More information on this position: email Sean Spear, Associate Director sspear@raincityhousing.org

JOB SUMMARY

Since 1982, RainCity Housing has provided housing and connection to community services, mental health and addiction services for individuals who have concurrent disorders / co-occurring disorders (mental illness, substance use, health problems) and are at high risk of being homeless. RainCity Housing supports harm reduction as a key concept and approach in delivering services to clients. RainCity has a proven reputation in social services and healthcare for providing support services to some of the most vulnerable people in Vancouver.

The Harm Reduction Support Worker (HRSW) delivers a range of supports to chronically homeless individuals living in the community, many of whom have concurrent mental illness, substance use and/or physical health issues. Supports are offered in the area of harm reduction, health promotion and referral services to eliminate the spread of blood borne pathogens and other health impacts resulting from unsafe injection, smoking and sexual practices. Using a strengths-based model the HRSW collaborates with clients to assess needs and make appropriate referrals in the area of harm reduction and recovery. The HRSW provides education, referrals and support to each client regarding safer using practices, safer sex practices, and addictions issues and resources. Is required to drive a vehicle to distribute clean supplies to clients and facilities, and collect used needles for disposal.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

·         Diploma in community social services, addictions counseling, or concurrent disorders

·         Two years of recent, related work experience with an emphasis on mental health, addictions, homelessness and/or social services; including one year of harm reduction specific service provision.

·         Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience

·         Current First Aid and CPR certification.

·         Valid BC Class 5 driver’s license, and an acceptable drivers abstract

Key Abilities

Collaborate - establish collaborative relationships with clients, working to increase their strengths

Respond - safely resolve crisis situations and respond non-judgmentally to problematic behaviour

Advocate - help develop and implement service plans, and be a strong advocate for the client

Understand - demonstrate understanding of oppression and marginalization of the homeless

Teamwork - make positive contributions to the team, support and back up your co-workers at all times

Knowledge

> Knowledge of Harm reduction theory and practice

> Knowledge of mental health diagnoses, medications, treatment and support resources

> Knowledge of the bio-psychosocial addictions model, including stages of change, harm reduction and motivational interviewing

> Knowledge of the purpose and use of harm reduction supplies

> Knowledge of HIV, hepatitis, STIs and other health issues relevant to clients of harm reduction services

> Detailed knowledge of treatment, housing, and support resources for persons with complex health needs (mental health, substance use, physical health, including HIV and Hepatitis C).

> Demonstrates detailed understanding of oppression and marginalization, specifically as related to injection drug users

A Front Line Worker Writes About the Work:

It’s hard. Have no illusions, working here will challenge your abilities, beliefs, tolerances, biases, sleep patterns and social life, not to mention witnessing daily the struggles, trauma, and injustices the people we serve must face.

It is not a job for everyone. But for those of us who do work here… it is an opportunity to make a difference. To provide the most basic of needs for someone – food, shelter, clothing – and to assist with attending to medical, financial and housing issues. To creatively solve problems otherwise deemed too complex or impossible. To witness the resiliency and self determination of the human spirit on a daily basis. To work beside peers who share similar values as yourself.

You still want to work here? Be prepared to learn about people, “the system”, and yourself. Be prepared to experience frustration, compassion, and excitement in a matter of hours or minutes. And be prepared to know you have made a difference.

The Lux consists of 2 programs: 24 units of supported housing for women and men who are coping with the realities of homelessness, substance use, and complex physical and mental health concerns; and 68 subsidized affordable apartments for individuals not requiring significant housing support. In addition to the support staff for tenants, the building is monitored 24/7 by the Residence Building Attendants at the main entrance. The building is new construction.

The Residence Building Attendant is responsible for the security functions of The Lux, a single room occupancy rental housing building. The primary role is monitoring the main front entrance controlling resident and non-resident access to the building, and escorting unwelcome visitors out of the building in a respectful manner. May perform some cleaning, administrative, and maintenance tasks.

Since 1982, RainCity Housing has provided housing and connection to community services, mental health and addictions services for individuals who have concurrent disorders / co-occurring disorders (mental illness, substance use, health problems) and are at high risk of being homeless. RainCity Housing has a proven reputation in social services and healthcare for providing support services to some of the most vulnerable people in Vancouver.

