Project Support Worker, Encampment Response Team

Job Purpose

The Project Support Worker uses a client centered, strengths-based model that is rooted in harm reduction to increase access to housing resources for encampment residents. The goal is to increase communication between housing services, Bissell programs, Landlords, and participants.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Delivery

The Project Support Worker will ensure communication and collaboration with Housing Services and will maintain oversight to ensure that participants are supported by appropriate referrals and navigation of programs, services, and practices, consistent with the values of self-determination/choice and harm reduction.

Working in collaboration with the Outreach Housing Team, City of Edmonton and Homeward Trust, the Project Support Worker educates and increases the effectiveness and efficiency within housing services and referrals to other services.  The Project Support Worker will be responsible for triaging incoming housing related inquiries, conducting client intakes and assessments, and making referrals to both internal and external resources utilizing Bissell Centre core values.

General and Administrative

• Triage incoming housing related inquiries from internal/external partners
• Familiarity with available resources for Alberta Works, basic needs, and available housing options
• Utilize client centered practice determine housing barriers, preferences, needs and goals with individuals.
• Encourage and promote an environment that is strength-based to assist clients in meeting their goals.
• Complete VI SPDAT/Intake/V5 assessments with individuals and communicate housing first program through a lens of trauma informed practice and compassion.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with partner organizations and Landlords
• Participate and network in related program, agency, and community meetings
• Identifying program gaps and coming up with solutions for the purpose of building program capacity
• Assisting with completion of High Intensity Referrals for Supportive Housing and collecting relevant supporting information for these applications
• Knowledge and use of Efforts to Outcomes to record case notes within 48 hours of contact.
• Outreach to various encampments in Parkland and around the City is required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Degree or Diploma in Social Science or related discipline
• Minimum of one-year related employment experience
• Alberta Class 5 License, satisfactory driver’s abstract and a vehicle

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, result oriented, good time management, strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and ETO programs
• Detailed understanding of poverty, oppression, and marginalization, specifically as it relates to individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Knowledge of housing programs, subsidies, and case management

Conditions of Work

• Some evening and weekend work required
• Operation of personal vehicle with required insurance

Personal Characteristics

The Project Support Worker should demonstrate competence in all the following:

• Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behavior and business practices and ensure own behavior is consistent with these standards and aligns with the mission and core values of Bissell Centre.
• Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Focus on Participant Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of participants and the community to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.
• Foster Teamwork: Foster, sustain and role model productive team management practices, and contribute to a positive team environment. Share expertise and knowledge to support, coach and develop others.
• Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions that are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
• Organizational Skills: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities.
• Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement action plans, and evaluate the process and results.
• Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.

Screening Requirements

• Criminal Record Check
• CWIS Check
• Driver’s abstract, valid driver’s license, and proof of $2 million PLPD insurance

Training Requirements

• Standard First Aid and CPR
• Conflict Into Calm Training
• Suicide Prevention
• Motivational Interviewing Skills

The above-noted training must be completed during the first three months of employment.