SUPPORTIVE HOUSING WORKER

Modular Housing - 321 Dovercourt Road

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

Existing Vacancy

Tuesday-Saturday 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 an experienced Supportive Housing Worker to work as team members in our Modular Housing program at 321 Dovercourt Road. This site is a part of the City's Phase 1 Modular Housing Initiative. This site provides permanent affordable housing with support to people who are exiting chronic homelessness.

Each tenant has a bachelor apartment within the building, and onsite support provided by Cota's supportive housing team. Our comprehensive approach to supportive housing can greatly benefit the tenants and contribute to their overall well-being.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Housing Maintenance: The Supportive Housing Worker assists tenants 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. By offering support in housing-related matters, the worker helps ensure that tenants can sustain their housing stability.

• 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, meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking. 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.

• 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.

By fulfilling these responsibilities, the Supportive Housing Worker plays a crucial role in assisting tenants with housing maintenance, independent living skills development, and personal recovery and wellness. Their support fosters tenants' self-sufficiency, empowerment, and overall well-being, ultimately contributing to the success and stability of the supportive housing program.

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 of direct or transferable experience suitable to working effectively with the relevant target population.
• Knowledge of community resources relevant to the target population being served and/or demonstrated ability to search for applicable resources/information.
• 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).
• Basic computer literacy (Word, E-mail, Internet).
• Experience in community mental health and/or supportive housing settings.
• Basic understanding of different psychiatric conditions.
• Experience with the development of tenant recovery plans.
• Experience working with developmentally delayed or addictions is preferable.

Application Details:

Please forward a cover letter and your current resume on or before November 28th, 2024 by 4:00pm with the reference Job Posting  EX327

Cota's Values & Commitment

Cota's core values of Hope, Respect, Dedication, Equity, Accountability, Collaboration and Innovation are at centre of who we are and what we do.

As an equal opportunity employer, we remain dedicated to sustaining an experienced workforce that reflects Cota's commitment to recognizing everyone's contributions, respect of everyone's dignity, unique experience and potentials.

Cota will not condone or tolerate any acts of discrimination or harassment under any of the grounds protected under human rights legislation. This commitment extends to the hiring process and throughout the course of employment.

Cota's Diversity Statement

Cota remains respectful of all protected rights in line with the grounds laid out by the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC). Cota is also strongly committed to diversity and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

As part of our hiring process, you may be asked to complete demographic survey. This survey is voluntary and any information provided shall remain anonymous and confidential, only being used for the purpose of workforce reporting.

Cota's Accessibility Statement

Cota is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our entire hiring process as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. For any recruitment related accommodation needs and/or requests please contact the HR Department via email to hr_recruitment@cotainspires.ca

Additional Information:

Interview 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.

Scent Free: Cota encourages a scent-free environment. Any staff or visitor attending any of our sites should please refrain from wearing fragrances and other scented personal care products (i.e. perfumes, deodorants, lotions, hairspray, etc.) 

We would like to thank all those that apply; however, due to high volumes of interests, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Thank you, Cota's HR Department.