HOUSING FIRST SUPPORT WORKER

July 04th, 2008

Employer: RainCity Housing and Support Society
Position: 2, permanent part time, 72 hours bi-weekly
Location: Vancouver, our Princess Rooms transitional housing program
Competition #: HFSW08-49 and HFSW08-50
Hours: Tues to Fri/Sat or Thurs/Fri to Mon , 11pm to 7:30am.  Three days off every other week.
Compensation: $19.72/hour. Paid benefits, pension plan, 3 weeks vacation to start
Apply: by August 31, 2008 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 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 has a proven reputation in social services and healthcare for providing support services to some of the most vulnerable people in Vancouver.

Princess Rooms uses a low barrier “Housing First” model that emphasizes Harm Reduction. This model of housing succeeds because it has few barriers to access, accepting and working with the survival behaviours of clients. We respect people’s choices around mental health treatment and substance use while encouraging harm reduction and working with clients to stabilize their lives.

Support Workers help 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. The Support Worker also provides daily supports including medication administration, building security, crisis intervention, pest control, health and recreational groups and general problem solving.

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.
  • 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 Triage:
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.