Housing Services Coordinator (Full-time, Indefinite term)

POSITION:  Housing Services Coordinator

DEPARTMENT: Housing Services

REPORT TO:  Manager, Housing Services

POSITION TYPE: Full-time, Indefinite term

LOCATION: 661 Main Street 

About the Company

Main Street Project (MSP) is a community health Centre with a mandate to address the social determinants of health which give rise to issues of addiction, physical and mental health issues and homelessness. MSP uses housing-first and harm reduction principles in the provision of a safe, respectful and accessible place for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in the community. Since 1972, MSP has been providing a range of services to Winnipeg's most marginalized residents, including emergency shelter and nutrition services, drug and alcohol withdrawal management services, health advocacy and support, case management services, housing support services, food bank services and a mobile community outreach program.

Are you seeking a career where you can be part of a dynamic, diverse team, and where the mission is centered around ensuring everyone has access to a safe environment that promotes dignity, respect, and self-determination? Main Street Project is committed to developing impactful and meaningful solutions that drive positive changes in our community. The work you do here will have a lasting, meaningful impact on those we serve.

At Main Street Project, we believe that the best work happens when diverse minds come together. We believe in building and fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Our commitment to diversity, including embracing Truth & Reconciliation, Decolonization and Anti-Oppression, is embedded in our culture and drives the success of the organization. Our team is made up of talented individuals from various backgrounds and life experiences, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives.

Job Summary

Main Street Project offers supportive housing to individuals experiencing homelessness at three dedicated locations: Mainstay, the Bell and Furby. Employing a holistic approach rooted in harm reduction and housing-first philosophies, our dedicated staff proactively collaborate with each resident. We provide a range of services, including eviction prevention, harm reduction strategies, life skills development, capacity building, goal setting, and advocacy, all framed within the context of fostering independence and tenant-defined success. Our goal is to empower our residents to embrace personal growth and development as they work toward achieving a sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle. 

In accordance with Main Street Project’s mission, goals, policies and procedures, the Housing Services Coordinator functions as a management team in providing staffing and management support to all employees while maintaining the core values of MSP regarding harm reduction, choice, equity, and diversity to encourage individuals’ capacity building. The Co-ordinator provides both administrative (payroll, timecard approvals, policy administration and compliance etc.) support and professional development (training, program compliance, workplace feedback, etc.) to support staff. 

This role implements supports and services designed to assist individuals in meeting their basic needs, and to ensure their safety and well-being are key factors in providing sustainable living culture. 

Key Responsibilities

Staff Supervision: 

• Provide direct supervision for staff for MSP policies and procedures, provide coaching to staff on policy administration when and where appropriate (medication administration processes, support worker job responsibilities, MSP homecare job responsibilities etc.) 
• Document and report all site issues and incidents to program manager 
• Coordinate and implement regular floor checks, on site home care services, weekly room inspections and consistent shift well-being checks  
• Develop a safe working environment; ensure employees follow safe work practices and MSP standard operating procedures 

Staff Training & Development:  

• Coordinate with employees to answer all queries and provide information as needed.   
• Assist in employee on- boarding and training. 
• Provide employee direction and redirection as needed - train, coach, and follow up with staff in a timely manner.   
• Provide formal workplace feedback on staff performance.   
• Delegate appropriately to qualified staff.   
• Update Employee Performance Log - keep the Director and the HR Department up to date on staff performance.  
• Assist in implementing new policies and procedures to meet program goals and objectives.  
• Ensure Onsite Home care Services provided meet professional standards  

Leadership: 

