Housing Support Workers, Housing Support Office (Taggart Family Y Location)

Overview:    

As one of the largest charitable community service organizations in Canada, the YMCA of the National Capital Region responds to critical social needs in the community and works to provide lasting solutions. Serving thousands of people across our region annually, we are a leader and valued partner in creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential. This position requires a commitment to the Y mission and core values of responsibility, honesty, caring, respect, and inclusion, which form the foundation of all Y programs and services.

Working for the Y

Are you looking to use your skills and unique gifts to make a real difference in your community? The YMCA of the National Capital Region is a great workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. The YMCA provides hundreds of employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities. Whether you are starting in your career or a seasoned professional, you will find many exciting opportunities to achieve your personal and career goals. Some of the benefits of working for the Y include:

What we offer

At the Y, you will be part of a vibrant and diverse network of people whose shared vision is to change lives and make our communities home to the healthiest children, teens, adults, and families.     

Our competitive wage and benefit package include:

• Free Y membership.
• Discounted Y program fees (including health & fitness programs, child care, and camps)
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program including free, immediate, confidential assistance and counselling for you and your family members for mental and physical health, financial advice, among other 12 suites of services 

What do you offer?

The Housing Support Worker works as part of the Housing Services Team that provides programs and services for individuals with affordable/social housing needs including Monthly, supportive housing, Family Shelter, Second Stage Housing for youth, counselling, and referral.  The Housing Services Team delivers 24/7 double coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including days, evenings, and overnights to provide intake and support services to the individuals and families served in the Transitional Family Housing Program (Shelter) and after-hours support and crisis intervention to the TRY, Second Stage and Monthly residents.

Some of the tasks of this position include:

• The Housing Support Worker will provide information to individuals and agencies regarding eligibility for housing in Y Housing Services or general information about housing services in the community.
• Provide intake assessments, advocacy, support, referral, and crisis intervention to residents, supporting them to maintain their housing.  
• Maintain standards for reporting and operating procedures
• Assists in maintaining the filing system for the Housing Support office
• Builds and maintains strong partnerships with health (mental and physical) agencies to help residents maintain their housing and address health issues
• Maintain the system(s) of collecting and recording detailed client statistics and information
• Security and administrative tasks are included in the work including shift-specific responsibilities 

What qualifications and abilities are we looking for?

At YMCA of the National Capital Region, we strive to ensure our employees are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals.

The successful candidate will have the following:

Education

• Post-Secondary degree or diploma in a related field

Language

• Fluency in English and French, oral and written.

Experience, Abilities, and Skills

• Minimum 2 years experience in Social Services preferably one in Housing
• Knowledge and sensitivity in dealing with individuals with homelessness, addictions, and mental health
• Training in Suicide Intervention and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention preferred
• Knowledge of community resources is an asset
• Strong problem-solving and creative skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent client service skills and focus
• Ability to work with clients with diverse backgrounds and needs
• Create a strong presence and provide a welcoming environment

 Additional Requirements:

• First Aid and CPR training
• Applicants must already have a valid permit to work in Canada
• Must provide a Criminal Reference Check for the Vulnerable Sector, not older than 6 months, as per Association policy
• Annually all staff must complete the mandatory training for the Protecting Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Persons, and submit the certificate of completion

 Core Competencies:

• Communication: Communicates in a thorough, clear, and timely manner and supports information sharing and goal achievement across the Association.
• Conflict Resolution: Facilitates appropriate and timely solutions to conflict.
• Problem-Solving: Identifies an issue, gathers and processes relevant information, comes up with possible solutions, selects appropriate responses, and implements them.
• Diversity: Appreciates that people with different opinions, backgrounds, and characteristics bring richness to the challenge or situation at hand.
• Initiative: Does the right thing at the right time without being asked.
• Self-Management: Works independently within prescribed parameters, can discern the relevance of issues, and communicate them effectively to his/her supervisor.

 About diversity and inclusiveness at the Y: 

Inclusiveness is a part of our core values and we are committed to ensuring the diversity of the people and communities we serve as well as our staff. We welcome candidates from racialized groups, invisible minorities, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

How to apply?

All internal applicants must inform their supervisor of their intention to apply for the position.  Internal applicants can apply only after completing the probationary period of their current job unless approved by People and Culture.

Applications must be submitted to the YMCA of the National Capital Region, and all cover letters should be addressed to Belinda Bordoff. Please send applications to Director, Housing Support Office, Belinda Bordoff ( belinda.bordoff@ymcaywca.ca).

Thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please advise in advance if you require any accommodation during this process. We believe all people have the right to live free from discrimination or harassment of any kind.

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