DATE: May 2nd, 2022

LOCATION: York, ON – Mount Dennis

COMPENSATION: $44,259 - $54,011 Annually Prorated

To help fulfill its mission, LOFT is hiring a Residential Support Worker.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Residential Support Worker provides a range of services and support to clients who have experienced homelessness, mental health and addiction issues. The position performs a variety of functions to support the physical, social and mental well-being of clients and facilitates successful tenancies. The Residential Support Worker will support residents in fulfilling goals and liaise with appropriate community agencies in providing services to members as individuals and in groups. This position will also be responsible for assisting with property issues, liaising with Toronto Community Housing. Position conditional based on funding availability.

• Note: Staff will be required to work in residents’ rooms/apartment units and may therefore be exposed to secondhand smoke. There may be occasional evening and weekend hours.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Build a rapport with each individual and providing coaching or mentoring to enable each in meeting the daily requirements of their housing environment and a healthy lifestyle; directly assisting with their daily living activities, particularly in the acquisition of life skills in such areas as hygiene, medication management, cooking, meal planning, cleaning, shopping and budgeting; developing strategies or establishing plans for maintaining these daily activities and other aspects of their recovery plan, for increasing their awareness of safety issues and for ensuring that residents receive adequate support in various aspects of their life; orientation of new clients; participating in intake for the program.

• 
  Supporting and participating in house meetings, resident association activities or other group activities which promote the wellbeing of the residents and the smooth operation of the house; conducting and facilitating resident group meetings, assisting client-run initiatives, preparing schedules of house activities; maintaining a general awareness of the activities or whereabouts of residents in the house, identifying issues, communicating or noting incidents for director as required; maintaining petty cash, collecting rents and intervening in issues pertaining to maintenance or property; providing cleaning or minor house maintenance as required; teaching residents the appropriate fire safety protocols and conducting regular health and safety checks;

• 
  Maintaining a strong support network of social, family, medical and psychiatric community links and resources; providing reminders and occasionally accompanying clients on their medical, psychiatric or other appointments; assisting the client in navigating the social services and health care systems and liaising with community agencies, hospitals or significant others; providing 24 hour crisis support on a rotational basis through a pager or similar system;

• 
  Promote the psycho-social rehabilitation/ recovery approach, assist in harm reduction strategies, teaching conflict resolution, crisis management and problem solving on activities related to shared living; mediating issues or conflicts between residents, or between residents and neighbours, following-up on issues to ensure satisfactory resolution;

• 
  Participating in the administration of the program by completing and maintaining the required records or statistics such as resident files, activity sheets, reports, etc. In accordance with established procedures; participating actively as a team member in program delivery by providing support and consultation to colleagues, identifying gaps in service and recommending solutions, participating in meetings, planning and evaluation initiatives, committees, events and activities, orienting new staff, determining staff schedules; providing other related assistance as required.

WHAT YOU BRING:

Must Haves

• Understanding of harm reduction, and psychosocial rehabilitation principles as acquired through a relevant degree/diploma in human services, coupled with at least two years of experience working with the client population in order to apply the theories to practical settings.
• Knowledge of the issues faced by adults with special needs and a marginalised client group which can include addictions, cognitive impairments, HIV/AIDS.
• An understanding is also required of the therapeutic relationship with an ability to negotiate with clients on goals and priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and counselling skills are required to work in a team environment and to engage the clients in some highly personal areas, such as developing healthy living skills, life skills and in maintaining interpersonal relationships.
• Good crisis intervention and problem solving skills are required. Computer literacy sufficient to produce and maintain files, records or statistical information.
• Written skills are used in keeping records or updating logs. Experience in working as part of a team of professionals, and in conducting meetings or facilitating groups.
• Good analytical, time management and organizational skills to contribute to program planning and to co-ordinate and follow-up on issues or activities with clients.

Nice to have

• Understanding of cultural competency and anti-oppression framework.
• Reflective of a multi-barriered group, as serviced by the program, a strong asset.

We believe there are many different ways of developing skills, and we love diverse
experiences! So even if you don’t “tick all the boxes” but think you’d thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• Defined Benefits Pensions Plan
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
• E-learning program available all year round
• Starting vacation time above minimum standard,
• Additional paid personal and paid sick days
• Professional development budget available to help you nurture and shape your career
• Corporate Gym membership rate with GoodLife Fitness
• Access to Perkopolis, a comprehensive corporate discount program
• Access to unlimited DEI trainings through partnership Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Maternity-leave top up program

Note: All LOFT employees are required to be COVID-19 vaccinated as a condition of hire in accordance with LOFT’s Vaccination Policy; unless they are employed in or work regularly with staff who are employed in, non-client facing roles.

Note: A satisfactory vulnerable sector check (VSC) is also required.

CLOSING DATE: May 16th, 2023

Thanks for visiting our Career Page. Please review our open positions and apply to the positions that match your qualifications.

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LOFT Community Services is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment and dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live and serve. LOFT is committed to making employment opportunities accessible in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. Requested accommodation will be provided in all parts of the application and hiring process by contacting hrteam@loftcs.org or (416) 979-1994.

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