Apply for our Care Coordinator Position through Indeed 

The strength of OLS is its connection, inclusion and guidance-seeking mandate from people currently experiencing homelessness. OLS collaborates with leaders within the unhoused community to identify people needing additional support, shares information about available resources and works together towards improved policies and services.

OLS is a dynamic and highly responsive organization which is constantly learning and strives to maintain a work environment which allows team members to do meaningful, respectful and good work.

Job description

Our Livable Solutions (OLS) seeks to spark change in the way people experiencing homelessness are supported as they address barriers keeping them from permanent housing. In partnership with the City of Kingston and people without homes, OLS is participating in phase 2 of a sleeping cabin pilot project at Centre 70 arena. OLS is searching for new team members willing to walk alongside people experiencing homelessness. This is more than a job – it is about committed community work in a collaborative and supportive environment.

OLS Care Coordinators are advocates for the residents of the cabin community, helping to identify needs and barriers to permanent housing and collaborating with representatives of various service providers. Residents represent diverse backgrounds, have experienced chronic homelessness, and could be dealing with the complexities of substance use, mental health challenges and trauma. The work is highly relational, always challenging and changing, and is based on the needs of the individuals OLS supports.

Responsive, with exceptional understanding of collaboration and teamwork, Care Coordinators provide consistency for the community, but recognize their work is anything but routine; every day will be different. The position requires taking a trauma informed approach, and working to include harm reduction whenever possible. Care Coordinators act in the interests of the resident(s), with their consent, and participation, centering the resident throughout.

Specific tasks will be on an as-needed basis. There is some administrative work, but more importantly, being a Care Coordinator requires a strategic and agile problem-solving approach which changes with the evolving needs of the person and the community of residents they are working with. A day could include scheduling appointments, baking cookies, coregulating with a resident, washing floors, giving lessons in daily life skills, or celebrating resident’s successes.

Opportunities:

We are currently hiring for a small number of Care Coordinator opportunities including full-time, part-time and relief roles. These are all contract positions, as the pilot sleeping cabin project is set to end April 30, 2024. Our cabin community operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Care Coordinators may be required to work overnight shifts as well as weekend and holiday shifts.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Have knowledge of or experience with trauma-informed approaches (or willingness to complete training with OLS)

• Own a smartphone

• Non-violent Crisis Intervention Training or related training (or willingness to complete with OLS)

• Current First Aid and CPR certification

• CPIC (Police Information Check), including Vulnerable Sector Check, is required prior to employment

• Previous experience supporting people experiencing homelessness preferred but not required

• Experience supporting people experiencing adversity (homelessness, disability, newcomers to Canada, )

Required Skills & Knowledge:

• Knowledge of resources in the community for individuals who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, living in poverty, or living with mental health or addiction challenges;

• Ability to adapt to dynamic environments;

• Ability to integrate harm reduction approaches as appropriate in daily interactions with clients;

• Ability to identify and assess risk and implement strategies which minimize risk to self, the client, and others;

• Ability to provide positive input and adapt to an iterative improvement process.

• Strong problem solving, conflict resolution and mediation skills;

• Strong technology skills.

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement:

OLS is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from individuals from equity-seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

OLS provides support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant's accessibility needs. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Our Livable Solution.

To be considered, please review our website, http://www.ourlivable.solutions then email your resume and a cover letter to Our Livable Solutions. The cover letter could include:

• How your experiences will strengthen the OLS team.

• Risks related to the Care Coordinator position which concern you.

• Examples of support you have provided for a person or group.

• Special skills or talents which will help to brighten the cabin community.

OLS will strive to ensure all applicants will be contacted by email to discuss next steps. Interviews may need to be held virtually due to covid.

Salary and Benefits:

• $20.00-$22.50 per hour

• Casual dress, Flexible schedule, On-site parking

• Full-time, Part-time, Contract (12 - 48 hours per week)

• Contract length: 11 months

Expected start date: Immediately