POSITION DESCRIPTION

Atlantic Community Shelters Society

POSITION TITLE: Community Connections Coordinator
SITE: HRM
REPORTS TO: Manager of Human Resources
SALARY SCALE: $26.00 Starting Hourly Wage
DATE: DECEMBER 2024

POSITION SUMMARY

The Community Connections Coordinator (CCC), plays a vital role in the delivery services to individuals experiencing homelessness by offering essential administrative and clerical support. Their responsibilities encompass providing crucial housing assistance and support to adults facing various challenges. This includes the pursuit of stable and self-sufficient living arrangements whenever feasible. The CCC establishes and nurtures strong partnerships with the residents and resources in the surrounding communities, contributing to an expanded pool of available housing options. They methodically identify, evaluate, and address issues, devising adaptable action plans. Additionally, they ensure residents' fundamental needs are fulfilled and facilitate connections to pertinent community services. Maintaining accurate records and statistical data is an integral part of their role.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides housing loss prevention and housing stabilization services to vulnerable adults
• Completes needs assessments, applications, and forms with clients
• Provides navigation services throughout the housing continuum and connects clients to provincial programs and community organizations
• Secures and maintains stable, independent living situations where possible
• Builds solid working relationships with landlords and property managers to increase available housing opportunities
• Acts in a supportive role to the Manager of Community Connections of one or more Housing Support Programs and is expected to learn and apply the guidelines and principles of each program
• Discusses, isolates, and assesses issues and develops a flexible plan of action
• Enters accurate client information into a database for one of several programs in a timely manner; keeps record of all interactions with clients
• Assists new staff, volunteers, or students
• Be prepared to provide emergency first aid or naloxone to clients when working in the community or at a supportive housing site
• Participates in committees and project teams as required
• Undertakes related duties as assigned, consistent with the position
• Other duties may be assigned as needed to ensure the efficient operation of programming within and the surrounding community
• Regular/ occasional attendance at meetings/ events that may require work and minimal travel outside of normal hours of operation

QUALIFICATIONS

• Certificate in social work, psychology, criminology, or another related area of expertise from a recognized, postsecondary institution.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in Homeless Services, Advocacy (Housing, Legal, Human Rights), Community Social Work, or Transitional Housing Services. One (1) year case management experience is preferred.
• A combination of relevant experience, education, and training may be considered.
• Familiarity with community resources.
• Strong ability to manage stress and organize workload.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and maintain clientele/worker boundaries.
• Current certificate in First Aid Level 1 or willingness to obtain within a short timeframe.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, problem solve and utilize team-building skills.
• Proven ability to utilize strong interpersonal skills to deal with others effectively.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to utilize, adapt and embrace new technologies, including MS Word, Excel and other database/software required by the role.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a Class 5 driver's license may be required.
• The position requires the completion of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL/VISUAL DEMANDS:

Physical: Typical administrative/office management duties and from time to time assisting residents with personal belongings.

Mental: Supervision and instruction of staff can be stressful especially in dealing with specific workplace challenges. Mentoring and coaching of staff will present highly confidential situations that must be addressed with tact and utmost respect.

Visual: Average demand.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

1. May be required to assist with the management of aggressive residents.
2. Possible exposure to infectious diseases within the community.