Volunteer Community Development Jobs in Kitchener, ON

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week on a 5-week rotating schedule, including day, evening and weekend shifts. Monday to Friday day shifts are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; evening shifts are 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; weekend shifts are 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Mobile staff share overnight on-call responsibilities.

Rate of Pay: $29.75- $34.30 (Starting salary will be determined by factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and market conditions)

Reason for Posting: This posting is for a new position.

Who We Are

At Good Shepherd, we are committed to providing hope and enhancing dignity and self-determination for individuals and families. To learn more about Good Shepherd, visit our website at www.goodshepherdcentres.ca.

The HOMES Program provides supportive housing and community-based services to individuals living with mental illness and a history of homelessness. The HART HUB program provides mobile support to tenants living in scattered housing units, helping them maintain housing, build independence and achieve their personal goals.

Good Shepherd recognizes the inherent value of people living with addiction and their right to quality care and services. We are committed to integrating Harm Reduction practices into our programs and prioritizing the rights, dignity and choices of those who use substances.

How You Will Make an Impact

Reporting to the Manager of HOMES – South, the Community Mental Health Worker provides mobile, community-based support to individuals living with mental illness and a history of homelessness. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the successful candidate will provide accessible, welcoming and non-judgmental support while promoting recovery, independence and community integration.

The successful candidate will provide service in a dignified, culturally responsive and respectful manner, incorporating an integrated anti-racism/anti-oppression framework and Harm Reduction, Recovery Model, Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Concurrent Disorders approaches.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide regular one-to-one support, supportive counselling, case management and care planning to tenants, including identifying personal goals, support needs and treatment needs.
• Support tenants with independent living skills, including personal hygiene, nutrition, home management, money management and medication compliance.
• Provide crisis prevention, assessment, intervention and support, as well as conflict resolution and problem-solving related to housing and tenant concerns.
• Advocate for tenants and support them in accessing healthcare, mental health services, crisis services, housing and other community resources.
• Support tenants with appointments, community integration, social and recreational activities, housing selection and relocation.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with hospitals, family physicians, landlords, housing staff, community agencies and other service providers.
• Incorporate Harm Reduction and overdose prevention strategies into care planning and service delivery.
• Drive a Good Shepherd vehicle and/or personal vehicle to support tenants in the community, including appointments and group outings.
• Maintain accurate tenant records, reports and statistics; attend team meetings and case conferences; and participate in program evaluation, research, presentations, student/volunteer placements and other administrative responsibilities as required.
• Complete and submit hours worked through ADP and perform other duties as assigned by the Director of the HOMES Program or designate.

What You'll Bring to Our Team

• University or college education in Social Services, Mental Health, Community Services or a related field, preferably with experience supporting adults with mental illness.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in supportive housing; outreach experience is preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with lived/living experience of substance use and addiction is an asset.
• Strong case management, assessment, crisis intervention, supportive counselling and group facilitation skills.
• Knowledge of chronic homelessness, community resources, social and environmental determinants of health, and community development.
• Knowledge of Harm Reduction, PSR, Recovery Model and Concurrent Disorders.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity, flexibility and respect for client independence and consumer-driven care.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, organizational and computer skills.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and changing environment while maintaining a professional, compassionate and non-judgmental approach.
• Demonstrated commitment to Good Shepherd's Mission, Vision and Values.
• CPR/First Aid certification and WHMIS training.
• Valid Ontario driver's license and a vehicle insured for work are required.

What We Offer

• Be a part of a caring TEAM THAT SUPPORTS OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
• Support for continuing EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Staff recognition programs along with access to self-care supports and EMPLOYEE / FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
• POSITIVE and ENCOURAGING atmosphere
• Make a difference and provide HOPE
• Extended Health Benefits

Join our team and be part of a group that values hard work, dedication, and the importance of maintaining a positive environment for everyone.

Good Shepherd, a ministry of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, is an equal opportunity employer operating within an anti-racist and anti-oppression framework. We strive to establish workplaces that reflect and are enhanced by the rich diversity of the community we serve.

Good Shepherd welcomes and encourages applications from all people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you need accommodations, please contact Human Resources at 905-528-5877.