Housing Stability Worker

at  Lutherwood

LUTHERWOOD IS DEDICATED TO SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES WHERE EVERYONE EXPERIENCES MENTAL WELLNESS, OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYMENT, A PLACE TO CALL HOME, AND A SENSE OF BELONGING.

To better serve the diversity of our community, Lutherwood is committed to embedding anti-racist, anti-oppressive practices, and perspectives into the fabric of our organization. We have implemented mandatory antiracism training, we are actively building safe spaces to host brave conversations for learning, and we are fostering a culture of belonging for all, but especially BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, historically and presently marginalized individuals and communities.
There are 4 Full-Time permanent Housing Stability Worker positions available starting on June 03, 2024, working 37.5 hours per week.

YOUR TALENTS AND EXPERIENCE:

A degree or diploma in social services with relevant experience working in a community-based setting. Experience in supportive counseling and case management. Ability to work autonomously and decision-making ability is required. Knowledge of the local housing market, Housing First principles, and community services within Waterloo Region. Demonstrated passion and understanding of anti-racism and anti-oppression. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Reliable transportation is essential for this position. Required to hold a “G” class license and a two-million-dollar liability policy as part of personal car insurance.

YOUR ROLE:

As part of the PATHS2Home team, provides case management support to individual participants to access and stabilize in housing. Works with community partners to ensure a coordinated approach to ending chronic homelessness in Waterloo Region. Works from a person-centered approach to identify and meet the complex needs of individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Works in alignment with the agency’s commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression values.

TASKS:

Client Service:

• Offers and provides service of PATHS2Home program to high acuity individuals with complex mental health, addiction, and physical health issues.
• Works from a trauma informed approach using progressive engagement, crisis intervention, harm reduction and motivational interviewing skills to engage and provide services.
• Attends housing viewings with participants, supports participants with tasks related to securing tenancy and move in (i.e. setting up rent direct, securing first and last month’s rent, tenant insurance, utility hook up and supporting participants in attending signing of the lease).
• Secures furniture and household goods with participants prior to move in.
• Provides intensive home-based support to individuals and assists them to develop and execute strategies to promote housing stability.
• Utilizes local assessment tool to determine level of complexity and acuity to develop and execute individualized support plans.
• Develops individualized participant housing support plans.
• Conducts home visits and client contacts at flexible times and locations.
• Works in partnership with community agencies to gain resources and supports to maintain basic needs and improve quality of life for individual participants.
• Coordinates regular case conferences between tenants, community agencies and significant others to ensure effective service provision.
• Assesses environmental safety issues and follows all worker safety protocol when working in the community.
• Engages in creative problem-solving to address individual needs, systemic barriers, and service gaps. Assists in referral and access of services as required.
• Serves as a support to facilitate eviction prevention and housing stability.
• Works with participants to address related needs as they attempt to access and adjust to permanent housing.

Partner and Community Development:
15. Supports participants in developing and strengthening relationships with landlords and community partners.

1. Visits and checks properties for safety in relation to participants’ support needs.

• Works with community partners to ensure a coordinated approach to service.
• Collaborates with community partners to establish ongoing support for eviction prevention and housing stability.
• Develops and strengthens relationships with landlords and community partners.
• Maintains a high level of diplomacy in communicating with landlords and community partners.

Administration:

1. Establishes and maintains client files.

• Keeps supervisor informed of high-risk client situations.
• Ensures the completion of all documentation including accurate and up-to-date participant goals, case notes, crisis plans, SPDAT, etc.
• Maintains current knowledge of all legislation that governs landlord and tenant relationships.