Role: Board Director (At-Large)

Introduction:

Margaret’s Housing and Community Support Services (“Margaret’s”) is a multi-service agency that provides a continuum of housing options to women living with mental illness and substance use, and innovative community-based support services for individuals experiencing intersectional issues tied to mental health, substance use, poverty and homelessness.

Position Overview:

Margaret’s is currently seeking a new Board Member to join our Board of Directors as a Director at Large. As a Board Member, you will play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of the organization, overseeing its governance, and helping us achieve our mission. We are looking for dedicated community leaders who can bring diverse perspectives and expertise to our board, as well as a strong commitment to our mission and values.

Key Responsibilities:

Governance: Actively participate in setting the strategic direction of Margaret’s, ensuring alignment with our mission and vision.

Fundraising: Support the organization in its fundraising efforts, advocating for the rights and well-being of our clients, and promoting our services within the community.

Fiduciary Responsibility: Provide oversight of the organization’s financial health and legal compliance, working closely with the Finance Committee.

Committee Involvement: Serve on board committees, bringing your expertise to areas such as governance, finance, fundraising, or strategic planning.

Risk Management: Identify and address risks and opportunities that impact the organization and its clients.

Qualifications:

• A strong commitment to Margaret’s mission and values.
• A background in one or more of the following areas: mental health, homelessness, social services, non-profit management, government, legal, finance, fundraising, or governance.
• Experience serving on boards or in a leadership capacity in a non-profit organization.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse individuals and groups.

Time Commitment:

• The board meets up to 6 times per year and board members are expected to attend these meetings regularly.
• In addition to board meetings, board members are expected to commit time to committee work and various organizational events.
• The average time commitment is approximately 5-8 hours per month.

How to Apply:

If you are interested in helping Margaret’s fulfil its mission please submit your resume and a short note outlining why you think you would be a good fit for joining Margaret’s Board of Directors. Send your application to katieheelis@gmail.com with the subject line: MARGARETS BOARD APPLICATION.

Margaret’s Housing and Community Support Services is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

Email: Cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources:  katieheelis@gmail.com

More About Margaret’s

Our Vision: The most marginalized in our communities are sheltered and supported through their mental health journey.

Our Mission: In keeping with Margaret’s legacy, we provide inclusive supportive housing to the most vulnerable women and community services to vulnerable women and men in our communities.

Our Values: At Margaret’s, we believe that housing is a fundamental social determinant of health. As such, we provide holistic services intended to address the complex nature of the challenges that our clients face.

Our values inform how we operate. We foster dignity, respect, anti-racism, anti-oppression, and demonstrate compassion to achieve our mission of empowering clients.

Job Title: Drop-In Driver/Worker

Introduction:

Margaret’s mission is to provide the continuum of housing and support services for individuals with mental illness through innovative programming, advocacy, and education which empowers them to build and reclaim their lives.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Drop-In Coordinator, the Drop-In Driver/Worker is responsible for the efficient transportation of food, supplies, and other materials between Margarets Drop-In Centre and other Margarets sites and external location. The incumbent will also be responsible for providing support, orientation and information, and referral services to individuals attending the Drop-In Centre, alongside their responsibility for driving and delivery. The Driver/Worker must collaborate in a warm and collegial fashion with team members including other employees, volunteers and clients, as well as referral agencies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Safely drive designated vehicle(s) to transport food, supplies, and other materials between sites according to established schedules
• Ensure the secure loading and unloading of items, following proper handling procedures to prevent damage or loss
• Verify pick-up and delivery information and items for transportation
• Collaborate with management and staff to coordinate transportation schedules and prioritize deliveries based on operational needs
• Communicate effectively with site managers and program coordinators to gather requirements and ensure timely delivery of materials
• Conduct routine inspections of vehicles to ensure they are in proper working condition, reporting any maintenance or repair needs promptly
• Record information on pick-ups and deliveries, vehicle mileage, and fuel costs and report any incidents or problems encountered
• Adhere to all safety regulations and traffic laws while operating vehicles
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of vehicles, including interior storage areas and exterior surfaces
• Provide courteous and respectful assistance to clients and staff members during transportation activities, fostering positive interactions and a supportive environment
• Assist with inventory management tasks, including receiving, storing, and organizing supplies
• Provide support to Drop-In staff for day-to-day operations, outside of driving and delivering, including, but not limited to:
• Serving meals
• Cleaning and maintaining the site
• Addressing client concerns and providing referrals, as needed
• Providing Harm Reduction Supplies, personal hygiene products, and clothing
• Engaging in problem solving and conflict resolution to support clients
• Assisting with other tasks and duties on the Drop-In Floor, as needed
• Perform routine finance and administration tasks, including, but not limited to:
• Acquiring and submitting necessary invoices, in collaboration with administration;
• completing forms;
• assisting with petty cash transactions
• Participates in ongoing learning and development as required
• Performs additional tasks and special projects as required

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies:

