Job Posting

Supportive Housing Worker

Title: Supportive Housing Worker *female designated position*

Location(s): Ottawa

Hourly: $23.97 - $27.04 per hour **based on work experience

Hours**:** Less than 21 hours per week

Employer**:** John Howard Society of Ottawa

**How To Apply:**Please submit your cover letter and resume through the John Howard Society of Ottawa’s website, under the Careers tab at: https://johnhoward.on.ca/ottawa/careers/

**Closing Date:**Friday, May 1st, 2026

About the environment: Employees at JHS Ottawa say the organizational culture is supportive, innovative, and focused 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.

About the role: In partnership with Minwaashin Lodge, the women’s residence is a supportive housing program in Centretown designated for adult women who have exited chronic homelessness, with a primary focus on supporting Indigenous women. As a Housing First and Harm Reduction program, we offer permanent homes and wrap around care that is rooted in connection. Our primary goal is to empower the women to lead independent lives as they navigate varying complexities related to wellness and housing stability, including medical care, food security, justice involvement, healthy relationships, active addiction, and mental health. Through the guidance of our partnership with Minwaashin Lodge, cultural care is offered weekly in-house, and all staff and residents are encouraged to participate in this programming.

The Support Worker position ensures the daily routines are maintained by supporting clients’ basic needs – connection, belonging, safety, food, shelter, rest. Support staff work collaboratively with their colleagues to ensure a safe and supportive home environment. Some tasks include the distribution of safe consumption supplies, conducting routine wellness checks, and providing emotional and practical support to residents. The role requires light meal preparation and housekeeping, various administrative tasks, and a commitment to relational care.

Successful applicants will understand the importance of meaningful engagement and should be prepared to use their creative expertise to explore ways to enhance program development. This position will allow you the chance to develop well-rounded transferable skill set in understanding behavior and motivation, addiction psychology, trauma-informed care, gender responsivity, Indigenous health and wellness, and client advocacy. We also offer a competitive benefit package for permanent employees, along with ongoing opportunities for professional development. Please submit your cover letter along with your resume today!

As the successful candidate, you have:

• University Degree/College Diploma in a Social Services program or related field. A combination of relevant experience and training will be considered.
• Provide a recent Criminal Record Check for Vulnerable populations
• Have valid CPR Certification
• Experience working in supportive housing, community shelters, or residential programs
• Experience working within harm reduction environments and responding to substance use
• Knowledge of the unique needs of women who have experienced chronic homelessness
• Awareness of the history and culture of Indigenous Peoples, including intergenerational trauma, and can apply this knowledge within your role and interactions
• Ability to speak an Indigenous Language is considered an asset.

You’ll also be prepared to

Complete daily log notes and produce additional written reports as required

Work collaboratively with colleagues to support client goals

Demonstrate ability to manage crises using de-escalation and NVCI skills

Demonstrate strong and compassionate boundary setting skills

Be open minded to the unique complexities of supporting people in their homes, including unit care, and modeling healthy home behavior

Facilitate meaningful engagement with residents on a regular basis

Participate in quarterly team meetings and engage in professional development

Ensure a comprehensive understanding of the Lisgar Supportive Housing Operations Manual and adhere to all protocols associated with that manual

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, through 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.
• You work in a way that helps employees and clients live their strengths and reach their potential
• Work with compassion and care for others, and help JHS build a culture of listening, mutual support, and meaningful connections.

You’re a fit with our organizational culture if you believe:

• In building meaningful connections across our programs, partners, and neighbourhoods in order to foster inclusion and empowerment.
• In a person-centred approach, recognizing the value, expertise, and capacity of each individual to make choices that lead to their best self.
• That systemic inequalities exist, and that all people have the right to be treated with dignity, to live free from discrimination, to have a home, and to access employment, education, health promotion and other supports.
• In reducing harm to individuals and communities through a non-judgmental approach that builds resiliency and accountability.
• In the capacity of individuals and communities to adapt, change, and grow while promoting the conditions to inspire positive transformation.

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

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• Selecting the Report Job Posting link on this posting (hyperlinked to hr@jhsottawa.ca*)*
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Reports may be submitted confidentially. All reports are reviewed by our designated team.