New Job Intensive Case Manager In Nova Scotia

Employment Opportunity: Intensive Case Manager (ICM)

Location: Halifax, NS

Salary Range: $55, 000/ per year

Employment Term: Contract April 2023 - March 31, 2024 (possibility of extension until late May 2024), Full time hours (35 hours/ week)

Reports To: Housing Program Manager

General Description:

The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre is centrally located in the urban Indigenous community of Halifax and is looking for One (1) Intensive Case Manager (ICM). The ICM will be responsible for supporting unhoused Indigenous clients who have a history of chronic homelessness to obtain and maintain secure housing. The ICM will need to have experience supporting Indigenous service users with complex needs that can impact their access to housing. This can include but is not limited to supporting folks with their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs. The ICM must have experience with navigating resources related safer substance use services, harm reduction resources, Income Assistance processes, and affordable housing organizations. As part of the MNFC Housing team, the ICM must incorporate an Indigenous trauma informed approach into their practice and uphold the principles of Housing First. It ICM is expected to have a connection to the Indigenous community and work from a client-centred Indigenous lens.

Key Accountabilities

- Ensure the program delivery is congruent with the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre’s mission, vision and philosophy
- Participate in agency responsibilities including but not limited to; morning meetings, representing the agency at community meetings, attend bi-weekly case conference meetings, safety and monitoring. Responsibilities include intake, partnership meetings, case conference, training and committees.
- Ensure the program delivery is congruent with the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centres mission, vision and philosophy
- Develop with the individual a recovery plan that is strength based and grounded in the principles of Housing First, Harm Reduction and monitor individual progress towards their goals
- Provide daily or weekly support to individuals in their home and community to ensure housing stability
- Locate housing for individuals exiting homelessness, as much as possible meeting their individual requirements
- Support clients to navigate appropriate systems related to obtaining and maintaining housing
- Keep up to date accurate case files, client interactions, records of progress on each client, input and maintain the HIFIS /MNFC’s database. Documentation must be in accordance with the agency standards and adhere to funder requirements
- Submit new client to and update the By-Name-List
- Assist client with viewing potential housing and completing applications when required
- Attend all lease signings with clients
- Ensure clients are fully informed of all programs of the MNFC and appropriate referral process
- Transport clients to medical appointments and housing related meetings
- Maintain a clear understanding of the ICM eligibility criteria and referral process
- Advocate for client’s rights at an individual and broader systemic level
- Assist clients with obtaining items they need with first moving into housing (to include managing purchases and reimbursements as per our finance policy requirements)
- Provide intake, assessment and referral services, assistance in accessing resources, crisis intervention and eviction prevention services, outreach mediation for clients
- Work in partnership with both private and non-profit sector of the housing market to ensure appropriate placement for clients
- Connect clients to community resources, supports and meaningful activities as required
- Participate in agency responsibilities including but not limited to; morning meetings, community meetings, safety, monitoring. Partnership responsibilities include partnership meetings, case conference, training and committees.
- Liaise and develop relationships with landlords and property managers within HRM
- Monitor and support participants housing stability and be available for crisis.
- Maintain confidentiality, privacy and clear boundaries
- Compile statistics and data that will assist with the outcomes and evaluation of this housing initiative
- Commit to the development of the MNFC and participate in internal committees, projects and activities
- Assist in program and service development to ensure that quality, effective and client-centred programs and services are delivered
- Work collaboratively with all team members and partnering agencies to achieve excellent service and outcomes
- Transport clients to medical appointments, housing related meetings and lease signings
- Adhere to all policies governing the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre

Qualifications and Experience Required for the Position:

- Knowledge of the Mi’kmaw Communities, Mi’kmaw Organizations and an understanding of Colonized impacts is an asset
- Comprehensive understanding of Indigenous women’s, trans gendered issues, poverty, homelessness and their root causes
- Diploma / certification in community social services; or education in mental health, addictions, concurrent disorders/ co-occurring disorders and social work.
- Two years of recent, related work experience with an emphasis on mental health, substance use disorders, homelessness and/ or social services.
- Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- Demonstrated understanding of Housing First and Harm reduction principles and approach
- Comprehensive knowledge of community resources, programs and services including ESIA, local/provincial housing, subsidy programs, and residential tenancy rights and regulations
- Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
- Reliable means of transportation (must own a working vehicle)
- Provide a current driver abstract
- Provide a copy of a valid class 5 driver’s license
- Provide proof of motor vehicle insurance with 2 million in liability insurance
- Experience using Microsoft Office (word, excel, outlook, access, power point)
- Core Competency Training: Mental Health First Aid, ASIST and NVCI
- Required Vulnerable Sector Check & Child Abuse Registrar must be provided prior to start of position
- Lived experience is considered an asset
- Proven Indigenous Ancestry is an asset, please self-identify

Application Deadline: April 11th 2023 @ 12 noon

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel working within this job title.

The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre is an equal opportunity employer; and complies with all fair employment practices laws. We are committed to providing a workplace free form unlawful discrimination and harassment and prohibit the same against employees, applicants or other covered persons by co-workers, supervisors, managers, or third parties based on a person’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, veterans status, disability unrelated to job requirements, ethnicity, genetic information, military service, political affiliation, marital status and pregnancy or other protected status.

Qualified Indigenous applicants will be given priority in accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Preference Policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission. The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre (MNFC) reserves the right to refuse all applications for employment. The MNFC will not assume any expenses related to this or any job application process included and not limited to travel, relocation, and application development.

Covid-19 potential impact- This position is requires the incumbent to work onsite as the program is deemed an essential service. There are current COVID -19 restrictions in place, use of PPE as well as social distancing for safety of staff and community.

*Only those applicants who are screened in for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $55,000.00 per year