OVERVIEW

North Shore Community Support Services, Inc. is seeking to employ a team of 2.5 Full Time contract Community Housing Outreach Workers. CHOWs will play a crucial role in providing support services to people who are housed, are at risk of becoming homeless, or have experienced homelessness. This position is vital in ensuring vulnerable populations’ health and housing support needs are met, ultimately improving their quality of life.
Support through this 12-month pilot project will be available to residents in Central and East Algoma: From Echo Bay to Richards Landing, Bruce Mines, and Thessalon in the Algoma District, Northern Ontario.
The Community Housing Outreach Worker is responsible for providing a range of outreach support services focusing on safe and successful health and housing integration. Active life skills coaching is a major component supporting people staying housed and reintegrating into the community. Help clients build skills to live independently
The CHOW will assist in meeting client needs and enable them to utilize community services and supports to achieve their optimal level of health and functioning following the program’s stated purpose and within the policies and procedures of North Shore Community Support Services, Inc. The Community Outreach Worker is directly accountable to the Executive Director.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Empathy and Compassion: A deep understanding and genuine concern for the challenges faced by individuals having experienced homelessness.
• Strong Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with clients and stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to think critically and creatively to find practical solutions for complex issues.
• Cultural Competence: Sensitivity and respect for diverse backgrounds and experiences.
  By focusing on a holistic approach that integrates health and housing services, the Community Housing Outreach Worker aims to, not only meet immediate needs but, also empower individuals to achieve long-term stability and well-being.

EDUCATION

• Minimum 2-year Diploma or Degree in applied health or social sciences with a focus on counselling and psychosocial rehabilitation is an asset
• Membership in a professional college or association is preferred;
• Demonstrated knowledge of supportive housing, housing outreach, continuum of health care, crisis support, and case management;
• Understanding of mental illness, inter-generational trauma, trauma-informed practice, and harm reduction principles in making appropriate assessment of housing needs and individualized care plans;
• Training and experience related to concurrent disorders is an asset;

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 2-year Diploma or Degree in applied health or social sciences with a focus on counselling and psychosocial rehabilitation is an asset;
• Experience counselling clients of the community who may be unsheltered, homeless, or at risk of experiencing homelessness and require life skills support as well as experiencing social stigma, mental health & addiction, trauma, and substance use;
• Experience creating and fostering strong partnerships with service partners, community services, and resources to ensure coordinated care planning;
• Experience working with individuals at risk of homelessness in community-based settings;
• Knowledge of the Provincial Health Care systems;
• Experience in teaching and training adults (Life Skills Coach certificate would be an asset);
• Sound judgment and decision-making, particularly concerning intervening high-risk or sensitive situations;
• Strong team skills and the ability to take the lead role in organizing and coordinating the delivery of wrap-around services;
• Proficiency with computers including Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.);
• Proficiency in completing assessments such as OCAN and utilizing client data systems such as CRMS is an asset;
• Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills;
• Competent problem-solving skills that are self-directed;
• High emotional intelligence needed to de-escalate crises;

FURTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid government-issued “G” driver’s license;
• Access to a reliable vehicle;
• Personal auto insurance with $2,000,000 million liability;
• Maintain current and satisfactory vulnerable sector police check;
• Standard First Aid and CPR;
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  Application deadline: February 21, 2025, 4:30 p.m.
  Hours: 35 per week, Monday to Friday
  Expected start date: as soon as possible
  Job Type: Full-time, contract (1 year)
  Salary: $50,487 to $51,961 per year commensurate with experience
  Please note: North Shore Community Support Services, Inc. requires that all staff members be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with the rare exemption of those individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to permitted approved exemptions (medical reasons or religious grounds as recognized in the Ontario Human Rights Code). Proof of full vaccination or approval of exemption, will be required; further details will be provided to those candidates moving forward in the recruitment process.
  Please send a cover letter and resume detailing your interest in the specific fit, qualifications for this position (including your experience with specific issues/client populations that you serve) to:

· Identify potential clients using an assertive outreach approach and by liaising/networking with other community service providers (such as ADSAB, shelter, paramedics, and other outreach programs available in the community)
· Stabilize individuals in acute or chronic distress by crisis intervention and streamlined access to service.
· Develop a rapid assessment (with client/their community support network) to determine the immediate/short-term needs; develop a plan of action for those needs to be met.
· Referrals to the program will be received through community partners and entered into the organization’s database – Client Database CRMS.
· For a period of up to six (6) months (if time permits), provide intensive brief service support to participants including skills teaching on activities and behaviours of daily living, supportive encouragement, and feedback to enable participants to reach their goals.
· Complete an initial assessment that identifies the client’s needs/abilities through information obtained from the client, their natural supports, and the referral source.
· Provide direct service to clients (individually and in groups) as per agency guidelines, policies, and procedures, including skills teaching on activities & behaviours of daily living, hands-on assistance in maintaining housing, encouragement & supportive encouragement/feedback to enable participants to reach their goals, crisis intervention strategies/support, relapse prevention strategies, community withdrawal management, treatment referral, self-care strategies/support, and family support/education as appropriate for supporting the interests of the client.
· Provide information and strategies for health promotion and prevention.
· Client-centered advocacy to facilitate access to (and modification of) existing resources to meet individual needs, and to assist client in identifying/advocating for their civil/legal rights.
· Work collaboratively with ethno-racial communities and organizations to facilitate appropriate services for the members of these communities.
· Assist participants/clients in identifying, building, and maintaining a natural support system. Connect clients to opportunities in and of community life.
. Promote positive and supportive attitudes toward clients supported
. Empower clients to work towards their goals.
. Act as an advocate and be a positive role model for clients in the community.