Program Support Worker (Contract, 1-year)

About Homeward Trust

Homeward Trust Edmonton (HTE) is a not-for-profit organization charged with ending homelessness in Edmonton. Our efforts are guided by community needs and priorities as outlined in A Place to Call Home: Edmonton's Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. Homeward Trust has a dynamic work environment, filled with high-energy, dedicated, and passionate people.

Homeward Trust embraces the Housing First philosophy. This philosophy follows the principles of finding housing accommodations first and then establishing the supports required by the client to remain in a home. Homeward Trust Edmonton's programs involve both housing (capital project funding, property management, and sourcing access to new or existing units for client use) and supportive services to individuals in or seeking access to housing programs.

For further information visit: http://homewardtrust.ca/.

Position Summary

The Program Support Worker will assist the Shift Lead and the Housing Outreach Workers by following up on plans to move participants to permanent housing. You will be required to work on a rotating shift during weekends, days, evenings, and general holidays.

You will be assigned to one community location as required. However, you may also be assigned within a variety of program areas as needed while following the safety protocols put in place to comply with public health orders. You will demonstrate an energetic and proactive approach in working with participants experiencing homelessness, supporting the rapid resolution of their housing circumstances.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Program Support Worker is responsible for supporting the work of the Program Manager, Site Lead and Housing Outreach Workers.

Primary duties include:

• Support and maintain a safe environment for participants through guest management. This will include ensuring guests sign in, guests are not disruptive to the larger building, and that participants feel safe.
• Throughout the shift, will complete regular building walk-through identifying hazards and issues, then as needed, reporting these issues to on-call staff.
• Light general cleaning duties, as required.
• Completing all documentation of shift, ensuring communication of building activities and incidents are communicated to other shifts.
• Interacting and problem solving with participants.
• Building a quality relationship with participants.
• Support the work of Housing Outreach Workers following plans developed for participants.
• Be mindful of trespassing.
• Coordinate bed bug spraying for units, communal areas, and office space.
• Responding to emergency situations as required (including de-escalation)

Communication

• Read shift log at the start of work, signing off information has been read.
• At the end of the shift, record safety issues, critical incidents, or any other information that would impact participants.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Minimum of High School or GED equivalent, university students willing to work full-time or part-time are encouraged to apply.
• Experience working in a not-for-profit organization, property management, customer service, and/or enrollment in relevant University coursework is considered an asset.
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Sound understanding of available housing, income support and related agency/government assistance programs in the Edmonton community.
• Demonstrated ability to perform proactive community outreach activities.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills to connect with participants, funded agencies, and other stakeholders to meet Homeward Trust reporting requirements and standards. Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, participants, and community agencies.
• Experience working independently in a fast-paced environment with competing demands and frequently tight timelines.
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions and the ability to work with culturally diverse people. Familiarity with First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities in Alberta and issues and challenges facing those choosing to move to urban centers is an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Housing First and Harm Reduction philosophies.
• Able to exercise discretion, compassion, and empathy, and maintain confidentiality.
• Able to work independently and utilize sound judgment to perform all assigned duties with minimal supervision.
• Results-focused to meet high standards of performance, able to monitor progress towards goals and make adjustments when necessary, including the ability to review and adjust plans as required.
• Ability to build organizational trust in his or her own professionalism, integrity, and expertise.
• A confident self-starter, able to meet challenges, and to overcome obstacles.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office software, "Efforts to Outcomes" (ETO) or other related Access and database programs.
  
• Must pass criminal record check including vulnerable sector clearance.

While we evaluate all applications based on merit, we especially appreciate and recognize the unique insights that come from personal lived experiences, such as homelessness or houselessness. We are deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Applicants from marginalized groups, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ2S+, women, and newcomers, are encouraged to apply.

This competition will close at 4:30 p.m. on July 7, 2024. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted