Supportive Housing Worker

at  COTA Health

The Supportive Housing Worker helps tenants develop and enhance their independent living skills. This may involve teaching practical skills such as budgeting, cooking, and shopping in the community for items needed. The worker can also guide managing household chores, personal hygiene, and time management. Through skill-building activities, the worker empowers tenants to become more self-sufficient and confident in their ability to live independently.

• Support Meal Progra

ROLE OVERVIEW

The role of the Supportive Housing Worker is crucial for supporting tenants in maintaining their housing, developing independent living skills, and pursuing personal recovery and wellness.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Medication Support

The Supportive Housing Worker ensures the safe, accurate, and consistent use of medication. Assisting tenants enrolled in the medication program with medication management. This includes selecting and procuring medication; storing medications in the office area; delivering; and administering medications and monitoring the effects of medications on the service users. In addition the SHW communicates regularly with the Pharmacy and supporting medical staff as required, including medical appt. bookings and follow up.

• Housing Maintenance

The Supportive Housing Worker assists tenants (in collaboration with other team members) in maintaining their housing by guiding tasks such as cleaning, organizing, and managing their living space. They may also help tenants understand their tenancy rights and responsibilities, including rent payment and adherence to building rules and regulations. Tenants are also supported with submitting documentation such as annual rent reviews and tenant service request forms. In addition, the supportive housing worker collaborates with other members of the team to support pest control measures and preparation for treatment. By offering support in housing-related matters, the worker helps ensure that tenants can sustain their housing stability and maintenance of a healthy living space.

• Independent Living Skills

The Supportive Housing Worker helps tenants develop and enhance their independent living skills. This may involve teaching practical skills such as budgeting, cooking, and shopping in the community for items needed. The worker can also guide managing household chores, personal hygiene, and time management. Through skill-building activities, the worker empowers tenants to become more self-sufficient and confident in their ability to live independently.

• Support Meal Program

Supportive Housing Workers are responsible for supporting the meal program and menu planning, taking into consideration dietary needs/restrictions. The supportive housing worker also supports weekly online and (depending on need) in-person grocery shopping.

• Individualized Support Planning

  The Supportive Housing Worker engages in person-centered planning with tenants to identify their unique needs and aspirations. Together, they develop individualized support plans that outline specific goals, strategies, and timelines. The worker regularly reviews and revises these plans in collaboration with the tenant to ensure they remain relevant and supportive of their evolving needs.

• Crisis Intervention and Advocacy

  In times of crisis or challenging situations, the Supportive Housing Worker provides immediate support and intervention. This may involve de-escalation techniques, connecting tenants with appropriate emergency services, or advocating on their behalf to resolve issues. The worker ensures that tenants feel heard, supported, and safe within their housing environment.

• Community Support/Coordination of Services/Social Engagement

  Depending on the level of need/complexity of the tenant, Supportive Housing Workers support tenants on community outings and medical appointments. Tenants are also supported with accessing information and resources in the community such as day programs or other programs of choice. The need for social engagement and development of social networks is important. In collaboration with other team members, the Supportive Housing Worker supports to plan and facilitate activities and events onsite. The Supportive Housing Worker liaises/coordinates services with internal and external stakeholders to ensure needs are met.