Indigenous Community Support Worker (County of Lambton)

Indigenous - Community Support Worker
The County of Lambton

Position Overview
Work to enhance and sustain partnerships with the local First Nations, friendship center, and indigenous-dedicated services and programs. Offer culturally appropriate services to households with indigenous ancestry. Following a Housing First model, the Community Support Worker will collaborate with community partners to help secure housing for their clients and will support the client in building skills and income to ensure they can maintain the housing once placed. Preference will be given to candidates of indigenous ancestry.

Provides outreach and counseling services to members of the community who are experiencing rental housing difficulties. Assists clientele in meeting their needs, linking them to resources and/or referring to other agencies where appropriate. Acts as an advocate on their behalf and aids in improving the quality of life.

Link to full job description

Duties and Responsibilities
Knowledge:
• Interview and assess eligibility for support or service being requested
• Obtain appropriate information/documentation in order to assess situation and determine appropriate course of action to ensure client is adequately housed
• Interpret and apply Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), Housing Services Act (HSA) , accompanying regulations and local policies and procedures
• Maintain working knowledge of various income security programs such as Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (El), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Old Age Security (OAS) and Ontario Works (OW)
• Maintain working knowledge of community resources, social service agencies, and government departments to provide clients with access to the appropriate programs. Examples would include Canadian Mental Health, Community Legal Assistance, Community Care Access Centre, Alzheimer's Society, Bluewater Power, Hydro One, Union Gas, and Inn of the Good Sheppard
• Continue to develop knowledge base/appropriate skills related to counselling practices, community support and integration, mental illness and life skills for case planning to move client towards increased self-sufficiency
• Maintain working knowledge of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Technology:
• Develop and maintain records, reports and statistics necessary for program functioning, evaluation and funding
• Use the required County of Lambton programs such as Outlook, Word and Excel
• Use the Housing Services Department designated software such as Yardi, Penelope

Communication:
• Use communication skills to support clients through sensitive issues, i.e. life skills, mental health, homelessness, addictions, legal matters, pest infestations
• Establish collaborative relationship with clients that provide support through coaching, mentoring, negotiating, intensive case management and the utilization of non-violent crisis intervention and conflict resolution techniques ensuring adherence to the Code of Ethics
• Liaises with a variety of consumer groups and community service providers to provide clients with access to the appropriate programs
• Position requires excellent oral communication, written and interpersonal skills to respond to requests by letter, telephone, fax, email and in person adhering to corporate standards and in a professional manner
• Act as an agency liaison to advocate on behalf of clients and to determine appropriate course of action
• Represents the department on various internal and external committees related to this position
• Participate in program meetings, staff education and act as a resource for other staff

Other Responsibilities:
• Appear before Landlord Tenant Board as witness or support for clients
• Assist in ongoing program development
• Follow health and safety protocols

General:
• Incumbents must keep up-to-date on all relevant legislation, collective bargaining agreements, County Policies and Procedures, etc. ensuring that these are implemented as prescribed
• Incumbents must possess the physical ability to meet the duties and responsibilities of the job description and/or the requirements identified within the position's Physical Demands Analysis
These describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents in this classification. They are not an exhaustive list of all job duties in the classification. Other duties may be assigned.

Supervision Requirements
Direct Supervision: None
Indirect Supervision: None
Functional Authority: None

Qualifications
Minimum Formal Education:
• 2 year Community College diploma in the Social Service Worker program or a University degree with a minimum of six credits in Sociology, Psychology, or other related Social Sciences.

Experience:
• Experience in counseling, assessment, and crisis intervention skills with an understanding of client difficulties related to economics, education, victims of family violence, physical or psychiatric impairments, aging, addiction and isolation
• Must possess excellent communication and interview skills in dealing with a diverse client group
• Communication and computer skills
• A good understanding of appropriate federal, provincial and municipal legislation and regulations related to areas of responsibility
• A valid Ontario driver’s license and use of a vehicle.