Westman Youth for Christ Job Board
Uturn Lifeskill Coach
Description
Introduction
The Lifeskill Coach is responsible for engaging with young people facing homelessness, providing relationship and support services to assist in housing placement and retention, personal growth and discipleship. This includes building and communicating with a support team, overseeing case management for assigned individuals, overseeing/conducting the personalized development plan process, conducting housing searches, placement into housing, and or other appropriate support services so that the individual can remain housed and grow.
The Lifeskill Coach works closely with individuals/families in need of housing, funded agency housing teams, other community agencies, landlords, government representatives, and as well as members of the Uturn team.
Company
Westman Youth For Christ is a youth-focused, faith-based, organization that exists to help young people throughout western Manitoba attain their full life potential, showing love and care for their whole person.
Position Overview
Community Support
- Provide Case Management to 8 HF and/or Uturn participants as determined;
- Establish professional working relationships with all agency Housing First (HF) Teams to appropriately assist in housing their participants. Understand each team’s requirements, and proactively provide housing supports as required;
- Provide resources and referrals to individuals or families that assist with problem solving and address immediate needs;
- Assertively engage with HF and Uturn participants, and their case manager if appropriate, in the formulation of a comprehensive personal development plan that is reviewed and modified with young people on a regular basis;
- Provide individually tailored services to each HF and Uturn participant—i.e. housing placement, unit rental, damage deposits, securing income assistance if required, setting up of utilities, signing of leases, and arranging for furnishings and household items, independent living skills, vocational guidance, appointment escorts, integrated substance use treatment, and counseling;
- Assist HF and Uturn participants to manage their monies, including preparing budgets with participants and computing expenses.
- Provide outreach, counseling, advocacy, and other needed services to HF and Uturn participants in any environment including: the streets, shelters, prisons, hospitals, apartments, office, etc;
- Maintain written and computerized records, compile reports and complete other program documentation (case notes, statistics, letters, psychological evaluations, etc.);
- Educate, inform and advocate for HF and Uturn participants regarding benefits and entitlements (Social Security, Public Assistance, food stamps, etc.);
- Conduct housing searches and build inventory lists of available housing units for candidates. Liaise with property managers, landlords, realtors and other sources to identify properties for participant placement;
- Participate in Uturn check-in meetings and door knocking as scheduled;
- Spend time on-call and attend to crises as they arise during non-office hours. Contact the HF Coordinator and Uturn Director in the event of a major crisis
Administration
- Ensure that the HIFIS system is utilized daily.
- Ensure all reporting is complete and submitted on time.
- Attend weekly Uturn/YFC staff meetings as directed and monthly all-staff meetings.
Spiritual Development & Personal Training
- Take time for prayer, Bible reading and spiritual disciplines.
- Ongoing participation in a community of faith.
- Embrace teaching / seminars / conferences for spiritual growth / renewal and professional development.
- Actively seek out a personal mentor and engage in an accountability relationship.
Fundraising
- The salary of this staff position is partly funded on a missionary basis requiring the gathering of a ministry partnership team.
- Communicate with ministry partners regularly (newsletters quarterly, visits & phone calls as appropriate)
- Conduct fundraising presentations to individuals, churches, and other groups.
- Participate in Uturn and Westman YFC fundraising events such as Sleep on the Street, the Annual Golf Tournament, and the Annual Gala of Hope.
Time Required
This is a full-time position at 40 hours per week.
Length of Commitment
A one to two year commitment is suggested.
Qualifications and skills
· Applicants must reflect and sign the Youth for Christ Statement of Faith and Community Covenant.
· Patience, creativity, flexibility, compassion, and sensitivity to all persons.
· Able to exercise discretion, compassion, and empathy, and maintain confidentiality.
· Experience in case management, community outreach, mental health, addictions or housing programs in a front line capacity.
· Exposure to or direct work history with principles of evidence-based practice, participant centered, and harm reduction models.
· Sound understanding of available housing, income support and related agency/government assistant programs in Brandon.
· Demonstrated ability to perform proactive community outreach activities.
· Able to work independently, and utilize sound judgment to perform all assigned duties with minimal supervision.
· A confident self-starter, able to meet challenges, and to overcome obstacles.
· Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures and tradition and ability to work with culturally diverse people. Familiarity with First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities in Manitoba and issues and challenges facing those choosing to move to urban centers is an asset.
· Possess a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and willing to travel (within Brandon).
· Must pass criminal record check including child abuse registry.
· Certification in First Aid/CPR, De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, and Mental Health First Aid is considered an asset.