• Support new tenants transition to Mainstay, Furby and Bell locations, maintaining a positive, safe and successful housing and work environment 
• Coordinate and respond to emergency situations by assessing, intervening, and documenting critical incidents according to MSP policies and protocols 
• Exercise good judgement and decision-making as the final authority on site.  
• Provide, coordinate and implement housing crisis prevention and resolution protocol as needed 
• Debrief with team after each incident  
• Attend and plan mandatory staff meetings, workshops and training sessions  
• Model respectful workplace behaviors  
• Communicate effectively with staff at all levels of the Agency demonstrating appropriate negotiating skills to find a resolution to workplace conflict 
• Build effective workplace relationships to achieve job and program success.  
• Monitor ongoing work, identify problems and make recommendations for continuous improvements of procedures and policies  
• Overall supervision of housing daily operations, coordinating move-ins for community members entering housing while adhering to established protocols and working with external partners 
• Engage in consultation, case management, coordination, and active support for programming activities aimed at facilitating successful housing opportunities for residents in both transitional and permanent housing arrangements 
• Coordinate and assist participants in planning, problem-solving, and addressing immediate needs, including providing food, water, clothing and other items essential for successful housing. 
• Coordinate and maintain cleanliness of the program area by following routine cleaning schedules on each shift 
• Collaborate with Case manager Coordinator and Case managers to create housing plans for each tenant, enhance support work, and care plans in achieving successful housing solution 

Scheduling - Using Humanity scheduling software to:  

• Ensure staff coverage for the general welfare and safety of MSP clients 
• Coordinate break coverage in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement as needed  
• Provide coverage on an emergency basis when needed 
• Ensure that the schedule is posted and accurate in accordance with the Collective Agreement 
• Communicate weekly (and as needed) with the manager on any staffing / scheduling issues or concerns  
• Approve staff timecards, accurately represent all hours worked making necessary changes/updates as required; approves all hours worked.  
• Ensure compliance with Collective Agreement  

Harm Reduction and Managed Alcohol Program (MAP) 

• Monitor stock and ensure timely ordering of all harm reduction supplies and MAP supply 
• Ensure consistent and accurate data collection weekly/monthly/quarterly/annually 
• Assist with bi-annual report writing and stats 
• Support MAP relatives with weekly check-ins and goal setting 
• Support staff with providing hourly medicine dispension when required 

Statistical Information: 

• Collect all required monthly program stats information; check for accuracy of all data collected  
• Ensure Your Way Home alignment and reporting 
• Report stats in a timely manner  
• Prepare monthly stats report as outlined by the Program Manager/ Director.  

Qualifications

• Preferred bachelor's in social work or relevant education or experiences working in the field of human services preferably with adults (preferably indigenous community) experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance use challenges. 
• Post secondary education in the field of addictions and mental health is considered an asset 
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.  
• Ability to build, collaborate and maintain relationships with external partners 
• Compassion for working with individuals who use substances and experience mental health issues 
• Ability to work with a participant-centred care philosophy 
• Knowledge of the effects of poverty and the determinants to health 
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team 
• Ability to apply Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care, Anti-Oppressive, and Housing First philosophies in their day-to-day support of community members 
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture 
• Able to contribute to a culturally safe environment for staff and participants 
• Knowledge of and ability to apply the principles of the TRC Calls to Action, MMIWG Calls to Justice, and UNDRIP 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills, both oral and written 
• An understanding/experience in working with culturally diverse populations  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office & online databases 
• Ability to assess crisis, De-escalate and work in a crisis  

Condition of Employment

• Employees must present a current Criminal Record Check for employment at MSP. 
• Employees must present current CPR & basic first aid.  
• Current Non-violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) and mental health first aid training would be an asset. 
• Ability to meet to the physical demands required for the role including being on your feet for long period of time, lifting up to 50 lbs, and cleaning duties (bending, reaching, push/pulling, crouching)
• Possibly exposure to biohazards including but not limited to blood, bodily fluids, and syringes 
• Ability to work with individuals who use substances and/or experience mental health issues 
• Ability to provide support in high intensity incidents including but not limited to medical emergencies and aggressive individuals
• Ability to commute to work and around other Housing facilities
• Comfortable working in environment where Indigenous ceremonies and practices are actively taking place including Smudging
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Clear Vulnerable Sector Search, Diver’s abstract and a Clear Adult Abuse Registry Check are required. Ability to work with individuals who use substances and/or experience mental health issues

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