JOB POSTING

Men’s Services Department

Men’s Emergency Shelter

Early Intervention Worker

Full-Time, Contract

1 Position

$26.37 Per Hour

Posting #MS0659

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Following Housing First principles and as part of Mission Services’ Emergency Shelter Services team, the Early Intervention Worker will provide homelessness prevention, diversion and early homelessness intervention support to individuals working to secure permanent accommodations. The Early Intervention Worker will work as a part of the Early Intervention team and will engage regularly with their service users to provide the necessary support to achieve program and participant goals. The Early Intervention worker may also connect with individuals whom are not yet service users, who need assistance in preventing homelessness and diverting them away from staying in the shelter.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Conducts assessments by phone and in person to determine needs and resources of individual to develop a short-term service plan to meet / address their specific needs.
• Applies homelessness prevention and shelter diversion strategies where possible, to assist service users to sustain their current housing and/or be directed to applicable service providers to meet their needs.
• Collects and assesses information to determine service user’s eligibility for emergency shelter and other shelter and housing related services.
• Coordinates referrals to supports and services to community agencies, City of Hamilton programs, and other levels of government to meet service user needs.
• Utilizes the principles of case management when conducting assessments and referrals to address service user needs.
• Advocate on behalf of service users for services and benefits with internal and external resources and supports, which may include landlords/housing providers, income maintenance programs, and shelters and other service providers.
• Completes third party verification by contacting various sources, including community agencies, housing providers, health care providers, income maintenance systems, child welfare agencies, Public Trustees, and other service providers.
• Responds to crisis situations involving service users by assessing the situation and implementing appropriate solution which promotes service user safety.
• Maintains thorough case documentation in automated systems, including documenting all intake and case plan information, and entering statistics related to case histories. Updates and revises intake records with each service user contact, to ensure case information is current.
• Works independently and as part of a team to identify service user needs and assist the service user to access appropriate programs and services.
• Maintains a high level of familiarity with legislation, community services, resources, programs, policies & procedures, and issues affecting or related to the service user population.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality related to all service user matters and information.
• Participates in team meetings and case conferences to discuss program issues, review client needs, discuss case plans, homeless prevention/shelter diversion plans, etc.
• Responsible for performing all other duties as assigned.
• Work safely, identify any health and safety concerns and report to management, and follow Mission Services workplace health and safety policies and procedures at all times

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in human or social services, or equivalent experience

• One to two (1-2) years of experience in Early Intervention or Emergency Shelter Work, specifically experience working with adult males, females and non-binary individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health and addictions concerns 

• Must have a knowledge of community resources available for service users including housing providers, income maintenance programs, shelters and other service providers

• Must have knowledge of relevant legislation, program policies & procedures

• Ability to maintain a calm demeanor when dealing with sensitive issues within a stressful work environment

• Ability to form helping relationships based on trust and empowerment

• Valid Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and First Aid certification is an asset

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Committed to upholding the organizations Mission, Vision and Values

HOURS OF WORK: 

• 37.5 hours per week 
• The successful candidate must be available to work weekends and statutory holidays 

COMPENSATION: 

• Hourly starts at $26.37 per hour

REQUIREMENTS:

• Police Vulnerable Sector Check
• Two-Step Tuberculosis Skin Test