Atlantic Community Shelter Society

Manager of Community Connections

About Atlantic Community Shelter Society

Atlantic Community Shelter Society (ACSS) is a not for profit organization funded by the Department of Community Services and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. ACSS is a new enterprise undertaken in response to a serious and urgent need to address homelessness within the community of Halifax Regional Municipality.

ACSS's temporary pallet housing and tiny home solutions will be offered to individuals to provide protection, safety and security. This approach allows the basic needs of individuals to be met while more permanent housing solution opportunities are identified. Every person living at ACSS will have individual plans to identify their unique challenges and needs and a solution-oriented approach to overcome the barriers that prevent them from securing permanent housing.

Job Purpose

The Manager of Community Connections will report directly to the Human Resources Manager and is responsible for providing leadership to the Shelter Supervisor Lead role and acting as a role model for all employee's that work on site. The Manager of Community Connections will handle all decision making and facilitate the overall process of case management for those facing immediate eviction, homelessness, transition from hospitals or those in immediate crisis housing situations. Secondary support for this position focuses on facilitating community participants transition to permanent housing options.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide outreach services to those who are experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homeless to understand their housing needs, offer support, assessment and begin the engagement and triage process
• Ensure the efficient operation and continued development of the shelter program, transitional housing supports and homelessness prevention
• Co-ordinate and provide supports and interventions to individuals that are homeless or at risk of being homeless that is effective, efficient, safe, equitable and person-centered
• Complete referrals to the by-name list and participate in coordinated access meetings
• Capacity and willingness to become proficient in the policies, procedures, structure, mission, vision and mandate of Atlantic Community Shelter Society (see Shelter Nova Scotia Guidelines)
• Ensure an appropriate admission and discharge process for clients entering the pallet shelter community
• Ability to adhere to a strict policy of confidentiality, code of conduct, and protect the confidential information of the participants
• Address and resolve conflicts or sensitive situations in a positive and open manner, per established policies and procedures
• Engage regularly and respectfully with clients and respond to queries and requests in a timely respectful manner
• Create and facilitate life skills programming and group activities that are meaningful and are catered to the needs and interests of those residing in the pallet shelters
• Perform duties that relate to preparation for moving or assisting clients moving out
• Meet with clients in their own homes to promote eviction prevention as required
• Identify risk factors or potential problems for participants and intervene before they become a crisis
• Stay up to date on relevant legislation and policies as it relates to our clients, Residential Tenancies, Department of Community Services and community partners and resources
• Ensure person centered case plans/housing plans are in place to address the individual's goals with regular monitoring and evaluation
• Provide supervision to the Lead Shelter Supervisor and provide a collaborative approach to solving unique and challenging situations for the homeless
• Design and implement the recruitment, orientation, training, retention, evaluations and performance management of an all new Shelter program staff, alongside the Human Resources Manager as requested
• Establish and proactively maintain healthy, collaborative, constructive, and supportive working relationships with all Shelter staff to ensure consistent wrap around supports to participants
• Maintain positive relationships with community partners and key stakeholders
• Participate in all Management Team Meetings and Occupational Health and Safety Committees
• Other related duties as assigned by the Human Resources Manager or designate
• On Call Duty required on a rotational basis

Candidate Profile

Requirements:

• Post-Secondary Education, preferably in the Social Services or Health Fields
• Experience working the Mental Health Field, preferred
• Experience working with a geriatric population, preferred
• First Aid/CPR
• Driver's License and access to own vehicle, required

Other:

• Willingness to support volunteer and student placements by modelling professional behavior
• Be knowledgeable of Nova Scotia OH&S Act and Regulations
• Strong collaborative approach to delivering and developing programs and services
• Strong time management skills with the ability to manage a workload with multiple priorities

Personal attributes: Autonomy, Leadership, Compassion, Empathetic, Team Player
Starting salary: $62,000
Job location: HRM, willingness to travel within HRM
Work schedule: Monday - Friday 8am-4pm. Evening and/or weekend work required at times to meet employee and client needs

How to Apply

Contact: Chelsy Flemming, Director of Human Resources
[email protected]