Access & Assessment Coordinator

at  BC Housing

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Coordinated Access & Assessment or Coordinated Access and Assessment Manager, the Access & Assessment Coordinator leads the planning and implementation of the Coordinated Access and Assessment (CAA) initiative at the community level, working closely with community partners in housing the homeless, hard-to-house or those with multiple barriers in appropriate placements along the housing continuum. He/she/they conducts assessments of applicants through the Supported Housing Registry, assigns applicants to specific programs and vacancies and works with a variety of stakeholders to improve coordination and service quality in the homeless serving sector.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or other relevant field.
• Considerable progressive experience in community settings, working with homeless populations or other diverse populations with complex social and/or health care needs and/or behavioural issues.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience acceptable to the employer.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge of the different types of mental health and/or addiction housing models.
• Sound knowledge of current social issues including homelessness, mental illness, drug addiction, domestic violence, child protection and ageing.
• Considerable knowledge and skills in psychosocial rehabilitation and Housing First practices.
• Sound knowledge of government and non-profit agencies in the community served, and the role of community health resources and other social services.
• Sound knowledge of the signs and symptoms of common medical and psychiatric conditions, substance abuse and the different types of treatment programs for substance abuse.
• Excellent skills with computer applications and software including MS Office applications and knowledge of complex database structures.
• Strong negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to develop positive working relationships with other agencies and services providers.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to multi-task and set priorities within tight timelines.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn and understand BC Housing’s programs and services relating to homelessness.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to present program information, deliver training programs and work collaboratively with a variety of community stakeholders.
• Ability to provide critical event stress management and defusing services to individuals following a traumatic event.
• Ability to provide consultation services, crisis intervention and initiate/coordinate referrals to external agencies for services.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment; proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to travel and to work periodic evenings; transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the position. For positions outside of the Lower Mainland, extensive travel required.
• Valid BC Dirvers License is a requirement and Access to a reliable vehicle
• As a condition of initial and ongoing employment with BC Housing, the incumbent must maintain current registration with the appropriate professional certifying body relating to their credentials that is acceptable to the employer.
• Criminal Record Check required.

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