Social Worker; Maternity Leave

Position: Housing Social Worker(Maternity Leave -18 Month Contract)

About Sojourn House

Sojourn House provides Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing services to newly arrived refugees coming from all parts of the world. We provide a safe place and an inclusive environment to people who have had the refugee experience. We are dedicated to providing the best possible settlement services and programs that help residents transition and integrate into the community. With decades of experience and being one of the first refugee housing facilities in Toronto, we take pride in being a leading organization in refugee care.

In support of its commitment to a healthy, safe, workplace and community it is recommended all staff have up-to-date vaccinations for COVID-19 with a vaccine approved for use in Canada.

About the Role

As the Housing Social Worker, you provide housing supports for high need shelter clients and high need adults referred by the Settlement Social Worker, using a Housing First and trauma‑informed approach to support their housing needs.

You ensure services are delivered from an integrated anti‑racism, access, and equity framework, while providing coordinated case management and trauma‑informed assessments for youth in the Shelter and Skills for Life programs and integrating the use of trained Interpreters to support all service participants in the provision of programs and services.

You represent the organization in authorized housing networks for clients and shall participate in outreach and community development activities in a manner that is in compliance with the Code of Conduct and ethics of the organization.

What you’ll do 1. Plan the program

• Develop a work plan to provide counseling and housing support to all clients in the Shelter Program, and contribute to program planning by identifying gaps in services and communicating them to the Shelter Manager for the development of new program initiatives.
• Participate in direct service networks, coalitions, and partnerships with organizations to promote the program and ensure clients receive stable housing supports while in the shelter and upon discharge into the community.

2. Implement the Program a) Crisis intervention and Supportive Counselling

• Provide crisis intervention and counselling supports related to mental health, addictions, and other complex issues, while developing and implementing individual goals for housing stabilization and offering counselling including brief counselling and solution‑focused interventions.
• Facilitate trauma assessments, develop treatment plans as needed, and deliver orientation workshops on housing options and related legislation such as Ontario Works, ODSP, the Tenant Protection Act, and housing benefit programs.

b) Housing Support & Coordinated Case Management

• Complete housing intake and assessments to identify housing needs, and provide information‑based counselling on housing options, financial/budgeting issues, and barriers to housing.
• Assist shelter clients to access and secure permanent or supportive housing by liaising with landlords, meeting clients at scheduled appointments, and escorting them for housing searches and viewings as needed.
• Complete applications for income support and housing benefit programs.
• Provide coordinated case management with internal and external stakeholders, including liaison, referrals, and advocacy to ensure continued support and housing stabilization.
• Facilitate access to community resources, including escorting clients to the Furniture Bank and providing community mapping in collaboration with the Outreach Social Worker.

3. Administers the program

• Maintain client files, case notes, and documentation in compliance with organizational policy, legal standards, and confidentiality requirements.
• Maintain a daily log and appointment calendar for clients and housing networking meetings.
• Ensure accurate reports, service statistics, and timely submissions to meet organizational and funder requirements, including compiling data from the Outreach Social Worker and Housing Counsellor for quarterly reports.
• Maintain accurate records for tokens and program expenses in accordance with organizational financial policies.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date registry of housing…