Education and Experience

·            Grade 12 or equivalent. Building Management (residential) certificate and/or Security training is desirable

·            Recent, related experience of two years in building security

·            First Aid/CPR training

·            Valid BC Driver’s License

·            Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

Skills And Abilities

·            Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

·            Strong interpersonal and communication skills; including sensitivity to diverse backgrounds

·            Ability to work with a variety of tenants, some of whom have addiction and mental health issues

·            Able to enforce RainCity Housing and tenancy requirements in a sensitive manner, in consultation with Support workers

·            Physical ability to carry out the work including: perform cleaning duties and able to use a dolly to move heavy items such as kitchen appliances

·            Able to complete a variety of computer based paperwork and administration duties

·            Ability to plan, organize and manage their work day so that work is completed in a timely manner despite interruptions

• Ability to identify an emergency and respond appropriately

Program: Casual relief social service workers are needed in all programs
Position: on call relief for regular staff who are on leave or vacation. Can apply internally for permanent job postings. Most regular staff started as casual.
Location: Vancouver
Competition # - Please quote in application: CASUAL09
Hours: Must be available to work days, weekend and overnight shifts.
Compensation: $20.11/hour, plus 10.2% in lieu of stat holidays and vacations
Apply: with cover letter and resume to fax 604 254 3703 or email

JOB SUMMARY

Since 1982, RainCity Housing has provided housing and connection to community services, mental health and addictions services for individuals who have concurrent disorders / co-occurring disorders (mental illness, substance use, health problems) and are at high risk of being homeless. RainCity Housing has a proven reputation in social services and healthcare for providing support services to some of the most vulnerable people in Vancouver.

RainCity Housing offers programs and services including emergency housing, transitional housing, women’s housing, long term housing, community living support, outreach programs, food services and life skills management services.  Our Vision is: A home for every person.

Casual Social Service Workers aka Support Workers work in one of our housing programs, helping tenants keep their housing by supporting them to address their issues with mental illness, substance use, physical health and life skills. The most important task is building a relationship with tenants and collaborating with them to achieve their goals. The Support Worker works collaboratively with other direct service staff, family and external service providers, advocating for access and rights as needed.

Most programs are staffed 24 hours / 7 days.

Casual workers substitute in most of the jobs at RainCity Housing. Casual workers are on call, scheduled for shifts as needed. Shifts in some programs may be days, evenings or overnight, seven days a week. , for emergency coverage and for blocks of time to cover leaves and vacations. Casuals submit availability in advance. Casuals can apply for full or part time positions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• A Diploma in community social services; or education in mental health, addictions, concurrent disorders / co-occurring disorders and social work.
• One year of recent, related work experience with an emphasis on mental health, addictions, homelessness and/or social services.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, and Class 5 driver’s license

Key Abilities

• Collaborate - establish collaborative relationships with clients, working to increase their strengths
• Respond - safely resolve crisis situations and respond nonjudgementally to problematic behaviour
• Advocate - help develop and implement service plans, and be a strong advocate for the client
• Understand - demonstrate understanding of oppression and marginalization of the homeless
• Teamwork - make positive contributions to the team, support and back up your co-workers at all times
• Knowledge
  • Knowledge of concurrent / co-occurring disorders including: mental health diagnosis, treatment and resources; and addictions resources, stages of change and harm reduction
  • Knowledge of treatment and supports for persons with complex social and health needs
  • Knowledge of supported housing in Vancouver for the chronically homeless and persons with special needs

A Front Line Worker Writes About Working At RainCity Housing:
It’s hard. Have no illusions, working here will challenge your abilities, beliefs, tolerances, biases, sleep patterns and social life, not to mention witnessing daily the struggles, trauma, and injustices the people we serve must face.

It is not a job for everyone. But for those of us who do work here… it is an opportunity to make a difference. To provide the most basic of needs for someone – food, shelter, clothing – and to assist with attending to medical, financial and housing issues. To creatively solve problems otherwise deemed too complex or impossible. To witness the resiliency and self determination of the human spirit on a daily basis. To work beside peers who share similar values as yourself.

You still want to work here? Be prepared to learn about people, “the system”, and yourself. Be prepared to experience frustration, compassion, and excitement in a matter of hours or minutes. And be prepared to know you have made a difference.

Ivar with his new RainCity Housing hoodie!

Sue plans to visit the staff and residents at Bridget Moran Place often.  Sue says, “I  would like to thank staff for all they’ve done.  It (the programs) do work! “ She is a great role model for what is possible with strength, courage and a caring, supportive community.

Congratulations Sue!

