Job Description

Title: Client Engagement and Activities Facilitator Location(s): Carruthers Enhanced Supportive Housing Salary: $25.07- $ 28.49 per hour based on work experience Hours : 17.5 hours per week (Flexible hours ) Employer: John Howard Society of Ottawa Closing Date: January 10, 2024 About the environment: Employees at JHS Ottawa say the organizational culture is supportive, innovative, and focused on creating a caring environment for both clients and staff. At JHS Ottawa, you will find an employer that celebrates the uniqueness of each of its staff members and is committed to promoting an engaging working culture where all employees are encouraged to live their strengths and realize their potential. JHS Ottawa will provide permanent new employees access to a benefit plan, four weeks vacation annually, a Defined Contribution Pension Plan after the eligibility waiting period, and opportunities for continual learning and development. About who we support: Our employees are supporting a diverse client group including youth and adults, of all genders, from a wide cross-section of social, ethnic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds who are representative of our broader community. We are accountable to the people we serve by providing the highest quality of service with integrity through the delivery of responsive, innovative, and evidence-informed approaches. About diversity at JHS Ottawa: The John Howard Society of Ottawa is committed to reflecting and responding to the diversity of the people and communities we serve and is seeking that diversity in applicants for this position. We welcome candidates from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, and all candidates who contribute to furthering the diversity of ideas. We also recognize that people from diverse groups have different needs and require different solutions to gain equal opportunity for success in the hiring process. If you require any accommodation during the interview process, please let us know. Job Summary: The John Howard Society Enhanced Supportive Housing Program is for men and women who are long-term shelter users. The program provides semi-independent accommodation and support to men and women, aged 18 and over. The John Howard Society of Ottawa manages the site with support from Ottawa Inner City Health and the support of other community partners. Applying Housing First Principles, the Enhanced Supportive Housing provides adults with an opportunity to access safe accommodations and utilize intensive on-site support to assist with their life goals, regardless of their complexities and challenges. This program strives to contribute to a reduction in the number of individuals using homeless shelters or living on the street. Responsibilities: Involve front-line staff actively in organizing and delivering community programs. Design and execute recreational activities aimed at enhancing the quality of life and fostering community engagement among the Residents. Create a comprehensive user guide for recreational events, ensuring its usefulness for future years. Implement Motivational Interviewing techniques to effectively engage and support individuals. Demonstrate a deep understanding of clients dealing with challenges such as addictions, aggression, criminality, and both physical and mental health issues. Remain up to date with relevant community service agencies and assist clients in accessing appropriate resources through referrals. Participate in all required clinical supervision sessions and adequately prepare for them. Foster professional growth by actively participating in relevant training, supervision, and counsellor development plans. Skillfully coordinate all on-site program-related activities while employing a gender- and trauma-responsive framework. Program/Building Responsibilities Offer intervention and support to clients in a caring and proactive manner. Strictly adhere to all security and safety protocols established for Carruthers. Attend staff meetings as necessary to stay informed and engaged. Foster strong and cooperative relationships with fellow program colleagues and be available for coverage when needed. Contribute to maintaining a positive and welcoming environment for both clients and colleagues. Maintain open communication with SW to ensure client and building safety. Participate in the residence on-call rotation while following the relevant policies and procedures. Perform any other occasional duties as requested . Report Writing/ Administrative Generate necessary written reports and records as needed. Prepare all documentation related to recreational activities. Track and record clients' attendance for various activities. Provide monthly statistics on the number of activities and clients served for reporting purposes. Candidates will be successful if they have: Qualifications: Education: University Degree/College Diploma in the Social Sciences Preferred Experience: Minimum two (2) years working with the homeless population. Experience in housing/residential setting Experience working in a Harm reduction environment. Experiences working as part of an Interdisciplinary team. G-class Driver's license and access to a vehicle. Preferred Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrate the use of Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques. Experience working with a client-focused, case management approach to faster housing stability. Understanding of and experience working with clients who struggle with behavioural issues. Familiarity with the Residential Tenancies Act and other relevant legislation (e.g., the Mental Health Act) Competency in using needs assessment instruments (e.g. SPDAT) Basic understanding of the application of research to program design Competency in using various data collection and case management software. Experience building capacity in, and supporting people around, daily living skills. Experience working with people with substance use and mental health disorders. Experience working with people with acquired brain injury. You’re a fit with our organizational culture, if you mirror our values in the way you work: You are committed to providing the highest quality of care for your clients, through responsive, innovative, and evidence-informed approaches. Driven by curiosity, you adapt to achieve the best results for the clients/communities you serve. Celebrating the uniqueness and lived experience of every person is part of your nature, and this conviction creates a sense of belonging, safety, and better outcomes for all. As a leader, you lead in a way that helps employees live their strengths and reach their potential. Lead with compassion and care for others, and help JHS build a culture of listening, mutual support, and meaningful connections. We sincerely thank all applicants who express interest in JHS and this position- only those selected for an interview will be contacted.