Housing Coordinator - Marathon, ON - HC1526

Benefits:

• Competitive and comprehensive employer-paid health and dental benefits, along with paid sick time


• The Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)


• 12 paid days off to honor and observe statutory holidays, including a holiday shutdown during the winter break


• 4-weeks’ vacation* with 3 Family Care Days and 3 Floater Days pro-rated for the first year of employment

*vacation entitlement increases based on the number of years of employment. 

Other Benefits:

• Expense claim reimbursement for mileage and meals when traveling across the district


• Flexible work schedule per accrual of flex time


• Opportunities for growth and professional development


• Agency Wellness Committee initiatives


• Financial assistance with relocation is available

Summary

The Housing Coorindator, Adult Services is a full-time, permanent role, and is based on-site, in-person in Marathon, ON.  

Working within a Recovery Framework and applying a Harm Reduction and Housing First approach, the Housing Coordinator provides a range of supports for individuals living with mental illness and/or addiction, who are living in the community and are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The Housing Coordinator provides engagement, assessment and support, as required, based on the unique needs of the individual, with the goal of supporting the individual in securing and/or maintaining safe, affordable housing in accordance with funding agreements. This position is mobile in nature, working with individuals in the community, including within their homes. The Housing Coordinator reports directly the assigned Clinical Services Manager (CSM).

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical

Working with individuals 18 years and older, who are living with mental health challenges, substance use health needs, addiction, problem gambling and/or concurrent disorders, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, duties include, but are not limited to:
• Providing comprehensive, person-centered assessment, supportive counselling and case management supports.
• Collaboratively working with other Agency-assigned staff and committed to limiting service duplication, maintaining continuity of care through coordinated care planning, and achieving clear and consistent communication with clients and/or their families/guardians by actively participating in formal direct interdisciplinary planning meetings and/or indirect team member interdisciplinary planning meetings to enhance collective efforts and avoid redundancy in service delivery.
• Providing psycho-education, information and referral specific to individual needs.

Providing practical supports and life-skills coaching to assist individuals in managing and maintaining their housing.
• Advocating with landlords and supporting individuals through the Housing Tribunal process, as required.
• Supporting the application process for long-term affordable housing.
• Assessing, intervening and developing individualized safety plans when imminent risk has been identified.
• Engaging in ongoing assessment and evaluation of clients’ progress using standardized assessment tools and other evidence-based methodologies.
• Supporting housing individuals in their psychiatric assessments and actioning psychiatrist recommendations with life-skills coaching, case management and/or internal or external referrals for clinical counselling.
• Co-facilitating psycho-educational and/or support open or closed groups, and/or discussion workshops as they relate to housing needs.
• Maintaining a client caseload consistent with expectations of the role.
• Documenting all client engagement, case management activities and client progress in the electronic client clinical record.
• Liaising with the most appropriate physician(s), community agencies and/or care providers, facilitating the removal of barriers to care and ensuring the wrapping around of services to best meet the holistic needs of the client.
• Accompany and/or transport clients to/during appointments, in community, as necessary, in order to remove barriers around access, excludes emergency service support. Note: In cases of mental health or medical emergencies, 911 or other emergency services must be contacted.
• Maintaining confidentiality and working in a manner consistent with ethical guidelines of the Ontario College of Social Workers & Social Service Workers or applicable College.
• Participating in the clinical supervision and performance enhancement process.
• Developing personal goals for continued learning and engaging in ongoing development and self-evaluation.
• Assisting, precepting and providing support for colleagues, students and others to enhance and further develop clinical practice.

Administrative

• Participate as an active and contributing member of the NOSP team.
• Participate in team and agency staff meetings, actively contributing to discussion, planning and problem solving.
• Participate in agency change initiatives, actively contributing input to support for success.
• Participate in research and program evaluation projects within the agency.
• Participate in and contribute to agency-wide activities and initiatives (e.g., committees, working groups, agency planning days, etc.).
• Familiarize self and work in alignment with agency policies and procedures, College Standards and governing legislation.

• Maintain up-to-date documentation within the agency’s electronic client information system, applying College Standards as they relate to clinical documentation.
• Actively engage and represent the Agency at educational, career, and other health-care-related community fairs and events, as needed.

Occupational Health and Safety

• Follow all policies and procedures to ensure personal safety and safety of others.
• Following the principles of the Internal Responsibility System (IRS), report any observed health and safety risks to the immediate manager or designate.
Additional duties as required to support the effective operation of the Housing Program and related delivery of services to individuals and families across the District of Thunder Bay.

Qualifications/Requirements

• College diploma or bachelor’s level of post-secondary education; preference given to graduates with membership in their respective Regulatory College.
• A preference of three (3) years’ experience in a supported housing role, preferably with experience working with mental health and/or substance use health.
• Experience working within a and/or knowledge of the Recovery Philosophy, Harm Reduction approach and Housing First approach to the provision of supports.
• The ability to actively engage with individuals accessing services, while fostering sustainable and meaningful interpersonal professional relationships.
• Proven knowledge in utilizing evidence-based and evidence-informed assessments, supportive counselling techniques, case management and discharge planning tailored specifically for removing barriers for secured housing.
• Demonstrated skill in how to develop goals and plans of care for individuals accessing services based upon their individual needs and circumstances based on the principles of person-centered planning, self-determination and choice and providing services reflective of this plan.
• Experience in community networking, service navigation and facilitating linkages to programs and services.
• Knowledge of and experience with clinically sound documentation standards.
• Sound clinical acumen.
• An understanding of the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the ability to effectively apply privacy practices within the rural living context.
• Familiarity with evidence-based therapy approaches (e.g.: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy [CBT], Solution-focused therapy [SFT], Dialectical Behavioural Therapy [DBT], Mindfulness, etc) is considered an asset. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is considered an asset.

