Community Stabilization Specialist

Somerset West Community Health Centre

Community Stabilization Specialist supporting residents in high-acuity supportive housing environments. Fostering safety, stability, and healthy community functioning within housing programs.

Posted 5/26/2026full-timeOttawa • 🇨🇦 CanadaMid-LevelSenior💰 CA$60,169 - CA$70,688 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide a consistent, visible presence onsite within the housing building to promote safety, stability, and positive community functioning
Proactively engage residents to identify and mitigate potential conflicts, interpersonal tensions, or environmental triggers before escalation occurs
Respond to incidents of agitation, conflict, or behavioural escalation using trauma-informed, de-escalation, and conflict resolution approaches
Support the development and implementation of individualized safety, stabilization, and community integration plans
Foster a respectful and inclusive community environment by encouraging shared accountability, relationship-building, and healthy community norms among residents
Collaborate with internal teams and external partners during high-risk or complex situations to support both individual and community stability
Build strong, trust-based relationships with residents through regular, intentional engagement and consistent presence
Support residents in maintaining housing through daily check-ins, practical problem-solving, emotional support, and conflict mediation
Provide targeted support during key transition periods, particularly for individuals moving from chronic homelessness or street involvement into permanent housing
Support residents in adapting to the responsibilities, expectations, and social dynamics of living within a shared housing community
Provide recovery-oriented support related to substance use, harm reduction, readiness for change, and personal wellness goals
Offer supportive counselling that may incorporate holistic, culturally responsive, and spiritually grounded approaches, where appropriate and resident-led
Facilitate or support group programming focused on recovery, wellness, emotional regulation, spirituality, and community connection
Encourage engagement in meaningful activities that strengthen identity, purpose, belonging, and long-term recovery and housing stability
Work closely with Housing Case Managers, Systems Navigators, nursing staff, peers, and external partners to coordinate care and promote stabilization
Maintain clear, timely, and accurate documentation in the EMR (PSS) and incident reporting systems
Contribute to ongoing program development, community-building initiatives, and continuous quality improvement efforts

Requirements

What you’ll need

Diploma or degree in Social Work, Addictions Counselling, Psychology, or related field (or equivalent lived/living experience)
Minimum 3 years’ experience working in high-acuity environments (e.g., supportive housing, shelter, community health, crisis response)
Demonstrated experience in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and managing volatile or unpredictable situations, particularly in a Supportive Housing environment
Strong understanding of substance use, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and mental health
Experience providing recovery-oriented support and/or counselling.
Excellent written and verbal English communication skills. French is an asset.

Benefits

Comp & perks

comprehensive compensation package
time-off entitlements
health benefits
life insurance
participation in the HOOPP pension plan

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

de-escalationcrisis interventionconflict resolutiontrauma-informed caresubstance use supportharm reductionrecovery-oriented supportcounsellingdocumentation in EMRcommunity integration planning

Soft Skills

relationship-buildingproblem-solvingemotional supportcommunicationcollaborationengagementaccountabilityinclusivitytrust-buildingcommunity connection

Certifications

Diploma in Social WorkDegree in Addictions CounsellingDegree in Psychology