Dear XXX, - Fred Victor Centre

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL
Job Title: Hostel Support Worker, Full-Time (Overnight), Transition to Housing Program
Position Type: Bargaining unit
Number of Positions: 1
Rate: $24.61
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Supervisor: Manager, Transition to Housing
Posting Date: May 7, 2015
Application Deadline: May 21st, 2015
Location: 386-388 Dundas Street
Fred Victor is a not-for-profit, multi-service community-based organization that has assisted people
living on low incomes in Toronto for close to 120 years. We work in partnership with women and men
from diverse backgrounds who face poverty, homelessness, mental health issues, addictions, and/or
social isolation to address their needs and hopes and advocate for a more equitable society.
The FV Transition to Housing Program for women is funded by the City of Toronto, Shelter Support and
Housing Administration (SSHA). Individuals must be 18+, homeless and new to the shelter system,
mobile and independent and motivated to move on to permanent housing with the support from FV
T2H staff. Anyone interested in the program will be referred by a Case Manager. The goal of the
program is to assist clients with securing permanent housing.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Assessment of client’s immediate needs upon arrival
Provide crisis intervention and safety planning as needed by the client
Engage with clients on a daily basis to establish and maintain rapport to promote change and
independence
Record client notes, intake forms, and discharge plans in accordance to Toronto Shelter
Standards and FVC’s policies and procedures.
Perform (hourly) regular room checks and building rounds
Work with clients who have pets (at the shelter with them) to ensure health and safety
Provide appropriate referrals, information and advocacy to other support services to assist
clients to meet the goals outlined in their case plans
Liaise and support external agency staff while they are onsite delivering support services to
clients
Communicate and demonstrate appropriate professional boundaries with clients, staff, and
community partners and abide by all the Fred Victor Centre’s policies and procedures e.g. AntiHarassment and Discrimination and the Staff Code of Conduct
Provide training and support to new staff and relief staff, volunteers and students
Positively impact resident’s behavior, using de-escalation skills.
Use emergency building systems and follow fire procedures
Administrative tasks and completion of statistical information
Shovel snow and remove garbage from the building when required; keep offices and common
areas clean and organized
Other duties as assigned by Management
QUALIFICATIONS:
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Mental Health Worker, Addictions Worker with 3-5 years of experience in the homeless sector
Extensive skills in crisis intervention, de-escalation and conflict resolution skills
Excellent problem solving and decision making skills and ability to work under pressure
Experience working with diverse population
Extensive knowledge of practical harm reduction approaches, principles and strategies
Experience working from a client centered approach with youth, adults and seniors including
those who, come from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, experience barriers to
services due to physical and mental health, substance use, social isolation, abuse, sexual
orientation, history in the criminal justice system, recent immigration, or who are transgender,
Strong assessment, informal counseling, analytical, and group facilitation skills
Highly developed ability to plan and prioritize work, while remaining adaptable and flexible
Comfortable and creative in initiating activities in a group setting
Knowledge and awareness of the housing first approach
Strong understanding of the factors that contribute to homelessness and poverty
Strong written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills
Extensive knowledge of community based resources for low income people
Ability to work productively within a team setting and also independently
Must have ability to constructively give and receive feedback
Experience working with diverse population
Literacy in Word, Excel, Outlook, Windows, SMIS
Experience with nutrition and cooking an asset
A Police Record Check is required by the successful candidate prior to hiring
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Employee works in office and resident areas of the Dundas Street West buildings with travel outside to
external meetings and accompaniments. The program is a 24-hour facility. All applicants must be willing
to work with animals, and be proximate to animals. All employees must expect to be in potentially
threatening situations. It is an emotionally challenging position and at times a physically demanding job.
We strive to foster a workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve and welcome
applications from all qualified candidates; however, only those selected for an interview will be
contacted.
Fred Victor is also committed to developing an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work
environment. If contacted, please advise the hiring manager if you require any accommodation
measures to ensure you will be interviewed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating
to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality.
Please submit a résumé and cover letter detailing how you meet the job requirements by
May 21, 2015 by 5:00 p.m. to Ulli Groppler, Manager T2H at
ugroppler@fredvictor.org
Applicants should quote the job title in the subject line
No phone calls, faxes, or mailed resumes please.