INTERNAL/EXTERNAL Job Title: Hostel Support Worker, Full-Time (Overnight), Transition to Housing Program Position Type: Bargaining unit Number of Positions: 1 Rate: $24.61 Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday) Supervisor: Manager, Transition to Housing Posting Date: May 7, 2015 Application Deadline: May 21st, 2015 Location: 386-388 Dundas Street Fred Victor is a not-for-profit, multi-service community-based organization that has assisted people living on low incomes in Toronto for close to 120 years. We work in partnership with women and men from diverse backgrounds who face poverty, homelessness, mental health issues, addictions, and/or social isolation to address their needs and hopes and advocate for a more equitable society. The FV Transition to Housing Program for women is funded by the City of Toronto, Shelter Support and Housing Administration (SSHA). Individuals must be 18+, homeless and new to the shelter system, mobile and independent and motivated to move on to permanent housing with the support from FV T2H staff. Anyone interested in the program will be referred by a Case Manager. The goal of the program is to assist clients with securing permanent housing. RESPONSIBILITIES:                Assessment of client’s immediate needs upon arrival Provide crisis intervention and safety planning as needed by the client Engage with clients on a daily basis to establish and maintain rapport to promote change and independence Record client notes, intake forms, and discharge plans in accordance to Toronto Shelter Standards and FVC’s policies and procedures. Perform (hourly) regular room checks and building rounds Work with clients who have pets (at the shelter with them) to ensure health and safety Provide appropriate referrals, information and advocacy to other support services to assist clients to meet the goals outlined in their case plans Liaise and support external agency staff while they are onsite delivering support services to clients Communicate and demonstrate appropriate professional boundaries with clients, staff, and community partners and abide by all the Fred Victor Centre’s policies and procedures e.g. AntiHarassment and Discrimination and the Staff Code of Conduct Provide training and support to new staff and relief staff, volunteers and students Positively impact resident’s behavior, using de-escalation skills. Use emergency building systems and follow fire procedures Administrative tasks and completion of statistical information Shovel snow and remove garbage from the building when required; keep offices and common areas clean and organized Other duties as assigned by Management QUALIFICATIONS:                    Mental Health Worker, Addictions Worker with 3-5 years of experience in the homeless sector Extensive skills in crisis intervention, de-escalation and conflict resolution skills Excellent problem solving and decision making skills and ability to work under pressure Experience working with diverse population Extensive knowledge of practical harm reduction approaches, principles and strategies Experience working from a client centered approach with youth, adults and seniors including those who, come from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, experience barriers to services due to physical and mental health, substance use, social isolation, abuse, sexual orientation, history in the criminal justice system, recent immigration, or who are transgender, Strong assessment, informal counseling, analytical, and group facilitation skills Highly developed ability to plan and prioritize work, while remaining adaptable and flexible Comfortable and creative in initiating activities in a group setting Knowledge and awareness of the housing first approach Strong understanding of the factors that contribute to homelessness and poverty Strong written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills Extensive knowledge of community based resources for low income people Ability to work productively within a team setting and also independently Must have ability to constructively give and receive feedback Experience working with diverse population Literacy in Word, Excel, Outlook, Windows, SMIS Experience with nutrition and cooking an asset A Police Record Check is required by the successful candidate prior to hiring WORKING CONDITIONS: Employee works in office and resident areas of the Dundas Street West buildings with travel outside to external meetings and accompaniments. The program is a 24-hour facility. All applicants must be willing to work with animals, and be proximate to animals. All employees must expect to be in potentially threatening situations. It is an emotionally challenging position and at times a physically demanding job. We strive to foster a workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve and welcome applications from all qualified candidates; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Fred Victor is also committed to developing an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. If contacted, please advise the hiring manager if you require any accommodation measures to ensure you will be interviewed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality. Please submit a résumé and cover letter detailing how you meet the job requirements by May 21, 2015 by 5:00 p.m. to Ulli Groppler, Manager T2H at ugroppler@fredvictor.org Applicants should quote the job title in the subject line No phone calls, faxes, or mailed resumes please.