Position: Support Worker (TSW), Central City Housing Society

About Central City Foundation and Housing Society:

Central City Foundation is the legacy that was created in 1907 when a small group of women and men in Vancouver came together to help their neighbours in need. We believe in the intrinsic value of human beings, in their agency and right to self-determination. Our goal is to build an a resilient, caring and inclusive community where it is possible for all people to overcome injustice, participate and thrive. The foundation’s capital is mobilized for good through investments in social purpose real estate, grants and programs that support a diverse array of community-led solutions. Central City Foundation currently owns five properties in BC that help provide low-income housing, support for families, Indigenous-led programs, addiction treatments and support for social enterprise. Our low-income housing is operated through our affiliated organization, the Central City Housing Society.

Opportunity:

Central City Housing Society operates 2 SRO buildings in the Downtown Eastside (Abbott Mansion & Cosmopolitan Hotel) with a combined capacity of 112 units. We are looking for a full-time Tenant Support Worker.

Reporting to Building Manager.

Primary Purpose:

The TSW provides support and assistance to tenants in the Abbott Mansion Building and/or participants in our Women’s Transitional Housing Program at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, in furtherance of our mission to provide safe, clean, and affordable housing.

The Support Worker (TSW) is responsible for working with individuals to provide emotional support, develop skills and access resources to increase tenants’ capacity and independence. The TSW provides these services directly or facilitates and co-ordinates tenants’ access to services available on the site and in the community. Services provided include crisis intervention, providing information and assistance to meet obligations as tenants and facilitate access or follow through with available site and community resources.

Duties:

Work with residents, as a member of the housing operations team, to promote connection and community in the building
Provide assistance to residents experiencing pest management problems and/or hoarding issues by engaging them in problem solving discussions and offering emotional support
Advise residents on options and expectations concerning conflict resolution, breaches of tenancy agreements, and other tenancy-related issues
Mediate disputes among residents, with a view to helping tenants learn to problem-solve such disputes more independently
Participate in tenant and participant selection and related duties such as financial management documentation
Assist residents in building their skills in mediating social conflict, assisting individuals with problem solving, encouraging unit cleanliness and personal hygiene practices
Work with other service providers to facilitate specific services to individual tenants
Establish a positive working relationship with external agencies and other resources within the community
Work with the housing operations team to develop exit strategies for residents that will no longer be housed with Central City Housing. This will involve assisting in coordination of problem-solving initiatives and making referrals to external organizations
Document substantive interactions with residents as required for referral purposes, continuity of service delivery and successful building operations
Assist the housing operations team in anticipating and preventing potential problems including dangerous situations
Performs duties as assigned by the Building Manager
Ensures service delivery is consistent with Central City Foundation’s Mission and Mandate

Requirements:

The core of our business is serving the inner city community; therefore, a critical success factor for any person who joins the Central City Housing team is to have an in-depth understanding of the DTES community, anti-oppression work, intersectionality and the legacy of colonialism in our community.

Commitment to working with people who are struggling with substance use and/or mental wellness and wellbeing
Team members are expected to have gained this understanding through lived experience, as well as any post
Ability to communicate effectively with residents, tenants and staff, verbally and in writing
Ability to remain calm and non-judgmental while diffusing conflicts and problem-solving
Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and on-call

Qualifications:

Current First Aid Certificate and experience with overdose response
Basic knowledge of the Residential Tenancy Act and Occupational health and Safety regulations
At least 5 years front line experience
Ability to complete a Criminal Record check to the satisfaction of CCHS

Preferential and limited hiring assist CCHS to achieve diverse and equitable representation in our workplace and to recruit employees whose identities enrich the ways in which we accomplish our mission and serve the community. As a result, preference will be given to Indigenous applicants and applicants from other equity seeking groups.

Job Types: Full-time
Wage: $25 per hour plus benefits

Email resumes: building.manager@centralcityhousing.ca