JOB DESCRIPTION

DAWN TO DAWN ACTION AGAINST HOMELESSNESS SOCIETY

JOB TITLE: Residential Support Worker

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT:    Dawn to Dawn Action on Homelessness

Residential Program

REPORTING TO: Chairperson of Residential Program Committee and Board

PREPARED DATE: July, 2009

APPROVED BY: Board of Directors

APPROVED DATE: January 21, 2010

REVISED & APPROVED BY: January, 2010

JOB SUMMARY:

Working with the Dawn to Dawn board through the Residential Program Committee to assist and support recently homeless (or at risk of being homeless) Residents to maintain their housing and to live successfully in the community. The Residential Support Worker assists each Resident to develop his or her own Independence Plan and provides coaching and referrals to support the Resident to move to a more independent life situation.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Contributes to the Resident screening and intake process and the development, maintenance and delivery of the resident centered  Resident Independence Plan by interacting with residents to identify problems and needs and obtaining information regarding maintenance of their housing and by referring to and navigating connection to servicers which supports them. Provides information and feedback both written and verbal to the Board through the Residential Program Committee on resident’s goals and process and documents interventions.
• Documents and monitors resident specific housing and vocational goals described in the Resident Independence Plan.
• As directed, develops resident specific Resident Independent Plans that match the identified resident specific housing goals by: providing support, life skills coaching, modeling and behavioral management skills to resident and their roommate, in areas such as:

• Budgeting to meet financial obligations and monthly living expenses which include hydro, rent, food, etc.
• housekeeping and household management to maintain their residence
• grocery shopping, meal planning and preparation, if required
• making and keeping appointments
• determine appropriate programs, services and supports if required
• supporting appropriate social and interpersonal skills with roommate

• Encourages and promotes independence and self-sufficiency for residents. Receives resident feedback, inquiries and complaints, responding in accordance with established protocols and procedures. Reports regularly to the Residential Program Committee on the condition, behavior, performance, progress and needs of residents. Acts as an advocate as required, by assisting clients with problem solving in areas such as roommate disputes, financial assistance, accessing community resources, and obtaining volunteer placements (i.e. up to $100 per month through income assistance program)
• Identifies and supports resident’s readiness to transition to independent living. Plans, assists and implements transition that addresses individual resident’s needs within Dawn to Dawn’s program capacity. Provides short term follow-up if required.
• Is aware of available community resources, including health care services, social, economic and recreational resources and agencies and vocation opportunities. Provides residents with related information and facilitates access to community resources in support of the Resident Independence Plan.
• Provides appropriate financial management supports.
• Identifies and implements short term strategies to deal with potential emergency or crisis situations and responds in accordance with established procedures.
• Ensures that housing rents and where possible, utility bills are paid by the resident. Investigates and resolves discrepancies and follows up on problems. Completes and maintains related documents, reports, records in accordance with established procedures.
• In some cases may facilitate resident‘s attendance at appointments, programs and services, including escorting or accompanying resident to appointments and for shopping.
• Performs a variety of administrative clerical duties as required such as:

• • Answering and directing telephone calls and taking and relaying messages;
  • Responding to inquiries and providing routine information in accordance with established procedures, referring more complex inquiries as appropriate;
  • Completing and processing required forms and documentation in a timely manner;
  • Helping to develop resident specific Independence Plans and Transition Plans;
  • Maintaining resident records, including documenting interactions with resident, completing data collection forms to enable program evaluation and outcome measures, entering data in computer programs, and contacting resident or other supporting professionals for clarification as required;
  • Helping to develop policies and procedures through input to the Residential Committee
  • Filing, retrieving, photocopying and faxing documents;
  • Receiving and processing rents and utility payments in a resident centered approach.

• Performs indoor home reviews as directed in accordance with established Resident Independence Plan. May coach resident with such home maintenance tasks such as: sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, dishes, and laundry.
• Provides training, direction and support to Dawn to Dawn Tier 2 volunteers. Participates in applicable meetings and maintains up-to-date knowledge of community resources.
• Ensures a safe and healthy working environment by observing universal precautions and infection control procedures; removing obvious hazards; reporting faulty equipment, accidents, injuries and near misses and adhering to and enforcing rules regarding safety.
• Performs other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Education Training and Experience:

May accept related Bachelor Degree (BSW) or Diploma in Community Social Services such as Human Services, (Mental Health, Life Skills);

Two (2) years recent, related experience;

Recognized post basic education related to community services work with knowledge of mental health and addiction concerns, and the impacts of poverty and other oppressions;

Counseling Skills training;

Knowledge of applicable legislation such as GAIN Act, Pensions, Child & Family Services Act, FOIPA;

Knowledge of available programs, their interrelationships and their function in delivering care in the community; and

Knowledge of the local labor market; or

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Current Level “C” Basic Life Saving Certificate

Food Safe certificate, may be required

Valid BC Driver’s License

Debt counseling and debt management training an asset.

1. Skills and Abilities:

• • Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
  • Establish and maintain rapport with clients
  • Deal with others effectively
  • Prioritize and organize client demands made and care needs
  • Analyze and resolve problems
  • Teach life skills
  • Sound judgment and good observation skills (motivational interviewing skills an asset)
  • Conflict resolution skills
  • Work independently, demonstrating initiative, with limited supervision
  • Work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary team
  • Promote positive change and independence
  • Ability to work a flexible work schedule which may include evenings and weekends
  • Physically carry out the duties of the position
  • Operate related equipment including a computer, cell phone, safe vehicle
  • Understand own relationship to homelessness and Mental Health and Addictions issues