, rental history, or discrimination.

Qualifications/Experience

CMHA-Edmonton recognizes that candidates all have different skills and experiences to offer. While we are highlighting desired qualifications in the following sections, it is not a checklist. We encourage everyone interested to apply and indicate how you would successfully take on the role even if you have unconventional experiences or qualifications.

• Post-secondary Diploma in a related Human Services program, Social work (Degree preferred)
• Minimum of 1-3 years of recent experience in navigation support, housing support or working with vulnerable populations.
• Current registration with a professional body will be preferred.
• Successful attainment and maintenance of the following certificate will be preferred.
• Community Resource Specialist Certificate
• Crisis Worker Certificate
• Acceptable attainment and maintenance of a Police Information Check with a Vulnerable Sector Check and an Intervention Record Check

Skills/Abilities

• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to set boundaries with clients, deal with difficult situations and respond in a composed manner
• Positive, helpful attitude towards assisting clients
• Demonstrated understanding of mental health; mental illness and recovery; information and referral services; and crisis intervention
• Knowledge and skills of advocacy, empowerment, and mental health recovery principles
• Knowledge of and abilities to access and utilize social support systems and networks
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, meet deadlines and allocate time and resources effectively
• Organizational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office
• Ability to deal effectively with the public and community agencies and maintain good public relations.

Required Training for the Position

• First Aid/CPR Training (optional, if required by position)
• Self-harm Training
• Crisis Management Training/Non-violent crisis intervention
• Diversity and Cross-Cultural Training
• Indigenous Awareness Training
• GBA+ Training