Supportive Housing Worker

SUPPORTIVE HOUSING WORKER

Collegeview - Acquired Brain Injury - ABI

One (1) Bargaining Unit, Permanent Full-Time Position

Existing Vacancy

Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm 

Compensation: $24.54/hour

About Cota

Cota is an accredited not-for-profit organisation that has been providing community-based support to people living with mental health and cognitive challenges for over 50 years. At present, our wide array of services delivers much needed support to over 4,000 people/year who live with mental health challenges, psychogeriatric mental health conditions, acquired brain injuries, developmental disabilities, dual diagnoses and/or the experience of homelessness.  These services include, but are not limited to, case management, supportive housing and adult day program services.  A full listing of our services can be viewed on our website at  https://cotainspires.ca/

Cota is presently seeking a dynamic and innovative individual to join our amazing team in the capacity of the role outlined within this posting.  If you feel you have the skills and qualifications to perform the duties of this role while consistently exemplifying Cota’s values of Hope, Respect, Dedication, Equity, Accountability, Collaboration and Innovation, we would love to hear from you.

Role Overview 

The role of the Supportive Housing Worker is crucial for supporting tenants in maintaining their housing, developing independent living skills, and pursuing personal recovery and wellness.

About the Team

We require a Supportive Housing Worker to work as a team member of our Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Supportive Housing program at Collegeview. Collegeview is located at the Collegeview Apartment site in the Yonge St. /College St. area of downtown Toronto. This program provides rent-geared-to-income accommodation and supports to adults living with ABI requiring various levels of physical, cognitive, and behavioral support. Tenants reside in their own apartments and share a communal kitchen with other tenants. The goal of the program is to assist tenants with activities of daily living (ADL’s & IADL’s) and other individual goals so that they can maintain their housing and lead productive lives within the community. The Collegeview team supports the program every day, 24hrs 7 days a week.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Housing Maintenance 

The Supportive Housing Worker assists tenants (in collaboration with other team members) in maintaining their housing by guiding tasks such as cleaning, organizing, and managing their living space. They may also help tenants understand their tenancy rights and responsibilities, including rent payment and adherence to building rules and regulations. Tenants are also supported with submitting documentation such as annual rent reviews and tenant service request forms. In addition, the supportive housing worker collaborates with other members of the team to support pest control measures and preparation for treatment. By offering support in housing-related matters, the worker helps ensure that tenants can sustain their housing stability and maintenance of a healthy living space. 

• Independent Living Skills 

The Supportive Housing Worker helps tenants develop and enhance their independent living skills. This may involve teaching practical skills such as budgeting, cooking, and shopping in the community for items needed. The worker can also guide managing household chores, personal hygiene, and time management. Through skill-building activities, the worker empowers tenants to become more self-sufficient and confident in their ability to live independently.

• Support Meal program

Supportive Housing Workers are responsible for supporting the meal program and menu planning, taking into consideration dietary needs/restrictions. The supportive housing worker also supports weekly online and (depending on need) in-person grocery shopping.

•  Individualized Support Planning

 The Supportive Housing Worker engages in person-centered planning with tenants to identify their unique needs and aspirations. Together, they develop individualized support plans that outline specific goals, strategies, and timelines. The worker regularly reviews and revises these plans in collaboration with the tenant to ensure they remain relevant and supportive of their evolving needs.

• Crisis Intervention and Advocacy

 In times of crisis or challenging situations, the Supportive Housing Worker provides immediate support and intervention. This may involve de-escalation techniques, connecting tenants with appropriate emergency services, or advocating on their behalf to resolve issues. The worker ensures that tenants feel heard, supported, and safe within their housing environment.

• Community Support/Coordination of Services/Social Engagement

 Depending on the level of need/complexity of the tenant, Supportive Housing Workers support tenants on community outings and medical appointments. Tenants are also supported with accessing information and resources in the community such as day programs or other programs of choice. The need for social engagement and development of social networks is important. In collaboration with other team members, the Supportive Housing Worker supports to plan and facilitate activities and events onsite. The Supportive Housing Worker liaises/coordinates services with internal and external stakeholders to ensure needs are met. 

The Successful Candidate Requires:

• A minimum of a Community College Diploma in a field relevant to the target population.  Higher level post-secondary education will be considered an asset.
• A minimum of 2 years direct or transferable experience suitable to working effectively with people with ABI in a community-based setting. 
• Knowledge of community resources relevant to the target population being served. 
• Ability to design and implement group activities and facilitate group meetings. 
• Good crisis management and dispute resolution skills. 
• Good interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written). 
• Well-developed computer skills (Word, E-mail, Internet). 
• Proven skills and/or understanding of how to manage challenging behaviors (Current CPI certification is preferable). 
• Demonstrated understanding of ABI symptoms and strategies. 
• Ability to develop crisis safety plans and goal plans with clients. 
• Ability to provide individual activities of daily living and other instrumental activities of daily living (i.e. cooking, cleaning, laundry).
• Experience working with people with mental health and/or addiction issues is an asset.

Application Details:

Please forward a cover letter and your current resume on or before November 21st, 2024 by 4:00 pm with the reference Job Posting IN326

Cota is deeply committed to promoting diversity, advancing equity and fostering a culture of inclusion. Being part of Cota, you know that we recognize everyone’s contribution. We are also respectful of each individual’s dignity, unique experience, potential and protected rights in line with the grounds laid out by the Ontario Human Rights Code. As an equal opportunity employer, we remain dedicated to sustaining an experienced workforce that reflects the diversity of the clients and communities that we serve.

Additional Information:

Interviewing Process: Cota may choose to conduct parts/all of the hiring process virtually. Please note that as part of maintaining an agile workforce, all Cota staff may be required to be reasonably reassigned to support the operational needs of our essential services. 

Accommodation: Cota is an equal opportunity employer and strives to ensure that its recruitment and selection processes meets the needs of all persons with disabilities. As such, Cota will provide reasonable accommodation for any applicant, as requested during the recruitment process. For any recruitment related accommodation needs and/or requests please contact the HR Department via hr_recruitment@cotainspires.ca

Cota values diversity: We welcome applications by qualified candidates from equity-deserving groups, including people with disabilities, Indigenous and racialized people, and queer, trans- and gender non-conforming people.

Scent Free: Cota encourages a scent-free environment. Onsite employees, students, volunteers, and visitors are asked to refrain from wearing fragrances and other scented personal care products (i.e. perfumes, deodorants, lotions, hairspray, etc.).