Join our Team!

Dec 12, 2023

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 for a contract position (December 2023 to May
2024) with possibility for renewal.

JOB POSTING: Housing Support Worker | Project H.O.P.E (Housing Outreach Peer Empowerment)
Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division.

LOCATION: Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

DEADLINE TO APPLY: DECEMBER 22, 2023

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.

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.

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.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The key responsibilities include serving the portfolio and program’s clients, supporting day-to-day
operations, and collaborating with CMHA staff and community groups; and 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 supports
  provided.
• Assist with housing searches (such as referring to Local Housing Locator Service, connecting
  with local landlords for vacancies; electronic media searches; directly emailing or calling for
  clients regarding vacancies.)
• Provide advocacy or support on behalf of clients with community or government agencies and
  landlords 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.
• Participate in case conferences with other community supports within the parameters of the
  Individual’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

EQUIPMENT: The employer will provide necessary office equipment for the employee’s use while employed with CMHA NS. 

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 in
  these are areas are mandatory.

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 no later than 5 p.m. Friday, December 22, 2023 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+, newcomers
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.