Community Outreach and Family Case Manager

Cornerstone Community Association

Job Description

Bargaining Unit Position

Position: Full-Time Community Outreach and Family Case Manager

Position Reports To: Program Director/Community Outreach Manager

Location(s): 121 Simcoe St. South, Oshawa, various locations throughout Durham Region

Salary: $53,805.36 up to $62,292.24 over 5 grids (as per Collective Agreement)

Shift Coverage Times: 40 hours per week. Some flexibility is required, which may involve evening and weekends, including emergency coverage; on-call.

*Note: Shift times and schedules may be subject to change depending on program needs.

Purpose of Position: We are a faith-based non-profit charitable organization providing social services to the Region of Durham. Responsible for provision of full, individualized, case management and community-Based mentoring services for clients/families reintegrating into housing in the community; including providing access and information on acquiring basic needs, advocacy for clients, assistance with building positive social supports and networks, securing, and maintaining support services. Administer housing benefit program. To increase success, stability and, independence for those at imminent risk of homelessness.

Education: This position has a minimum educational requirement of an Undergraduate Degree from a recognized University in a directly applicable field and progressive, related work experience in the social service sector. Certification in Mediation and conflict resolution an asset.

Requirements:

• Demonstrated understanding of accepted standards of Case Management practices and protocols.
• Experience working with family units facing homelessness and crisis.
• Previous experience with a high-needs population will be considered an asset.
• Ability to work independently as well as within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule and to multi-task.
• Ability to relate to homeless individuals and families to establish relationships of confidence and trust.
• Standard First Aid/CPR and CPI is required and must be maintained.
• Possess a positive, approachable manner and ability to represent the organization in a professional manner at all times.
• Demonstrated understanding of, and ability to manage, boundaries and professional ethics.
• Demonstrated understanding of mediation and conflict resolution techniques.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a clean driver’s abstract. Access to a reliable vehicle.
• Ability to successfully pass and maintain an (in-house) Enhanced Reliability Screening
• Knowledge of current legislation affecting tenancies such as the Tenant Protection Act and Social Housing Reform Act
• Proficiency in computer keyboarding and computer software
• Proficiency in report writing and gathering statistics.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Maintain a sound knowledge of community resources related to housing, legal information, social service issues, mental health, and addictions issues which are relevant in making effective referrals.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information related to the position.
• Attend shift change, staff meetings, training, and other meetings as required and assist with orientation and training of new staff.
• Ability to use intervention and therapeutic skills in an adaptable way to motivate individuals.

Responsibilities:

Support and Mentoring

• Administer the emergency motel program for family units in need of emergency shelter.
• Liaise with Motels and other necessary services.
• Discuss and assess client’s concerns and needs to provide support, information, referrals, skill enhancement, and advocacy with or for them as deemed necessary for the benefit and stability of the client.
• Provide mentoring support for daily living skills such as grocery shopping, money management, budgeting, cooking skills, social interaction skills, public transportation, personal hygiene and preventive health care, housekeeping, time management. Through one-on-one mentoring and group workshops.
• Promote supportive social connections through encouraging participation and providing access to support groups, churches or religious groups, recreational outings, community gardens, interests, hobbies, vocational and educational opportunities, and volunteering.
• Assist individuals and families in securing housing.
• Develop and Facilitate programs, activities and workshops for clients that promote and encourage positive and supportive social connections. Implement a schedule of activities, gatherings, and workshops, providing transportation to these events to ensure better access.
• Act as liaison and advocate for individuals and families at imminent risk of homelessness with the community and partner agencies to promote and encourage a wrap-around approach for more effective support.
• To educate and empower individuals to better utilize community resources and services available to them to assist in sustaining stable housing in the community.
• To provide individualized support based on the clients’ needs results in a measurable increase in self- confidence, esteem, awareness, and self-sufficiency.
• Supporting, transporting, and advocating for clients at appointments as required.
• Facilitate and maintain a process for managing conflicts. Participate in negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution with housing providers, community supports and other community members. Practice eviction prevention.
• Encourage and coordinate resources for clients who require additional supports.

Administration

• Complete comprehensive client needs assessments and service plans, including identification of areas of need, goal development, and achievement strategies. Maintaining all client files to legally accepted standards.
• Develop evaluation tools to assess client progress and effectiveness of the service plan.
• Initiate/attend Case Management meetings with other service providers as required.
• Compile and manage a database of community supports and programs, requirements for referrals and applications, resource books and or pamphlets, and publications for clients.
• Maintain and update knowledge of relevant legal information, social assistance issues, mental health system, children’s services, and other relevant housing issues.
• Complete daily travel and activity logs as required.
• Develop and maintain statistical reports on a monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis.
• Ensure due diligence in personal safety as well as the safety of clients and other staff. Observe and adhere to all health and safety policies as well as Occupational Health and Safety legislation. Perform the duties of the position in a safe manner and manage risks of outreach appropriately.
• Adhere to all Agency policies, procedures, and directives as well as all other applicable legislation i.e., Protection of Personal Information and Electronic Documents Act
• Assist in Program development as required.
• Provide back-up support as required to other Program areas and other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Teamwork

• Work within a team environment, providing support and information to Shelter team members regarding outreach work and liaising with staff regarding client need.
• Provide Case Management support in other Program areas as required.
• Attend or initiate regular Case Management meetings as necessary to discuss the progress of clients.
• Provide support as required to other staff in the event of a client-related crisis.
• Work as a member of the overall Cornerstone staff team, adhering to the organizational mission, vision, and values.
• Attend regular staff meetings, staff training and other meetings as required.
• Assume rotational on-call responsibilities.

Public Relations

• Develop relationships for the purpose of supporting the downtown community and assist organizations such as the police and hospitals with homeless clients.
• Assist in outreach program development where requested.
• Set up appointments, escort, and advocate on behalf of the imminent risk of homeless clients.
• Work with individuals and groups in need of support to address related needs as they stabilize in their housing (i.e., community resources, financial services, etc.).
• Consult other program coordinators, the Outreach Worker, and outside agencies (where appropriate) in planning the transition of residents to permanent housing and/or to other programs for services in the community.
• Represent C.C.A. on the various homelessness initiatives as assigned.

NOTE: The above specifications are representative of the basic nature of the position and are not intended to be all inclusive.

Cornerstone Community Association welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $53,805.36-$62,292.24 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Dental care
• Discounted or free food
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care

Work Location: In person