Housing Representative

Regional Municipality of Peel

1d•$41 - $49•Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Representative is primarily responsible for providing services to individuals and families in need of immediate low acuity housing supports and resources. They provide client advocacy, community resources, referral services, linkage to stable housing and all other services as needed. They also assesses applicants for Housing eligibility in accordance with the Housing Services Act (HSA), and housing and homelessness program guidelines and provides shared multi-sector case management with housing stability.

Requirements

Minimum of college diploma in Human Services field with at least 2 years related experience in the delivery of direct client service in housing and/or homelessness
Experience calculating and issuing funds to clients (e.g. rent)
Knowledge and ability to explain all applicable policies, legislations, acts including but not limited to the Housing Services Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA)
Specific knowledge of housing and homelessness programs
Excellent knowledge of community agencies
Experience working with and ability to display sensitivity towards those with mental health issues, addiction, victims of violence and abuse
A clear Vulnerable Sector Check. Please note: Successful candidates will be required to provide a Vulnerable Sector Police Reference Check prior to hire. The cost for this reference is the candidates responsibility
Crisis intervention, harm reduction, and client centered care experience is an asset
Good interpersonal skills to communicate with the public, staff, and community supportive agencies
Excellent customer service skills
Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills
Able to be tactful, diplomatic and exercise effective decision-making skills
Ability to deal with challenging applicants
Demonstrated ability to work as an effective team member
Strong communication skills, speaking, listening and writing clearly and thoroughly
Must maintain and execute confidential information
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and other Housing enabling technology
Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias

Responsibilities

Work with the clients to determine and eliminate immediate barriers preventing housing stability, identify risk factors and matches client with appropriate services and programs
Provide navigation and referral services designed to assist clients and their families obtain housing stability
Provide immediate multi-sector and shared case management supports and intervention services that address housing stability and avoid crisis
Identify and facilitate appropriate permanent housing options for a high volume of clients, such as, subsidized housing, emergency, transitional, supportive housing, affordable and market rate housing, and other housing opportunities
Conducting necessary screening, assessment evaluations, case management and navigation services and determine a client’s eligibility to several different housing options and services
Interview and review eligibility criteria to ensure suitable placement and calculation of rent for housing units, preparing and signing rent supplement agreements
Calculate and issue funds based on program eligibility to ensure housing stability (last month rent, calculate rent supplement amounts, issue arrears payments and other benefits for clients)
Develop a plan of intervention with the client that address the immediate need for housing, services, crisis intervention, and continuity of care planning and coordination
Assist clients with housing applications, complete supportive and subsidized housing paperwork, survey rental market for affordable housing, and advocate for clients with prospective landlords, filling out rental applications, search for housing, interpreting leases and understanding tenant rights and responsibilities
Document reasons for housing program ineligibility, advises in writing and makes referrals to other resources or services at Peel or in the community to help clients experiencing hardship
Provide information or advice within the guidelines of an established by-law, or program
Maintain client related data tracking systems, generate client data for monthly reporting
Identifies and sets up payment agreements and repayment contracts with residents who have outstanding arrears or overpayment of subsidy
Responds to and actions all resident complaints as appropriate rent change enquiries, and actions all transfer requests
Processes move out notices from residents. Updates relevant resident data changes, such as income and family composition, initiated by the annual renewals and/or the resident.
Prepares month end reports as required
Provides supports to Housing clients
Provides life skills assistance
May facilitate groups
Other duties as assigned