Community Support Worker (County of Lambton)


Job Number: J0421-0050
Position Status: Temporary Full Time
Union: CUPE 2926
Division: Social Services
Facility: Lambton Shared Services Centre
City: Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
Number of Positions: 1
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
Wage Rate: $32.80 - $39.35/Hour
Date Posted: April 6, 2021
Closing Date: April 14, 2021
Starting Date: May 3, 2021 

**Please Note: This Community Support Worker position will be part of an integrated Ontario Works and Homelessness Prevention Team. This CSW role will focus on supporting those experiencing homelessness in life stabilization efforts along with finding and retaining housing.**

The County of Lambton is an urban-rural area in southwestern Ontario that is home to over 126,000 residents. The Corporation's seven divisions operate programs and services for the residents of Lambton County such as land ambulance, provincial offences court, three Long-Term Care Homes, 25 library branches, two museums, an art gallery, archives, local roadways, public health services, housing services, social services, building services and planning and development services. Lambton County is a community dedicated to economic growth, environmental stewardship and an enhanced quality of life through the provision of responsive and efficient services and collaborative efforts with its municipal and community partners.

Position Overview

Provides outreach and counselling 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.

Duties & 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
How to Apply
Applications are accepted online until 11:59pm on Wednesday, April 14, 2021. Please visit www.lambtononline.ca/jobs and select job posting J0421-0050 Community Support Worker to apply.