Job Posting

Client Engagement And Activities Facilitator

TILLE: Client Engagement and Activities Facilitator

LOCATION(S): Carruthers Enhanced Supportive Housing

SALARY: $ 27.18 – $ 30.77 per hour based on work experience

HOURS: 17.5 hours per week – Contract position (a minimum of 10 hours to be completed on-site (in person) and up to 7.5 hours permitted to be completed virtually)

EMPLOYER: John Howard Society of Ottawa

CLOSING DATE: July 14, 2025 till 3:00pm

About the environment: Employees at JHS Ottawa say the organizational culture is supportive, innovative, and focussed on creating a caring environment for both clients, and staff. At JHS Ottawa, you will find an employer that celebrates the uniqueness of each of its staff members and is committed to promoting an engaging working culture where all employees are encouraged to live their strengths and realize their potential. JHS Ottawa will provide permanent new employees access to a benefit plan, four weeks vacation annually, a Defined Contribution Pension Plan after eligibility waiting period, and opportunities for continual learning and development.

About who we support: Our employees are supporting a diverse client group including youth and adults, all genders, from a wide cross section of social, ethnic, linguistic and cultural backgrounds who are representative of our broader community. We are accountable to the people we serve by providing the highest quality of service with integrity through the delivery of responsive, innovative and evidence-informed approaches.

About diversity at JHS Ottawa: The John Howard Society of Ottawa is committed to reflecting and responding to the diversity of the people and communities we serve and is seeking that diversity in applicants for this position. We welcome candidates from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, and all candidates who contribute to furthering the diversity of ideas. We also recognize that people from diverse groups have different needs and require different solutions to gain equal opportunity for success in the hiring process. If you require any accommodation during the interview process, please let us know.

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Supportive Housing Coordinator or their designate, the Client Engagement and Activities Facilitator will perform various tasks related to develop and implement recreational activities to increase the program residents list and community participation. Support for residents includes but is not limited to motivational interviewing techniques, addiction counselling, literacy and academic upgrading, workforce development, daily living and life skills, programming, as well as guidance in maintaining pro-social attitudes and change. Ability to coordinate all on-site program-related functions through a gender- and trauma-responsive framework

Some flexibility in working hours may be required, to ensure coverage to support the team and needs of the program.

Program Summary:

The John Howard Society Enhanced Supportive Housing Program is for men and women who are long-term shelter users. The program provides semi-independent accommodation and support to men and women, aged 18 and over. The John Howard Society of Ottawa manages the site with support from Ottawa Inner City Health and the support of other community partners.

Applying Housing First Principles, the Enhanced Supportive Housing provides adults with an opportunity to access safe accommodations and utilize intensive on-site support to assist with their life goals, regardless of their complexities and challenges. This program strives to contribute to a reduction in the number of individuals using homeless shelters or living on the street.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate a variety of group and individual activities that promote social connection, wellness, creativity, and life skills (e.g., art groups, cooking classes, gardening club (in summer), Health literacy group workshops).

• Engage residents in meaningful daily activities that reflect their interests, abilities, and goals, fostering inclusion and a sense of purpose and belongingness with the program

• Build therapeutic relationships through consistent, respectful, and non-judgmental interactions to encourage participation and engagement.

• Collaborate with case managers and clinical team to align activities with individual care plans and support clients’ recovery pathways.

• Encourage and support peer leadership and peer-led activities, recognizing and valuing lived experience.

• Assist clients in accessing community resources such as libraries, recreation centers, community kitchens, and volunteer opportunities to increase social and community integration.

• Monitor and document client participation and progress, noting any significant changes in mood, behavior, or engagement, and communicate relevant observations to the team.

• Likely to facilitate life skills workshops—such as budgeting, meal preparation, stress management through art therapy and communication skills—to support clients in achieving greater independence in daily living.

• Adapt activities to accommodate varying levels of ability, interest, and wellness, ensuring accessibility and minimizing barriers to participation.

• Promote a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment, upholding site program-related activities while employing a gender- and trauma-responsive framework.

• Coordinate special events and seasonal celebrations to build community spirit and reduce isolation.

• Support clients in setting personal activity goals, providing encouragement, reminders, and assistance in overcoming participation challenges.

• Maintain activity materials, supplies, and spaces, ensuring they are organized, safe, and ready for use.

• Create a comprehensive user guide for recreational events, ensuring its usefulness for future years.

Program/Building Responsibilities

• Offer intervention and support to clients in a caring and proactive manner.
• Strictly adhere to all security and safety protocols established for Carruthers ESH.
• Attend staff meetings as necessary to stay informed and engaged.
• Foster strong and cooperative relationships with fellow program colleagues and be available for Team support when needed.
• Contribute to maintaining a positive and welcoming environment for both clients and colleagues. Maintain open communication with the staff to ensure client and building safety.
• Perform any other occasional duties as requested.
• The successful candidate will likely be required to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends and statutory holidays, depending on the operational needs of the program.

Report Writing/ Administrative

• Generate necessary written reports and records as needed.
• Prepare all documentation related to recreational activities.
• Track and record clients' attendance for various activities for record keeping.
• Provide quarterly statistics on the number of activities and clients served for reporting purposes.

Candidates will be successful if they have:

Qualifications:

Education:

• University Degree/College Diploma in the Social Sciences

Preferred Experience:

• Minimum two (2) years working with the homeless population.
• Experience in housing/residential setting
• Experience working in a Harm Reduction environment.
• Experiences working as part of an Interdisciplinary team.
• G-class Driver's license and access to a vehicle.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrate the use of Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques.
• Experience working with a client-focused, case management approach to faster housing stability.
• Understanding of and experience working with clients who struggle with substance use, mental health and behavioural issues.
• Familiarity with the Residential Tenancies Act and other relevant legislation (e.g., the Mental Health Act)
• Competency in using needs assessment instruments (e.g. SPDAT)
• Basic understanding of the application of research to program design
• Competency in using various data collection and case management.
• Experience working with people with acquired brain injury.

You’re a fit with our organizational culture, if you mirror our values in the way you work:

• You are committed to providing the highest quality of care for your clients, though responsive, innovative, and evidence informed approaches.
• Driven by curiosity, you adapt to achieve the best results for clients/communities you serve.
• Celebrating the uniqueness and lived experience of every person is part of your nature, and this conviction creates a sense of belonging, safety, and better outcomes for all.
• As a leader, you lead in a way that helps employees live their strengths and reach their potential.
• Lead with compassion and care for others, and help JHS build a culture of listening, mutual support, and meaningful connections.

We sincerely thank all applicants who express interest in JHS and this position- only those selected for an interview will be contacted.