Extremely organized and able to multi-task several competing priorities at any given time with a demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team, with minimal supervision.
• Awareness and commitment to valuing the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and within the community being served by the position.
• An understanding of the impacts of intergenerational trauma in the Indigenous community and a sound understanding of culturally relevant approaches in service delivery.
• Clear understanding of how systemic racism and oppression have adversely affected the social determinants of health for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other People of Colour) communities with a demonstrated ability to apply an anti-oppressive/anti-racist perspective in service delivery throughout the lifespan.
• Ability to recognize and identify situations where incidents of and imbalance of power and privilege may occur and can result in possible negative impacts for service users.
• Clear understanding of scope of practice as it relates to the position and in keeping with the applicable Regulatory College and performance of duties within this scope.
• Advanced skills in oral and written communication.
• Working knowledge and excellent application with the use of technology with experience working with Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook and confidence in utilizing other clinical databases and/or platforms (e.g., EMHware, DATIS, CATALYST, Time tracking software, etc.).
• A valid Ontario Driver's Licence is required.
• The use of a privately-owned vehicle and appropriate insurance coverage is required.
• Ability to travel across the District of Thunder Bay and/or out-of-District communities, as required.
• Ability to speak French is considered an asset.
• This position may require working flexible hours contingent upon client need.

Before starting with us

As our work puts us in direct contact with vulnerable persons in our community, with health and safety as a priority, the successful candidate must complete or obtain the following before the commencement of their employment:

• A Vulnerable Sector police check.


• A positive police check does not automatically disqualify an applicant for a position with North of Superior Counselling; however, the Police Check will be reviewed and evaluated to decide on suitability for employment to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position being filled.

North of Superior Counselling Programs is an equal-opportunity employer. We benefit from the diversity of lived experiences in the workplace and encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.  North of Superior Counselling Programs participates in the Government of Canada’s 50-30 Challenge. This program challenges organizations to improve access for women and/or non-binary people and other equity-deserving groups, including those identifying as racialized, Black, and/or people of colour, people with disabilities (including invisible and episodic disabilities), 2SLGBTQ+ and/or gender and sexually diverse individuals, and Aboriginal, and/or Indigenous Peoples to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplace.

Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and North of Superior Counselling Programs' policies, accommodation requests will be considered throughout the hiring process.

We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

About Us

Are you seeking exceptional experience working to improve mental health and social well-being in rural communities utilizing a generalist approach? Look no further than North of Superior Counselling Programs (NOSP)!

At NOSP, we are a non-profit multi-service agency dedicated to working together to optimize health and well-being throughout the lifespan. We strive to provide equitable, accessible, and client-driven services that make a real difference in the District of Thunder Bay.

Our services include on-site individual and group-based counselling and/or case management for mental health and addictions, school-based counselling, parental support, and access to specialized services like assessment and referrals for live-in treatment programs.

But that's not all! We also provide supportive roles in formal on-site and virtual psychiatry and psychology diagnosis and assessments. Plus, we offer housing case management with rental supplement support programs. Through our incredibly dedicated volunteers, we provide enrichment and social engagement (EASE) to Adults (18 plus) with a physical disability or older adults (55 plus). 

At NOSP, we believe in a generalist approach to care. We aim to collaborate with other service providers to deliver responsive wrap-around, whole-health care through person-centric goal planning.  Through clear systems of care and innovative approaches, we strive to provide positive mental health outcomes for young people, adults, and families across the diverse communities of the District of Thunder Bay.

Are you curious about who we are and what we do? Visit our website at http://www.nosp.on.ca. Discover how NOSP is making a difference, and join our team in improving mental health and social well-being in Northern Ontario's rural communities!

Benefits of working and living in rural communities

1. Peaceful and serene environment: Rural communities often provide a tranquil and peaceful setting, away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas. This environment can promote a sense of calmness and tranquility, allowing you to enjoy a slower pace of life and connect with nature.


2. Strong sense of community: Rural communities tend to have tight-knit communities where people support and rely on each other. This sense of community can foster a robust social network and a feeling of belonging. You may have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with community members and develop a sense of camaraderie.


3. Lower cost of living: Rural areas often have lower costs of living than urban centers. Housing, groceries, and other daily expenses may be more affordable, allowing you to save money or have a higher quality of life with the same income.


4. Work-life balance: Rural communities often offer a better work-life balance. With less traffic and shorter commutes, you can spend more time with family and friends or engage in activities you enjoy. The slower pace of life can contribute to reduced stress levels and a greater focus on personal well-being.


5. Opportunities for outdoor activities: Northern Ontario is known for its stunning natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. Living in a rural community provides easy access to hiking, fishing, camping, and skiing. These activities can promote physical and mental well-being, allowing you to enjoy a healthier lifestyle.


6. Personal growth and self-reliance: Living in a rural community requires self-reliance and adaptability. You may have to learn new skills, take on different responsibilities, and become more resourceful. This can lead to personal growth, increased resilience, and a sense of accomplishment.


7. Enhanced quality of life: Many individuals find that living in rural communities offers a higher quality of life. The close-knit community, natural beauty, and slower pace can contribute to greater fulfillment, happiness, and overall well-being.

While working in rural, remote communities has advantages, potential challenges such as limited amenities, distance from urban centers, and possible feelings of isolation should be considered. However, rural living can be a rewarding experience for those who appreciate its unique benefits.