Who We Are For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here. Mission Statement The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. Job Description: POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY: The role is focused on helping individuals find solutions to problems of social adjustment that are difficult for individuals to navigate on their own. They interview clients to assess their current situation and challenges. They determine what social services and additional agencies the client needs. They assist clients in developing necessary skills for social and personal challenges and direct them out of homelessness. Accountabilities: Respond to pre-intake referrals and have a Shelter Diversion conversation with every client attempting access to shelter, every time. Conduct housing assessments utilizing the Shelter Diversion tool, provide information and referral services, and use mediation skills to implement strategies that prevent future loss of housing. Provide support to stabilize peoples’ current housing, explore safe and appropriate alternative housing options within their community, and/or coordinate the safe entrance into Shelter. Update an Active Client List (ACL) daily to provide information and housing case planning support for shelter staff. Maintain and update a Client Housing Expectation chart for every guest residing in shelter over the guest’s first 14 days in shelter by monitoring Housing Focused Shelter conversations, ensuring housing is the primary focus for each client daily. Attend monthly Shelter Diversion Community of Practices and communicate system wide with other Dedicated Shelter Diversion workers for access and supports as needed. Input client data into HIFIS and agency specific databases. To fulfill the duties incumbent is accountable for, they must be versed in: 1. Case Management: Use standard diversion practices and tools prior to each intake to shelter. Provide intake, assessment and referral services, assistance in accessing resources, crisis intervention and eviction prevention services, outreach, and mediation in relation to the shelter program. Develop and implement case management of assigned clients; assist clients in establishing goals, monitoring progress, and preparing discharge plans. Meet with a service user regularly to review, revise and update their housing plan. High acuity service users may require more frequent, intensive support time frames. Maintain caseload with regularly scheduled sessions and record keeping on all contacts and sessions as required by policy and procedures. Perform social histories to gather information and identify problems; formulate case plans to help clients meet their needs; perform discharge procedures for clients as assigned. Provide services using the principles of harm reduction, risk assessment, and a trauma informed approach. Direct clients to agencies that will assist clients with resume preparation and job searches in connection with their housing plan. Within the client’s existing environment encourage, where applicable, positive life-style alternatives: socialization, grooming and hygiene, external social opportunities, respect for dignity of themselves and others, support client ownership of own actions and problem-solving. Monitor appropriate behavior; intervene in crisis situations, provide emotional support and advocacy as required. Ensure appropriate communication of relevant concerns being mindful of the guidelines of the referral base and confidentiality procedures: maintain confidentiality of all client records, documenting all relevant information and update logs and client files regularly. Encourage clients in the maintenance of good personal hygiene, housekeeping and general life skills. Enforce program rules and expectations on a consistent basis with clients. 2. Collaborative Partnerships: Liaise and develop relationships with landlords and property managers within HRM. Develop a list of viable housing stock and options for men transitioning to independence within this housing program. Liaise with other agencies on behalf of men and programs and participate in community committees, projects, or activities as appropriate. Work cooperatively with the community partners and complete necessary documentation as required. Network with Salvation Army, government and community social service providers to coordinate resources for the benefit of clients and programs. Engage in the development of inter-personal relationships that promote dignity and respect. Perform required scheduled check-ins of clients, unit visits and room inspections. May liaise with police, funders, court personnel, community agencies, families, and other staff members. Coordinate care services; help clients identify and obtain resources. Seek to enhance own role with service providers as to build confidence and trust. 3. Administration: Compile and maintain accurate case files and appropriate documentation related to clients and initiates and any new documentation. Complete all reports required by the funder and The Salvation Army, including HIFIS. Compile statistics and data for accessing housing supports that will assist with the outcomes and evaluation of this housing initiative. Perform other duties as assigned. CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT Internal: Direct supervisor and members of the management team Other ministry unit staff External: Niagara Region Homelessness Services Community service partners MANAGERIAL/Technical Leadership RESPONSIBILITY: This position reports directly to the Emergency Shelter Manager. Initial and primary point-of-contact for all shelter service users with respect to their immediate needs and housing needs. This position has no direct reports but does give some direction to volunteers and students. FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT: Handles bus tickets, transportation and clothing vouchers, utilizing appropriate forms, and tracking documents. WORKING CONDITIONS: Schedule varies according to requirements of responsibilities. May deal with clients who become angry. May encounter verbal abuse. The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, exemplifying Christian standards of conduct. education and experience Qualifications: Education, Qualifications and Certifications: College diploma in social work, social services, child & youth studies, psychology, or a related field, or the equivalent in a combination of education and life-related experience in working with marginalized individuals Completion of Non-Violence Crisis Intervention Training, or willingness to obtain. Current First Aid and CPR, or willingness to obtain. Training in Naloxone administration and Mental Health First Aid. Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements: 1-2 years work experience in Shelter Diversion or applicable housing focus programs Respect and understanding of The Salvation Army - its mission, culture, and values Skills and Capabilities: Solid background of how to work with people from diverse backgrounds and enjoy assisting others to solve problems. Knowledge of issues facing persons experiencing housing crisis. Knowledge and sound understanding of the mental health and addictions support systems available to individuals in the Niagara Region. Knowledge of various social issues pertaining to homelessness and its impact on the clients served. High comfort level with approaching people and beginning conversations. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and under supervision. Experience working with diverse populations, including those experiencing mental health and addictions. To maintain confidentiality in all matters pertaining to clientele and staff of The Salvation Army. Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment when making decisions. To communicate effectively and efficiently in a positive manner as it relates to all levels of interaction with colleagues, clients and community. Experience with or willingness to learn program specific software such as HIFIS. A high degree of proficiency in duties as well as being able to handle and prioritize numerous tasks and evident desire for self-development, ability to follow detailed instructions. Sensitive and empathetic to vulnerability of clientele. Competent with MS Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Outlook. Provide an original copy of a Criminal Records Check (CRC) with vulnerable sector screening secured through either the national Canadian Police Information Centre or through a local police detachment. Note: A satisfactory criminal background check and an Enhanced Reliability Status Screening with Corrections Canada are required. The incumbent may perform all, some, or similar range of duties. General Program Support: • Contribute and provide recommendations on the development of new and existing programs for clients, assist with statistics collection, and measure tangible outcomes. • Utilize knowledge of issues pertaining to the scope of program(s) to contribute to the development of program(s) materials and partnerships. • Contribute to the development of administrative frameworks and best practices for program delivery, including new and innovative approaches to programming and community involvement, creative approaches to crisis intervention and cross industry collaboration. • Ensure that program procedures are maintained in own work and when providing recommendations to others, support the Program Manager in developing relevant policies and present to the Leadership team, contribute to drafting of various learning guides and facilitator materials, where required. • Provide coordination and administrative assistance in the delivery of designated programs, follow outcomes matrixes to attain reportable/significant outcomes, complete monthly reports, and end of project reports. • Seek community donations and in-kind support for minor programming items, develop relationships with external stakeholders, participate in community-based events & represent organization within the scope of their duties as per the Leadership request. • Assist Management team in establishing meaningful connections with community partners, support and participate in stakeholder evaluations and focus groups, attend offsite meetings with stakeholders as required including sitting as active members on community committees. • Maintain appropriate records and statistics, ensures that all required documentation is accurate and complete. Professional Development • Participate in training, meetings, case management development, administrative system orientations, as required. • Participate in test-run programming and utilize provided learning lab techniques to contribute to refining of the project concepts, materials, and delivery. • Responsible to model positive behaviours & boundaries to clients and contribute to the mission and goals of The Salvation Army. • Performs other work-related duties as assigned. Compensation: The target hiring range for this position is $21.83 to $27.29 with a maximum of $32.75. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role. The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you. Our employees are motivated by the fulfillment and meaning they experience as they serve people in need across Canada and Bermuda. Whether at the front-lines or in a support role, as part of our team you’ll work alongside a diverse and skilled group of purpose-driven professionals, empowered to provide exceptional service. We deeply value the relationships we build in the workplace, as well as the opportunities given to us such as the potential to experience flexibility at work, receive health and dental benefits, paid vacation and sick time, RRSP’s, as well as to expand our skills and advance our careers as together we build a culture of continuous learning and growth. If you're looking for a career that allows you to find meaning, make an impact, and one that challenges you to grow and become the best version of yourself, join our dynamic team. There is a place for everyone to belong at The Salvation Army.
