Housing Specialist

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory•Newmarket, ON

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

This job posting is open only to current York Housing and Support Services Employees that are part of Union UFCW, Local 175. OBJECTIVE: Assist chronically homeless individuals and families of York Region to obtaining and maintaining appropriate accommodation and provide ongoing housing based case management (CTI) through telephone and/or home visits. Housing Specialists procure housing through landlord engagement and subsequently connects chronically homeless individuals and families with prescreened housing choices and landlords that enable housing stability. Housing Retention supports will include but are not limited to housing searches, transportation, viewing, application assistance, housing income supports warm transfer referrals, landlord tenant act training, eviction prevention supports, rapid rehousing and housing based time limited critical time intervention case management that will contribute to successfully getting housed and/or staying housed.

Requirements

College diploma in Social Sciences field (minimum)
Previous experience with people experiencing chronic homelessness (one to three years)
Knowledge and understanding of Mental Health/Addictions
Thorough knowledge and understanding of and a commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression and equity.
Problem solving skills essential.
The responsibilities associated with this position demand a high degree of confidentiality
Excellent oral and written communication skills (Processing/Desktop, Publishing, Spreadsheet/Graphing, Database computer skills essential)
Must have good interpersonal/time management skills
Good knowledge of community resources
Valid unrestricted full G Driver’s License is a requirement
Knowledge of the Tenant Protection Act
Current VSC acceptable to The Salvation Army
An alternative level of education and experience may be acceptable
Vulnerable Sector Check & Drivers Abstract: an original copy of a current Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) and Drivers Abstract that are less than six (6) months old are required by your start date, and the results of the checks must be acceptable to The Salvation Army in its sole discretion.
The cost of the VSC and Drivers Abstract are borne by the employee.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Social Work preferred

Responsibilities

Program Research, compile and maintain housing options, document acceptance criteria and procedures
Liaise with and make regular, ongoing contact with Landlords concerning possible vacancies
Provide statistical reports of number of apartment searches, placements, etc.
Create Housing Map of Pro Housing First Landlords in Durham Region
Create Service Agreements with Landlords
Facilitate housing assessment specific to participant to provide the most appropriate support/housing options
Assist Participants with obtaining and maintaining suitable housing & provide advocacy as needed.
Assist Participant to acquire household furnishings when moving into the community and secure Start-up Funds as available or required.
Provide time limited housing based Critical Time Intervention (CTI) case management.
Work with Participant s to ensure they understand and fulfill their responsibilities for property upkeep such as cleanliness, safety issues, and proper garbage disposal.
Assist Participant s in meeting their financial obligations in regard to rent, bill payments (budgeting purposes) by: defining individual responsibilities; resolving any financial disputes and any other financial responsibilities.
Provide housing support, advocacy, and referrals to chronically homeless participants in Durham Region
Process applications and documents for participants living in the community
Identify and eliminate fire hazards; for example, bicycles and other items blocking means of egress, unsafe use of open flames like candles, use of stoves and heaters, or unsafe smoking.
Meet with participants and/or partner agency Case Managers to provide guidance and information regarding all available housing options
Assist participants with applications for social assistance and liaising with Ontario Works/ODSP/Rent Geared to Income Housing
On an ongoing basis assist participants with social and required life skills to secure and maintain affordable housing (one-on-one or within a group setting)
Help participants to re-establish themselves in the community
Landlord mediation
Crisis intervention
Provide rapid rehousing support with housed participant as needed.
Perform any other related duties as requested by Program Administrative
Prepare case notes (intermittently throughout each working day) and share them via HIFIS to relevant individuals involved in the participant ’s circle of care while maintaining participant ’s confidentiality
Ensure that the privacy and confidentiality of participant s is maintained within established standards, Policy and Procedure
Work as a member of the team to ensure that the program operates efficiently and effectively (and to ensure that other staff's responsibilities are covered when they are away).
Participate in and represent the organization at external committees & forums.