Job Description Fort Macleod Housing Liaison Worker

This is a full-time contract position with Reaching Home grant funding. The worker receives direct supervision from the Fort Macleod and District Family and Community Support Services Coordinator.

Key Roles, Responsibilities and Duties 

• Have a clear understanding of the factors that put people at risk of homelessness, and how it differs in rural communities.
• Coordinate and manage client services to support families and individuals who are homeless or experiencing unstable housing due to their social and/or economic need to secure appropriate housing.
• Conduct client intakes and assess the functional, social, environmental, and financial needs of clients, including formal and informal support systems.
• Identify and make appropriate community referrals to service agencies and follow up to ensure barriers are reduced if needed, may include advocating for a client centered plan.
• Establish positive working relationships with related community agencies to contribute toward a collaboration of supports to best meet the needs of community members.
• Review and document client participation and service effectiveness of the rural case management system including services provided and client outcomes towards self-sufficiency.
• Act as client advocate and systems navigator as required with; Alberta Works, AISH, PDD, ID Clinic, Seniors Benefits, Child Care Subsidies, Child Tax Benefits, Addictions and Mental Health, Child and Family Services.
• Able to respond to the unique, sensitive and challenging situations that individuals and families at risk are faced with.
• Regularly review and update rental housing directory: connect with Landlords as needed
• Attend and participate in agency and community-based meetings.
• Maintain accurate records of client contact, (inputting client data- tracking progress and service connections /program attendance).
• Coordinate community workshops and community presentations that meet the needs of clients and community.
• Submit newspaper articles, plan, and facilitate community consultations on increasing awareness of all aspects of housing continuum and why it matters.
• Assist with coordination of Homelessness Estimation Program as scheduled
• Report regularly to FCSS Coordinator and Housing Committee.
• Actively participate on Housing Committee, compile minutes when requested.
• Review Grant Deliverables regularly and work on meeting the project activities and timelines.
• Compile and submit required reports to ARDN, HFIS and HERIN (if required) as per their set deadline.

Skills and Abilities

• Build collaborative, pro-active and client focused relationships with clients and agencies to facilitate and maximize positive client outcomes.
• A highly skilled communicator, both written and oral form for internal and external purposes.
• Work independently while being an effective team player.
• Assist and identify community issues, concerns and needs that put clients more at risk.
• Use independent judgement and critical thinking processes and mediation techniques.
• Deliver presentations to clients, community and organizations to promote and advocate for safe and secure housing for all.

• Knowledge of Regulations governing client confidentiality, protecting the rights of clients, reporting of abuse, and principles of consent. Standards of Practice and Codes of Ethics is applicable.

• Able to work effectively in a very demanding and busy office.  

 Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor of Social Work is preferred, registered if applicable with the Alberta College of Social Workers
• 3 to 5 years of professional experience working with marginalized and at-risk populations in the human services/social services field is an asset
• Knowledge of Case management practice and experience is preferred
• Knowledge of Client assessment methods and experience is preferred
• Additional training that will be an asset include; Suicide Intervention Training, Sexual Violence First Responders Training, Rent Smart, and Non-Violent Crisis Prevention Training (CPI)
• Proficient with computers and all aspects of MS Office, willingness to learn new data entry system
• Valid Driver’s License, and Clear Drivers abstract
• Standard First aid and CPR-Possession of or ability to obtain
• Current Criminal record check, including vulnerable sector check
• Current Child Welfare check
• All required licenses must be maintained in an active status without suspension or revocation throughout employment.
• Knowledge of regional resources

Physical /Cognitive Components 

• Manual dexterity ability to use desktop computer keyboard/mouse and phone system
• Physical ability to lift approx. 20lbs (ability to set up/take down and move supplies for community presentations).
• Able to adjust postures alternating between sitting and standing on a regular basis.
• Strong cognitive and concentration abilities are required in this role.

Work Conditions

This position is located mostly in a busy office with open public space and a separate office space. The person in this position will work directly with members of the public and community agencies and organizations in person, on the telephone and electronically. This is a demanding position which requires the capability to adjust to potentially numerous interruptions during the day and be willing to adjust priorities.  This position requires an open minded, non judgemental attitude.  Clients will have varied circumstances which may include mental health disorders and addictions. Exemplary skills in public relations are essential. This position is required to coordinate and deliver presentations and attend community meetings/events. These may be scheduled evening or weekend hours.