Job Description: Outreach Worker – The Hub
Shelter Nova Scotia, located in Halifax, is a not-for-profit charitable organization governed by a volunteer board of professionals and operated by skilled employees. We believe in a community where everyone has a safe and affordable home.
Summary: To be responsible and accountable to the Hub Manager and Director of Practice and Development of Shelter Nova Scotia to proactively engage with people who are street involved and provide solution’s focused supports and interventions.
Responsibilities
Client Service Delivery
· Capacity and willingness to become proficient in the policies, procedures, structure, mission and mandate of Shelter Nova Scotia
· Ability to adhere to a strict policy of confidentiality, code of conduct, policies and procedures
· Proven verbal and written communication skills
· Behave in a calm, professional manner
· Must possess a mature, professional outlook with an ability to experience sound judgement while treating clients with dignity and respect
· Attention to details and organizational skills
· Administrative skills
· Above average interpersonal skills with energy and enthusiasm
- Ability to remain awake, alert, and vigilant at all times while on duty
- Identify and advocate for individuals housed in one of our programs, experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness, and refer to community programs as appropriate
- Knowledge of the structure and organization of the Department of Community Services and applicable legislation and policies (Employment Support and Income Assistance)
- Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with tenants, stakeholders and community partners to achieve goals and influence outcomes
- Be knowledgeable about the impact of poverty and homelessness and affordable housing
- Accurately and professionally document notes relating to client interactions and keep other team members up to date on client issues
- Perform First Aid and/or CPR when required
- Maintain client privacy by sharing information only on a need-to-know basis. Protect the confidential information of the guests, residents and tenants
- Address and resolve conflicts or sensitive situations in a positive and open manner, per established policies and procedures
- Engage regularly and respectfully with clients and respond to queries and requests in a timely, respectful manner
Facility Operation
· Support the Hub and housing team in maintaining the daily operations of the facility including drop in, building security, proper storage of deliveries and donations, daily cleaning, etc. as required
Action Planning
- Accompany clients to service, employment and/or housing appointments
- Provide solutions-focused care to clients
- Work in partnership with both the private and non-profit sector of the housing market to ensure appropriate placement of clients.
- Work closely with community partners and other services providers/case managers to ensure continuity of care as required (i.e., medical treatment, shelter, housing, etc).
· Complete referrals to the By-Name List (BNL)
· Administer and track diversion funds, as available
· Coordinate drop-in services, track statistics, ensure employees are assigned to drop-in tasks
· Track when clients arrive and depart
· Coordinate third party resources to provide services onsite at the Hub
· Provide weekly updates at scheduled team check in
· Able to develop positive working relationships with clients, referral sources, service agencies, and others encountered in the course of work
· Provide community referrals and information about other programs offered
· Facilitate programs and food services
· Maintain a clean and safe space
· Provide conflict prevention and conflict resolution
· Provide direction and support to drop-in employees/volunteers/students
· Create and facilitate life skills programming and group activities as required
· Perform duties that relate to preparation for drop in or outreach
· Provide support, in reach/outreach and referrals while building trusting relationships
· Provide crisis de-escalation where necessary and provide mediation services if required
· Remain abreast of relevant legislation and policy as it relates to tenants, Residential Tenancies, Department of Community Services and community resources
· Facilitate activities required to support and enable Trusteeship
· Attend Case Conference and group meetings as needed
· Be an active team player
· Other duties, as required
Admin
· Complete case notes and required paperwork as applicable
· Record and update appropriate information in HIFIS and/or Incident Reports as required
· Prepare additional HIFIS and other progress and evaluation related reports on a regular basis
· Liaise with other community partners as required
· Create and maintain accurate statistics
· Follow policies and procedures
· Liaise and familiarize yourself with other existing agencies that may be of assistance to some of our clients
· Other duties, as required
Occupational Health and Safety
· Be knowledgeable of the Nova Scotia OH&S Act and regulations and abide by same
· Comply with the employee responsibilities as outlined in the Internal Responsibility System for OH&S and cooperating with occupational health and safety initiatives.
· responsible for following safe work procedures; using personal protective and safety equipment as required
· reporting any illness or injury immediately to their manager; reporting unsafe acts and unsafe conditions
Other
· Support volunteer and student placements by modeling professional behavior
· Support new employee orientation and training by assisting with training and knowledge transfer
· Perform other related duties as assigned
· Monitor, track and report petty cash spending on a monthly basis
Working Conditions
· Hours to be negotiated
Hazards
· Exposure to hazardous material (e.g. body fluids), sharps (e.g. needles), chemicals and noxious agents (e.g. infectious material)
· Hazards associated with working in physical contact with tenants with possible exposure to body fluids, infections, and communicable diseases
· Clients may exhibit unpredictable or volatile behaviors due to mental health and addictions issues (diagnosed or undiagnosed)
Mental, Visual and Physical Demand
· Working with clients can often lead to ambiguous situations that are stressful for the employees, management, and guests. Issues encountered are not easily unraveled, and solutions are at times difficult to address and achieve
· High stress environment, requiring sensitivity and confidentiality, and significant degree of visual and mental acuity
· Challenging, fast pace and constantly changing environment, with multiple interruptions and competing demands
Technical Competencies
· Degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Human Services or a Diploma from a recognized educational institution with relevant experience such as human services, social services, healthcare, or a combination of education and experience is required
· Certification in the following or the ability to obtain: Standard First Aid/CPR Level “C”; Non-Violent Crisis Intervention; Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST); Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS); Safe Food Handlers certification
· Successfully obtain Child Abuse Registry check and/or Government of Canada Personnel Screening or Criminal Record Check
· Proficiency in Microsoft Applications, including: Word, Excel, Outlook
· Experience with interviewing, counseling, and intervention techniques is considered an asset
· Knowledge of mental health and addictions is an asset
· A valid driver’s license, own vehicle and insurance and a current driver’s abstract that is satisfactory
Hours of Work
40 hours per week
Shifts will be days, evenings, weekends
Salary
$28.12 hourly
Benefits & Vacation
Available as per Shelter Nova Scotia Policy
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $28.12 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- RRSP match
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2023-09-24
