At House of Friendship, we believe in what we are doing. We get out of bed each day to make a difference in our community; to walk with and to serve. We are not happy with the status quo. We get energy from ongoing learning and growth. We lead with passion and believe without a doubt that everyone deserves to belong and thrive. We live and breathe our values of Compassion, Inclusion, Justice, Dignity and Hope. And we have fun!Sounds pretty great, doesn’t it? It is!The ShelterCare program provides a place to stay and staff support 24/7. ShelterCare creates opportunities where individuals experiencing homelessness have access to on-site, integrated housing and health supports so they can become healthier and housed - exiting the cycle of homelessness for good. ShelterCare utilizes a care coordination approach in order to support participants in accessing resources and develop skills to become housed. The Care Coordinator will work as a member of an interdisciplinary team to support men experiencing homelessness to secure appropriate permanent housing. They will support the men to access the necessary resources, conduct housing searches, connect with community supports, and develop the skills needed to become permanently housed and maintain housing stability. A trauma informed person-centered and housing first approach is demonstrated in one on one and team-based interactions.This is a contract position, from approximately May 25, 2026 to November 25, 2026. This is a full-time position offering 37.5 hours per week. Schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. Valid G class driver’s license is preferred. Successful completion of a Police Records Check (Vulnerable Sector) required pre-employment.Key Responsibilities:Engage participants in meaningful support relationships to achieve the goal of obtaining permanent housing, wellbeing stability and a successful stay while accessing ShelterCareUnderstand and consistently implement program policies and procedures, including and not limited to: incident reporting, harm reduction, fire prevention, privacy and confidentiality, safe substance use onsite, restrictions and restorative practices, storage of personal belongings, etc.Participate in intake conversations and orientation to the program, including expectations and intended program outcomes of their shelter stayWork as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide direct and indirect support to participants in building life skillsThese supports may include budgeting, cooking, setting up bank accounts, obtaining ID, and other supports as necessarySupport with all housing-related activities such as housing searches, attending Matching Table, attending viewings, completing housing applications, etc.Maintain confidentiality in compliance with Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA)Develop, contribute to, and carry out individual support plans, including any relevant assessment toolsWork individually with participants to identify and achieve goals as it relates to their individual support needsFacilitate case conferences, develop safety plans and long/short term support plansResponsible for facilitating community inclusion activitiesConnect participants with supportive community resources, including both clinical and informal supports, facilitating case coordinationRespond to participant complaints/concerns with care, compassion, and efficiencyReinforce participants’ life skills, including spiritual, social, and coping skillsIn collaboration with the Participant Experience Specialist, develop and facilitate relevant group programmingComplete required documentation in a thorough and timely manner with a focus on maintaining and protecting participant privacy and confidentialityFollow applicable regulations, policies and proceduresAct as a first responder to medical emergencies/crisis to ensure participants’ wellbeing and navigate emergency services to respondAttend and participate in all required training to maintain and develop new skillsWitnessing and responding to crisis. Confidently support conflict de-escalation while addressing behavioural concerns to ensure effective mitigation of riskContribute to a culture of belonging and connection where each person is valuedThere is an inherent level of risk, and at times unpredictability involved in the work we doWe will work together to ensure we effectively mitigate risk in an effort to create an environment that is physically and psychologically safe for participants, staff and partnersParticipate in scheduled team meetings, program and organizational town hallsContribute to the organizational strategic planning process and annual planning processes within the programLiaison with local emergency and mental health services (ie. CMHA, police services, EMS, Here 24/7)Job Specific Knowledge/Skills:Knowledgeable related to the Housing Stability systemUnderstanding and knowledge of regional community social services and resourcesExperience of homelessness or relating with people experiencing homelessnessPassion to support people living on a low income with support needs including mental health and addiction challengesAptitude for accurate and objective note keeping and data entryStrong oral and written communication skillsCommitment to a trauma-informed and strength-based approach to supporting peopleComfortable responding to emergency situations and providing First Aid/CPR when applicableStrong relationship management skills and the ability to engage in meaningful conversations to develop rapport with individualsStrong understanding of and commitment to harm reduction and working from a trauma informed lensSome knowledge of Motivational Interviewing as well an understanding of mental health challenges would be helpfulEducation/Experience:Two-year post-secondary education in a related field of study (i.e. social services, social work, addictions, mental health, community development etc.)1-2 years’ experience in case planning/management with individuals and assisting them in developing life skillsExperience supporting group activitiesExperience of working with those who have experienced mental health challenges, addictions and traumaCritical Skills:Commitment to understand and uphold the mission and values of House of Friendship is expectedExemplary emotional intelligence, resilience, communication, conflict management and problem-solving skills requiredAbility to work professionally as a team member with staff, participants and community membersExperience or strong interest in working with diverse populations including people from various cultural backgrounds, income levels, and sensitivity to their needsExperience with and commitment to using an anti-racism, anti-oppressive and trauma informed approach to consultation, program design, evaluations of processes and service deliveryMust be dependable, professional, flexible, a team player, and have a positive attitudeRespectful, supportive and engaging approach to persons with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, addictions, mental illness and other life challengesExcellent project, timeline and deadline management skills including skills in logistics, planning and detailed record keepingCompensation:At House of Friendship, we know that our team members are the key to the success of our organization and our ability to provide essential services to the community. In support of our mission and in alignment with our values, House of Friendship is committed to ensuring fair, market competitive, and rewarding compensation practices for all of our team members. We aspire to support our team members to create a great work environment where our team is able to thrive, succeed, and have a positive work experience.House of Friendship compensation practices including our pay grid, have been developed using documented leading pay practices in the not-for-profit sector including (Ontario Nonprofit Network) and . We value the experience that new team members bring to the organization and have a process in place to review previous related experience for placement on our pay grid.We value the work that you do with fair pay and benefits:Time off includes vacation pay and 2 personal days per yearEmployee & Family Assistance ProgramRate of Pay:At House of Friendship all compensation ranges are categorized under a series of “grades” and we base our payment structure on internal equity. When determining rate of pay, a candidate’s past related experience will be taken into consideration.Grade: 5Min: $27.86Mid: $31.97Max: $36.08Working Conditions:This role works days during both weekdays and weekends on a set scheduleTravel throughout the Region of Waterloo; generally with House of Friendship fleet vehicles and/or public transit optionsEncountering participants at program sites who may be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, and/or experiencing symptoms of mental illness can be expectedObservation of safer consumptionThis role is being posted to fill a current vacancy.House of Friendship is open and inviting to qualified candidates with lived experience.House of Friendship supports justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace. We strive to be a workplace free of harassment and discrimination and we are committed to removing barriers and being an inclusive, work environment. House of Friendship is a place where each person can bring their true selves and feel that they belong. We aspire to be an organization that is anti-racist and anti-oppressive so that our team, and therefore our community, can truly belong and thrive.We invite applications from all qualified candidates and actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to accessing employment including, but not limited to Indigenous Peoples, members of racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.If you require accommodations to be able to participate fully at any stage in the recruitment process, including applying for this position, please let us know so that we can discuss accommodation options. Accommodations will be provided upon request.If you are as passionate as we are about serving the community, let’s talk.To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter here:By end of day April 23, 2026.Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not being used in the screening of applications.
