Home and Family Specialist
Job Overview
This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals facing housing challenges.
As a Home and Family Specialist, you will play a vital role in creating a nurturing atmosphere of home and family where all are welcome.
The successful candidate will participate in identifying clients' problems, needs, and risks. They will plan and conduct individual counselling sessions, provide basic life skills building, and engage residents/shelter users in services.
Key Responsibilities:
* Assist with resident support plan development and delivery of services.
* Develop rapport and trusting relationships with residents.
* Perform wellness checks and participate in the set-up and clean up of shelter facilities.
* Assist residents with activities such as room cleans and distribute harm reduction supplies.
* Develop and implement short-term intervention plans, evaluate their effectiveness, and report on clients' progress.
* Gather information relevant to clients' problems, needs, and risks through interviews, observations, and inventories.
* Plan, prepare, and conduct individual counselling sessions using active listening and conflict resolution techniques.
* Maintain electronic log notes, records, and statistics, and provide reports to supervisors as required.
* Use influential techniques guided by social work standards to support resistant clients.
* Assist with laundry, maintenance tasks, and custodial duties as directed by the Team Lead/Site Supervisor.
* Awareness of critical incident report procedures and health and safety policies.
* Uphold organization policies and procedures and refer media requests to the Director of Communication.
* Understand and follow the Good Neighbor Agreement and VicPD/OPS Cooperation agreement.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
* Basic computer skills with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
* Training in or knowledge of non-violent crisis intervention techniques and harm reduction approach.
* Knowledge of services available to shelter users and residents, as well as community resources.
* Ability to work independently, show initiative, and collaborate positively with residents, shelter users, and community contacts.
* Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and respond to radio calls in a timely manner.
* Strong problem-solving, decision-making, communication, and collaboration skills.
* Knowledge of behaviour management techniques and ability to work in intense and challenging environments.