Team Lead, Outreach Worker

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home making it one of the largest regions in Canada and the fastest growing with a population thats expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography which is comprised of about 1800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities is as beautiful interesting and diverse as our government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canadas Best Employers by Forbes we offer a collaborative progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13 Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace aligned with our vision to create strong caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Programand corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - Were committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential participate freely in society and live with respect dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion Diversity Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Team leads will coordinate the flow of information between York Region Outreach local municipalities emergency services and community agencies when responding to specific encampment sites. Fosters a collaborative response to encampments ensuring that resources are prioritized to address significant health and safety risks and contribute to a more streamlined resolution of encampments as they are identified. Advocating for appropriate training employment health housing and community services for clients as required. Provides guidance training mentoring and coordinating assigning scheduling and checking the work of assigned staff.

WHAT YOULL BE DOING

• Supports management with providing input to the development of program policies and procedures.
• Responds to escalated inquiries complaints and emergency situations involving clients; assesses the situation and makes recommendations for short- and long-term solutions documenting outcomes. Provides and coordinates crisis intervention to residents.
• Works with individuals and families and advocates on behalf of clients for support services and benefits with internal and external resources and facilitates case planning case management and problem solving to eliminate or reduce barriers and/or risks faced by clients.
• Assists in the implementation of programs policies and practices updates existing procedures and documents in collaboration with internal partners to reflect new and changed legislative guidelines where appropriate and as approved by management.
• Liaises and provides support and guidance to clients to help assist with resolving any financial eligibility decisions (i.e. income assistance ODSP eligibility decisions).
• Facilitates clarification of policies and procedures governing Regional programs as well as those of community social agencies to clients staff and the general public.
• Provides guidance on case management through interviews screening assessment and service planning activities; facilitates referrals to appropriate community resources and provides a mechanism for follow-up.
• Maintains files and provides case administration in compliance with the Ontario Works Act Ontario Disability Support Program Act Ontario Human Rights Code other regulations and York Region Outreach protocols and the Regions policies and procedures.
• Utilizes related databases such as Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS) and the Regional mapping tool to complete documentation deliver services and manage caseloads; maintains data information for processing payments in accordance with program requirements and with supervisory approval.
• Develops partnerships liaises with Regional delivered services and coordinates with relevant partners such as community and social agencies by facilitating and/or attending multi-agency (e.g. health social community recreation law enforcement) meetings to facilitate collaboration of services between clients and agency services.
• Assists with the planning of community meetings and public forums held for the purposes of building awareness and providing information to internal and external partners on the Outreach Program.
• Provides guidance training mentoring and co-ordinating assigning scheduling and checking the work of assigned staff.
• Responds to inquiries and resolves concerns as appropriate.
• Ensures that services provided meet Regional customer service standards.
• Participates on committees work groups and special projects as assigned.
• Provides back-up for co-workers as required.
• Ensures that work is performed in a safe manner and utilize all required health and safety equipment and protective devices and follow all measures and procedures as required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and Regional Policies.
• May occasionally be required to respond to emergency situations outside of normal business hours as related to the Departmental Emergency Plan.
• Performs duties in accordance with Regional policies and procedures as well as applicable program legislation and guidelines.
• Handles information in accordance with legislation and corporate standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned in accordance with Branch and Department objectives.
• Attendencampment sites daily complete risk matrix tool and assess for health and safety concerns reporting back to management

WHAT WERE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a Community College Diploma as Social Service Worker Social Work Social Services or a related program or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum three (3) years experience in a social service homelessness services environment.
• Demonstrated case management experience working with and addressing the needs of people at-risk of or experiencing homelessness (including people sheltering outdoors) including making referrals to community agencies developing case plans and collaboration with community supports.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting and case managing persons with psycho/social/physical educational emotional and environmental difficulties.
• Demonstrated experience working with marginalized individuals and families individuals living with mental health concerns seniors populations newcomers employment counselling and group/workshop delivery.
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Valid Ontario Class G Drivers License and reliable vehicle for use on corporate business.
• Sound knowledge of issues and barriers relating to activities of street involved people emergency housing systems and challenges of sustainable housing for vulnerable persons.
• Sound knowledge of addiction issues harm reduction human trafficking and community resources including mental health counselling and employment programs and services.
• Knowledge of industry related legislation and regulations applicable to service/program delivery; (i.e. Housing Services Act 2011 Ontario Works Act or Ontario Disability Support Program Act) and Ontario Human Rights Code
• Ability to travel to off site locations in a timely and efficient manner as required.
• Ability to work outside regular business hours as required