We’re Hiring! Housing Support Worker 

Sep 23, 2024

The Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division is looking for a passionate and self- motivated individual to join the Project H.O.P.E team. This is a contract position available immediately until November, with possibility for renewal and offers flexibility of either part-time or full-time.

JOB POSTING: Housing Support Worker | DEADLINE TO APPLY: September 27, 2024

JOB DESCRIPTION: Reporting directly to the Provincial Team Lead, the Housing Support Worker works in collaboration with other Project H.O.P.E staff, CMHA Nova Scotia Division staff, and a broad range of community groups to help Nova Scotians who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, locate and secure safe, affordable housing. Successful candidates will bring the following attributes to the position: initiative, confidence, compassion, flexibility, creative decision making, solid judgement skills, persuasiveness, community knowledge, and strong boundary making skills. A criminal record and vulnerable sector check are also required.

ABOUT PROJECT H.O.P.E: The Project H.O.P.E (Housing Outreach Peer Empowerment) team works with people in our community who have experienced homelessness, are currently homeless or are at risk of homelessness, who face barriers beyond the current lack of housing. People may self-refer or may be referred by community partners.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: The key responsibilities includes but is not limited to the following:

• Meet with potential clients to complete the Intake process.
• Maintain ongoing documentation and statistical data as required.
• Update Case Notes regarding client communications, changes in circumstances or supportsprovided.
• Assist with housing searches (such as referring to Local Housing Locator Service, connectingwith local landlords for vacancies; electronic media searches; directly emailing or calling forclients regarding vacancies.)
• Provide advocacy or support on behalf of clients with community or government agencies andlandlords regarding housing issues.
• Recommend financial supports such as damage deposits, rental arrears, emergency food,moving expenses, and supplies to Team Lead, and seek out any other financial supports within community or government which are appropriate to the need.
• Support clients to view apartments, provide feedback
  on appropriateness of housing (condition of housing and/or cost), and provide information regarding Tenancy Laws in Nova Scotia. (when required)
• Support clients with interacting with landlords to maintain housing or provide support during Tenancy Hearings. (when required)
• Support clients with accessing resources (this may be done in person or by providing contact information)
• Conduct regular check-ins to ensure clients are doing well and maintain housing within various timelines.
• Assist clients with creating a plan for moving, budgeting, socialization and other life skills training as appropriate to the need.
• Prepare clients for Project H.O.P.E. Trustee program, as applicable.
• Participate in case conferences with other community supports within the parameters of theIndividual’s Signed Consent to Disclose document.
• Meet with Team Lead or other Housing Support Workers when required.
• Attend community meetings scheduled by Team Lead and Coordinated Access Manager

LOCATION: Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

WORK SCHEDULE: This is a full-time position, working generally from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (37.5 hours/week). This position requires a combination of working in a home office environment and in community, with our community stakeholders. We offer a flexible work environment and a workplace culture committed to personal wellbeing and psychological safety.A valid Nova Scotia Driver’s License and access to a vehicle is required. Reimbursement will be paid as per the Expense Policy.

WORKING CONDITIONS: As outlined in the Working from Home policy, the employer will provide basic equipment necessary for a home office. The employee will be required to have a suitable designated workspace and reliable high-speed internet. A cell phone will be provided.

COMPENSATION: Commensurate with experience. Range: $45,000-$50,000 (fair market value within the sector)

QUALIFICATIONS: [No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you.]

• Strong communication skills, including listening skills, and motivational interviewing, with the ability to advocate for clients and collaborate with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a wide variety of environments such as offices, on the road, viewing apartments, and client’s dwellings. Not merely an office position.
• Ability to work with a diverse, marginalized, economically disadvantaged and occasionally challenging population.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing marginalization, mental wellness issues, or peer support training, is an asset.
• Knowledge of budgeting and financial management an asset.
• Post-secondary education in Social Services / Mental Health sector or strong work history inthese are areas are mandatory.

ABOUT CMHA NS: Founded in 1908, CMHA NS is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada. Through a presence in 36 communities across the province, CMHA NS provides advocacy and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Nova Scotians to flourish and thrive. Today, the importance of our mental health advocacy work in combination with new energy and direction of our organization makes CMHA NS a dynamic employer of choice. To learn more about CMHA NS, visit: www.novascotia.cmha.ca

OUR CULTURE: We nurture a culture grounded in curiosity, learning and building trust-based relationships. We are committed to advancing our JEDDI work (Justice, Equity, Decolonization, Diversity and Inclusion) at the individual, organizational and community level. Our team values are – Compassion, Connection, Authenticity, Hope and Growth. We embed these values in the work we do in community every day.

ARE YOU A FIT? If you are interested in applying for the role, please submit a PDF copy of your resume along with a cover letter stating why this is the position for you, by September 23. Apply via email to: [email protected].

We thank you for your interest and please note that only those identified for an interview will be contacted.

CMHA NS is committed to reflecting the diversity of the communities within which we work. As such, we encourage applications from Black, racialized and Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomer to Canada, and people with disabilities. If you are a member of a group that has been historically excluded from opportunities, we encourage you to self-identify in your cover letter or resume and to share your pronouns. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and accommodating those with disabilities at any stage of the hiring process.