April 9th, 2008, Vancouver — Hundreds of supporters from across Metro Vancouver showed their commitment to ending homelessness today at RainCity Housing and Support Society’s annual Shining a Light on Homelessness Luncheon. A record $60,000 was raised to provide much needed housing and support services for homeless people living with mental illness, addiction and other challenges. The luncheon was sponsored by BC Housing, Progressive Builders and The Vancouver Sun.

In the wake of the recently released homeless count, which shows a 19% increase in homelessness since 2005, it is clear that homelessness continues to be an increasingly challenging issue in Vancouver and indeed across the entire region. RainCity Housing has been a leader in providing solutions to end homelessness for over 25 years and will use all donations raised at the Shining a Light on Homelessness fundraiser to continue to provide innovative, cost effective solutions to achieve their vision of a home for every person.

“Congratulations on your steadfast commitment to providing housing and support services to people living with mental illness, addictions, homelessness and other challenges. Through your work, the quality of life for everyone in the community is improved,” says Craig Crawford, Vice President, Development Services, BC Housing, the Presenting Sponsor of the Shining a Light on Homelessness event.

Other luncheon sponsors include RBC Dominion Securities, G&F Financial Group, DYS Architecture, Executive Strategies, Manning Elliott Chartered Accountants, Marsh Canada Ltd, and GBL Architects.

RainCity Housing and Support Society is a leading provider of housing and support services for the homeless in Vancouver. It is a grassroots organization built around compassion, purpose and a commitment to delivering progressive housing and support solutions for people living with mental illness, addictions and other challenges. Programs and services include emergency housing, supported housing, women’s housing, permanent housing, community living support, outreach programs, food services and life skills management support. For more information, please visit www.raincityhousing.org.

On January 30th, 2008 - RainCity Housing and Support Society, formerly Triage Emergency Services & Care Society, has grown and changed significantly since it began as an emergency shelter in 1982. The organization now offers a full range of housing programs and services for people living with mental illness, addiction and other challenges. In order to reflect this growth, RainCity Housing has undergone an identity update, effective January 30, 2008.

 “When the organization began 25 years ago, the name Triage was appropriate for the work and philosophy of the organization,’ says Mark Smith, Executive Director of RainCity Housing and Support Society. “Things have changed, and the current philosophy of RainCity Housing is not to triage, which implies that people are sorted by need and some will be left behind, but to provide ‘a home for every person’. This updated identity will help us build on our existing community of support and work towards our goal of ending homelessness.”

RainCity Housing and Support Society is a leading provider of housing for the homeless in Vancouver. It is a grassroots organization built around compassion, purpose and a commitment to delivering progressive housing and support solutions for people living with mental illness, addictions and other challenges. Programs and services include emergency housing, supported housing, women’s housing, permanent housing, community living support, outreach programs, food services and life skills management support. For more information, please visit www.raincityhousing.org.

VANCOUVER, BC - April 7, 2007 -With Vancouver’s lack of affordable housing having a job no longer guarantees being able to afford a safe, secure place to live. Outreach workers at RainCity Housing and Support Society are seeing a spike in the number of homeless who hold down jobs but are spending their nights on the streets. This increase in working homeless contributes to the rising problem of homelessness and adds additional pressures on organizations like RainCity Housing who provide housing and support services to Vancouver’s homeless population.

Some of the people affected have had an unanticipated setback—dismissal from a job, break up of a marriage or other life changing experience—and found themselves without a safety net. RainCity Housing provides a number of services to help these people get back on their feet including outreach support, food services, and shelter services. However, the growing demand from this sector of the homeless population is taking the focus away from those among the homeless who are living with complex health issues.

“Seeing this rise in the working poor on the streets adds an additional challenge to providing services and support to the homeless,” says Mark Smith, Executive Director of RainCity Housing and Support Society. “Our mandate is to provide innovative housing and support services to people living with mental illness, addiction and other health challenges but we can’t ignore those who are homeless due to a combination of other circumstance. Additional resources are going to be required if the lack of affordable housing in our city continues.”

RainCity Housing and Support Society is a leading provider of housing and support services for the homeless in Vancouver. It is a grassroots organization built around compassion, purpose and a commitment to delivering progressive housing and support solutions for people living with mental illness, addictions and other challenges. Programs and services include emergency housing, supported housing, women’s housing, permanent housing, community living support, outreach programs, food services and life skills management support. For more information, please visit www.raincityhousing.org.