Program Support Work (MFP) - PT (12-month contract)

About US

Homeward Trust Edmonton (HTE) is a not-for-profit organization charged with ending homelessness in Edmonton. Our efforts are guided by community need and priorities as outlined in Edmonton’s Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. We have a dynamic work environment, filled with high-energy, dedicated, and passionate people.
 
Homeward Trust coordinates and provides resources for local efforts to address homelessness and its devastating impacts on individuals, families, and communities. We work with agencies, neighborhoods, mainstream systems, community members, and all orders of government in pursuit of this singular objective, grounded in the belief that we can, and will, end homelessness in Edmonton. Homeward Trust is proud our community is recognized both nationally and internationally as a leader in this work.

Our programs involve both housing (capital project funding, property management and sourcing access to new or existing units for client use) and supportive services for individuals in or seeking access to housing programs. We believe in finding housing accommodations first and then establishing the individualized supports required by the client to remain in a home.

For further information visit: http://homewardtrust.ca/.

Position Summary

Homeward Trust Edmonton owns and operates a fifteen suite Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) building in northeast Edmonton, providing services to Indigenous families.  Program Support Workers provide onsite support to the overall functions of PSH program. This position will primarily cover weekend, evening, and overnight shifts. 

Education and Experience

• Practical understanding of Indigenous historical and cultural contexts, including traditional concepts of family and kin, healing, ceremony, and relationships.
• Exposure to or direct work history with principles of evidence-based practice, client-centered, care and harm reduction models, as well as dealing with trauma.
• Prior experience on working with vulnerable populations relative to housing is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions as well as the ability to work with culturally diverse people.  Familiarity with First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities in Alberta and issues and challenges facing those choosing to move to urban center's is required.
• Demonstrated ability to support Indigenous participants in a culturally safe manner including flexible and client-centred program
• Able to exercise discretion, compassion, empathy, and maintain confidentiality.
• Able to work independently and utilize sound judgment to perform all assigned duties with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of Housing First practices and philosophies an asset.

Key Responsibilities

The Program Support Worker is responsible for exploring, assessing, and guiding residents to the most appropriate resources they require to address various life issues.  Primary duties include:

• Support and maintain a safe environment for tenants through guest management. This will include ensuring guests sign in, guests are not disruptive to the larger building, and that tenants feel safe.
• Throughout shift, complete regular building walk-through identifying possible hazards and issues, then, of needed, reporting these issues to on-call staff.
• Cleaning office space, kitchen, bathroom, and common area nightly.
• Completing all documentation of shift, ensuring communication of building activities and incidents are communicated to other shifts. 
• Interacting and problem solving with participants.
• Building a quality relationship with participants.
• Support the work of Residential Program Coordinators following plans developed for participants. 
• Perform other duties as required

Working Conditions

• Maintain flexible hours (evenings, overnights and weekends) and a rotating shift.   
• Must pass criminal record check clearance.

This competition will close at 4:30 p.m. on April 16, 2025. 

While we evaluate all applications based on merit, we especially appreciate and recognize the unique insights that come from personal lived experiences, such as homelessness or houselessness. We are deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Applicants from marginalized groups, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ2S+, women, and newcomers, are encouraged to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest: however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.