• A valid G driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract required
• A minimum of 2-3 years of safe driving experience required – commercial driving experience preferred
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, in a social service setting preferred
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities effectively
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation, record-keeping, inventory management, and invoice submissions
• Ability to lift and carry moderate to heavy loads, as well as perform physical tasks related to material handling
• Strong mechanical knowledge for basic vehicle maintenance required
• Knowledge of local roads and transportation routes required
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team, demonstrating reliability and professionalism in all interactions
• Must demonstrate values of anti-oppression and anti-racism, and operate from a non-judgmental, client-centered framework
• Compassionate and empathetic approach to client care, with a commitment to upholding their dignity and respecting their autonomy
• A strong desire to contribute to a community-based organization and the improvement of the quality of life for a marginalized community
• Good Crisis management and Conflict Resolution skills
• Approachable and sensitive to the needs of others
• Knowledge of available resources in the community an asset

Working Conditions:

• The incumbent will be working in a low-barrier Drop-In Centre, in close communication with designated clients and other individuals from the community who may be experiencing homelessness, mental health, and addictions issues
• Exposure to loud noises and crowded areas on-site, especially during high foot traffic times during meal service

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Ability to sit for extended periods and operate a motor vehicle safely
• Capable of lifting and carrying moderate to heavy loads, as well as bending, stooping, and reaching to access items in vehicles and storage areas and performing physical tasks associated with moving goods
• Frequent walking around Drop-In Centre, lifting, and standing during meal service and client engagement

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for extended periods and operate a motor vehicle safely
• Capable of lifting and carrying moderate to heavy loads, as well as bending, stooping, and reaching to access items in vehicles and storage areas and performing physical tasks associated with moving goods
• Frequent walking around Drop-In Centre, lifting, and standing during meal service and client engagement

Schedule (35 hours minimum per week):

• Wednesday: 12 PM – 5 PM
• Thursday: 7 AM – 5 PM
• Friday: 7 AM – 5 PM
• Saturday: 7 AM – 5 PM

Job Type(s): Full-time, Fixed term contract

Compensation: $20.00-$22.00 per hour

COVID-19 considerations:

All employees and new hires are required to be fully vaccinated and must provide proof of vaccination. Precautions and health & safety guidelines regarding COVID-19 are applied and followed.

Margaret’s Housing and Community Support Services Inc. is committed to Employment Equity and welcomes all applicants. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume via email, attention to Human Resources at hr@margarets.ca and include the position title in the email subject line. Phone calls are not accepted. While we thank all applicants for taking the time to apply, only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Email: Cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources:  hr@margarets.ca

Job Title: High Support Transitional Housing – Housing Support Worker

Introduction:

Margaret’s mission is to provide a continuum of housing and support services for individuals experiencing mental health and additions issues, along with contributing and resulting intersectional issues tied to mental health challenges and homelessness, through innovative programming, advocacy, and education, which empowers them to build and reclaim their lives.

Reporting to the Manager of Housing, the Housing Support Worker’s role will be to provide support, life skills coaching, and guidance to individuals living in the High Support Transitional Housing program. The worker must collaborate in a warm and collegial fashion with their fellow team members including other employees, volunteers/placement students, as well as referral agencies to ensure successful and prolonged community integration and tenancy for the clients and residents we serve.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide supportive counseling and a positive and vibrant environment for residents, treating everyone with dignity and respect and helping them feel supported and valued
• Provide life skills instruction and instructions to clients on an ongoing basis, empowering them to developing independent life skills
• Guide clients in the decision making process, helping them evaluate options and information; act as a sounding board as required and assist with life goals setting
• Advocate for clients who require assistance
• Facilitate meetings with clients ensuring that discussions are respectful and provide a safe environment for raising concerns and questions
• Provide crisis support for clients assessing physical and emotional states to ensure a safe environment for all individuals; perform emergency first aid as required
• Manage conflict and provide one-on-one support to clients in need
• Monitor symptoms of illness and impact on individual functioning and continued community tenancy
• Perform routine administrative tasks including, but not limited to: maintaining confidential files; completing forms; petty cash transactions, etc.
• Participate in ongoing learning and development as required
• Perform additional tasks/duties and special projects as required

Working Conditions:

• Work in close proximity with vulnerable residents, who may be high-needs, and clients accessing crisis beds and requiring crisis management support
• Work in collaboration with other staff members, volunteers/placement students to provide services to resident and clients
• This position requires shift work and the incumbent may be scheduled to regularly work evening and overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays
• The incumbent may occasionally be required to provide coverage for shifts in the event of an emergency

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Completion of a college and/or university program in social work, psychology, or other social science or health-related discipline required
• Minimum one year experience working in a social service environment as a worker/volunteer or in a support capacity – work experience may replace formal educational requirements
• Experience working with individuals experiencing mental health and addictions issues
• Awareness of recovery, harm reduction, anti-oppression, and anti-racism framework and principles
• The incumbent must have demonstrated ability to provide Life Skills Coaching and possess good Crisis Management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Superior interpersonal skills, with a high level of empathy and social and emotional intelligence
• A strong desire to contribute to a community based organization and the improvement of the quality of life for members of a marginalized community
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, in a team environment
• Ability to lift, bend, and perform light maintenance tasks

COVID-19 considerations:

All employees and new hires are required to be fully vaccinated and must provide proof of vaccination. Precautions and health & safety guidelines regarding COVID-19 are applied and followed.

Margaret’s Housing and Community Support Services Inc. is committed to Employment Equity and welcomes all applicants. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume via email, attention to Human Resources at hr@margarets.ca and include the position title in the email subject line. Phone calls are not accepted. While we thank all applicants for taking the time to apply, only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Email: Cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources:  hr@margarets.ca