The Hearthstone Prevention Program Staff work to reduce entry into homelessness in our region. It is robust program that supports between 20-30 individuals monthly to maintain housing. Our team manages the Emergency Homeless Prevention Fund (EHPF); it’s purpose is to provide funds to ensuring people and families do not enter into homelessness. Staff also provide mediation, problem solving and work with families to work towards stable housing. Staff sometimes do house checks and meeting with clients in their own home.
We, as an agency, recognize that it is an integral piece of anti-homeless work. With quick intervention and a commitment to keep people housed; we provide emergency rent relief, help for people who are going through loss of employment, inadequate affordable housing, power disconnections, and abusive relationships, to name a few – we prevent on average 300 people from losing their home each year.
- Title: Hearthstone Prevention Support Worker
- Location: Fresh Start Services – 46 Waterloo Street, Saint John NB E2L 3P4
- Department: Prevention Services
- Job Classification and Rate of Pay: approximately 7 month contract renewable upon continued funding. Renumeration is provided at $23/hourly for 37.5 hours weekly. Staff are entitled to workplace benefits starting April 1, 2025 if contract is extended.
- Supervision and Direction Position Receives: Employee performs duties within established policy guidelines, goals and objectives, and has primary responsibility for delivery of an area of work. The employee works under the direction and supervision of the Prevention Coordinator as well as responding to the needs of the Executive Director.
- Qualifications and Experience: Some University or College degree or relevant education/training in Counseling and/or group facilitation; fluent in English and French (preferred) – written and spoken; experience working in the field; demonstrated understanding of mental health, addictions, treatment of concurrent disorders, trauma informed care, and community issues in the context of a diverse community; demonstrated leadership and excellent organizational skills essential. Competence in computer applications is essential, minimum Microsoft Office Suite; and knowledge of web-based materials, databases and social media are definite assets.
- General Summary & Competencies: The Prevention Assistant contributes to the overall success of the program/organisation by effectively completing various tasks, relating to clients maintaining housing and assisting with supports to maintain housing. Self-directed and enthusiastic, as a member of our Prevention team, you are responsible to meet milestones, as set out in the agreed upon expected outcomes.
- Essential Duties of Position: Employee advances the vision and mission of Fresh Start Services.
Project Delivery
- Work closely with supervisors, and other team members at Fresh Start to ensure project outcomes are being met.
- Assess referrals and do intake of individuals considered for prevention of homelessness
- Oversee, record and initiate payments for homeless prevention through the EHP Fund
- Communicate with community partners with regard to the EHP & procedures to access funds with follow up.
- Identify and develop additional resources for participants as per goal plans
- Maintain communication with community partners and case workers.
- Ensure all forms and documents are completed, filed and kept up to date.
- Coordination of regular case management reviews with community partner agencies for shared clients.
- Maintain relationships with landlords to problem solve and provide support to prevent evictions.
- Mediate disputes and/or challenges between landlords and tenants and tenant to tenants where able.
- Relay of appropriate information to staff and community partners as and when needed.
- Ensure that housing participants/outreach contacts are aware of programs and services provided at Fresh Start as well as with other Community Agencies.
- Active outreach in community to build relationships and identify those individuals who are homeless.
- Provide active-listening, crisis management, home visits, one-on-one sessions, as needed.
- Assist, encourage, and support individuals in the development of their housing/support plans and the accomplishment of their self-identified goals.
- Keep detailed case notes of all clients, clearly documenting their needs, goals, and referrals made.
- Make appropriate referrals to outside service providers, when required.
- Consult with supervisors with regards to clients’ progress, behavior, challenges, and supports required.
Data Collection and Reporting
- Keep and compile statistical data for Fresh Start and community partners.
- Enter data into HIFIS.
- Ensure that short-term and long-term project objectives and outcomes are met, as delineated in funder’s agreement.
- Maintain call and release logs for the EHP Fund
Additional Duties
- Effectively and appropriately use technology and social media to meet project outcomes.
- Participate in agency-related outreach sessions, initiatives, or events.
- Special Conditions of Employment:
- Must have successfully completed vulnerable sector/child abuse registry checks;
- Must be open and non-judgemental in working with vulnerable clients living with homelessness, mental illness/mental health, substance use disorder and living with generational poverty and the effects of trauma.
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Resumes and Cover Letters can be sent to ed.freshstart@gmail.com.
Thank you to everyone who applies; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.