At Family Services Windsor-Essex(FSWE), wegive people the tools they need to solve their problemsand make positive changes in their lives. As a non-profit, charitable organization, weprovide counselling and support for people to build resiliency and restore their ability to choose their own place in the world.We aim tohelppeople feel valued and included,maintain mental wellness, and meet basic needs.

FSWE staff recognize the meaningful contribution they make in the community.Ourcompetitive benefitspackage, weekly wellness release time, flexible work hours, and paid sick days reflect our commitment tofamilies.If you want work that encourages innovation and continuous improvement, while making Windsor-Essexa better place to live, you belong on our team.

In support of the mission and mandate of Family Services Windsor Essex (FSWE), the incumbent is responsible for providing one on one direct support to individuals who attend the Windsor Ontario Works (W.O.W.) office, who are often individuals experiencing homelessness within our community. This role also includes taking referrals from Ontario Works Caseworkers, to assist clients with accessing a variety of different resources. Some of the resources required are assisting with the completion of ODSP packages, providing support services to assist with accessing housing, screening potential candidates for appropriate housing programs, overseeing/conducting the application process, conducting housing searches, and ensuring transition to a Housing First team or other appropriate support services so that the individual can remain housed.

As theHousing Outreach Worker (WOW)your contribution to the team will include:

Take referrals from Ontario Works Caseworkers to assist clients with accessing the appropriate resources. Including assisting with the completion of ODSP packages, obtaining replacement ID, completing Central Housing applications.

Checking and maintaining the Ontario Works SharePoint document.

Establish and maintain a current list of the available community resources available to individuals and families.

Meet with potential clients, to assess, and determine the appropriate support necessary to help resolve their needs. Provide resources and referrals to individuals or families that assist with problem solving.

Establish professional working relationships with community partners to properly assist the needs of clients.

If a client is identified as unhoused, add individuals to the BNPL through the communitys coordinated access initiative

Assist clients by providing all the different housing options and assisting them with searches if necessary.

Assertively engage with clients to secure housing including unit rental, damage deposits, securing income assistance if required, setting up of utilities, signing of leases, and arranging for furnishings and household items to establish their homes.

Ensure appropriate warm transfers to Housing First or other agency support teams/programs

Work with the Housing First Workers to support access to housing and support services for individuals and families.

Assist clients by providing information on the Tenants rights and referring them to legal assistance if necessary.

Document all activities using workbooks and SharePoint and HIFIS

Provide support as needed to the Program Coordinator

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS:

(a) Minimum level of formal education, or equivalent required:

University Degree Social Work (preferred)

Specializing in human services, social work or community planning preferred

(b)Other required certifications:

First Aid and CPR preferred.

(c) Special skills or training, or knowledge:

Sound understanding of available housing, income support and related agency/government assistance programs in the community.

Demonstrated ability to perform proactive community outreach activities.

Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

Strong advocacy skills on behalf of vulnerable individuals.

Proven computer literacy.

Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, including but not limited to Excel, Word, PowerPoint.

Must have a valid drivers license, automobile insurance, and use of your own vehicle.

EXPERIENCE:
Minimum amount of work-related experience required:

Minimum 2 years experience in case management, community outreach, mental health, addictions or the housing and homelessness sector in a front-line capacity.

Prior experience meeting the needs of vulnerable populations relative to housing is preferred.

Job Type: Full-time

Shift Information:Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week. Some evenings and weekends required.

Pay: $49,368 per annum. ($27.12/hr)

Family Services Windsor-Essex is an equal opportunity employer, strongly committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and justice within our community and team. We welcome applications from people who reflect the diversity of our community, including members of racialized communities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.

We thank all candidates in advance for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Family Services Windsor-Essex is committed to providing a barrier-free interview process and work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Family Services Windsor-Essex will make accommodations available to applicants with disabilities upon request during the recruitment process; if you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please let us know if you require accommodation.