support specialist

Job ID:

5436413

Location:

Toronto

Published:

Today

Salary 50227 - 42000 CAD

Company

Good Shepherd Ministries

Website

www.goodshepherd.ca

Headquarters

CEO

Revenue

Type

Sector

Founded

Job Description

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Shelter, Hospitality, Housing Support Services, the Manager, Follow-up Support Program enhances the dignity and quality of life of Good Shepherd’s clients and visitors by assessing clients in personal crisis and assisting and advising in housing, social assistance, education and other health and social issues. Through the effective supervision and management of the program staff, ensures that justice, equality, dignity, and acceptance of clients is aided by the quality of work in conjunction with statutory agencies and other voluntary bodies to provide comprehensive case management for the clients of Good Shepherd Ministries. Through positive leadership and role modelling, the Manager, Follow-up Support Program is responsible for the demonstration of the Mission, Vision, and Values at work within the Follow-up Support Program and the Good Shepherd Ministries. and Good Shepherd Ministries.

Duties and Responsibilities

To carry out all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Mission, Vision, and Values of Good Shepherd Ministries.
To provide a work ethic in leadership and role modelling of behaviours that demonstrates the Mission, Vision, and Values of Good Shepherd Ministries.
To provide service in a dignified and respectful manner that reflects the charism of Good Shepherd Ministries, and which integrates trauma informed, anti- oppression/anti-racism frameworks.
To be familiar with and implement all health and safety rules, regulations, and procedures, particularly with regards to statutory regulation and to the policies of the Good Shepherd Ministries to assure the safety and well being of clients, staff, volunteers, and visitors to Good Shepherd.
To act as an important communication centre for staff and service users for the efficient and effective communication of information necessary to assist clients in the Follow-up Support Program.
To hire qualified staff and to maintain effective employee relations consistent with the policies, mission and values of the Good Shepherd as well as the Collective Agreement between Good Shepherd and the Union.
To motivate and retain qualified staff. To provide effective performance feedback to staff on an ongoing basis to ensure staff are working at a satisfactory performance level; prepare and conduct regular formal performance evaluations and make recommendations for discipline and/or termination where necessary.
To comply with the established rules of operation, procedures, policies, ethical standards, and code of conduct.
To comply with work scheduling and attendance requirements according to reasonable policy and practices.
To respect and protect the confidentiality of service user information, as well as all other information that is sensitive in nature to the operation of the program, the Good Shepherd Ministries, staff, volunteers, and others.
To consistently present the Good Shepherd Ministries and its services in a positive manner and adhere to customer service guidelines and procedures as established by the Good Shepherd.
To monitor the city of Toronto’s strategic direction as it relates to Housing and Case Management and advise senior management accordingly.
To accept referrals from the Coordinated Access team and assign to the Follow-up Support Case Workers in a timely manner and supervise them to proceed through collaborative consultation according to the provided Transfer Process Guidelines
To ensure the Follow-up Support team provides client-directed, goal-oriented service planning that fosters developing independence, integrates appropriate referrals to community supports and/or long-term case management and embeds comprehensive discharge processes
To ensure the Follow-up Support team provides services and strategies to stabilize housing for people at risk of homelessness, including landlord mediation, support with navigating the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), arrears repayment and re- housing
To compile, maintain and provide program statistics and submitting activity data and program outcomes, as required
To advance the City’s funding priorities, including: o strengthening our relationship with Indigenous communities and advancing reconciliation o focusing on equity o delivering high quality services o reducing chronic homelessness o developing integrated system responses o strengthening and modernizing the sector
To represent and participate in all meetings and case conferencing processes with follow-up support providers (i.e. monthly case conference meetings) established by the Coordinated Access team, as required.
To participate in City committees and working groups, if or as required
To be an integral participant in fundraising activities and grant writing pertaining to the Follow-up Support Program.
To provide input in preparation of budget and assist in writing project proposal
To promote networking and alliance building with other agencies for the purpose of increasing the effectiveness of the Follow-up Support Program.
To participate in regular management review meetings on matters including policy development, personnel and service review and budget development related to the Follow-up Support Program.
To assume responsibility for the administrative and daily operations of the program, ensuring compliance with City, Provincial and Federal policies and regulations related to the program conforming to the internal policies and procedures of Good Shepherd Ministries
To refer clients seeking drug/alcohol rehabilitation placements to the in-house Transition Pre-treatment Program as well as to external resources as necessary.
To assist clients during the Follow-up support process and provide support, direction, and encouragement.
To attend case conferences, case consultations and other meetings as directed.
To maintain orderly files and appropriate case documentation.
To take responsibility for the smooth operation of the Follow-up Support Program under the direction of the Senior Manager, Shelter, Hospitality, Housing Support Services.
To assign duties and to provide the necessary training to the Follow-up Support staff and volunteers.
To provide information on community resources and government programs to clients of the Centre and to help clients link with services when appropriate.
To identify gaps in services and to help develop new programs in concert with other departments.
To advocate on behalf of clients to improve access to services.
To perform any other duties related to the Ministries of the Good Shepherd as directed by Senior Manager, Shelter, Hospitality, Housing Support Services or delegate.

Skill, Nature and Scope (Requirements)

Demonstrated commitment to the Mission, Vision, and Values of Good Shepherd Ministries.
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Social Services or equivalent education and work experience.
Minimum of five (5) years experience in program management and clinical supervision in social services agencies, particularly in agencies providing addiction or housing case management to the homeless.
Demonstrated experience in providing leadership and coaching, and promoting teamwork within a multi-disciplinary work environment
A thorough understanding of housing first, harm reduction, housing transition, homelessness, poverty, health and related issues, and knowledge of relevant statutory and volunteer services to effectively serve the homeless and the disadvantaged.
Solid experiences in assessment, case management, crisis intervention, case coordination, housing case management and program development.
Thorough knowledge of relevant legislations and government policies pertaining to housing, social assistance, health, etc.
Working knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act, the Housing Services Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to maintain effective teamwork, which includes managing work overload, phone calls and dealing with employees, visitors and hard-to-serve client population.
Excellent computer and organizational skills.
A valid First Aid and CPR Level C Certificate.
Training in managing aggressive behaviour and health & safety.
Demonstrated ability to adapt in a fast paced and changing work environment.
Creativity and flexibility in achieving desired outcomes.
Hospitable in dealings with clients/public/volunteers/staff, and other key stakeholders.
Available, flexible, and responsive to the needs of others.
Respectful and compassionate demeanor.

Job Type: Fixed term contract

Benefits: