Housing Support Worker (2026-239-HHS)

WoodGreen Community Services • Toronto, ON

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Support Worker position is part of the Housing Access Program within the Housing & Homelessness Services Unit. The program aims to enhance participants' independent living skills across various housing options, including private rental housing. Services include behavior modeling, crisis intervention, informal counseling, landlord/tenant mediation, referrals to community support services, assistance with rent supplements and income supports, and help with moving into and retaining suitable independent housing. The role involves one-on-one engagement with participants to create short and long-term housing and support plans, ensuring successful housing acquisition and maintenance, and access to necessary supports. Collaboration with program partners like the City of Toronto, Ontario Works, and the Ontario Disability Support Program, as well as other community-based partners, is crucial for assisting participants in securing independent living supports.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or related bachelor’s degree
• 2 years or more of direct experience in helping street-involved/homeless individuals, and those at risk of losing their housing, to obtain and maintain their housing.
• Proven skills in providing housing help and /or information referral services.
• Working knowledge of the Tenant Protection Act and Residential Tenancy Act.
• Strong intake, assessment, crisis intervention, de-escalation, advocacy and negotiation skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with homeless/street involved individuals, tenants, individuals with substance use and landlords.
• Strong landlord/tenant mediation skills.
• Excellent case management skills.
• Supportive counseling and harm reduction skills.
• Experience working with diverse communities.
• Knowledge of resources in Toronto

Responsibilities

• Provide referral supports to individuals to obtain, maintain, and stabilize their housing in the WoodGreen housing portfolio, including case management, specifically to former residents of the Emergency Homelessness Project or Tent City.
• Provide ongoing support to former Tent City participants to assist them in obtaining and maintaining their housing and connect them to a variety of community resources through home visits, drop-in services, accompaniment to community resources, and scheduled appointments.
• Respond and provide referral support during crisis situations to WoodGreen Housing clients and other programs including Emergency Homelessness programs such as Tent City.
• Engage in tenant/landlord mediation to prevent evictions and relocations for assigned participants.
• Work with participants to enhance their capacity to access community resources, including housing and support services, and develop effective problem-solving strategies.
• Actively participate in Program Steering and Services Committees, noting policy recommendations, identifying issues, and providing program updates.
• Ensure ongoing collaboration with internal WoodGreen units so that client(s) are connected to the organization’s integrated service model of employment, community health and social/community program services.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with partnering agencies, including but not limited to City of Toronto, Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program, other Housing Help Services, and community resources.
• Ensure that client participants maintain their eligibility for rent geared to income including rent supplements and/or other housing programs.
• Liaise with Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, and other community resources to ensure that participants have access to and maintain the eligibility for income supports.
• Develop and implement strategies with participants so they enhance their skills to access other community resources, supports, and housing options, working toward long-term independence.
• Communicate program policies, procedures, and guidelines to participants.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including client notes, case lists, and budget tracking, and assist with annual RGI reviews.
• Collect and analyze program data and reports to identify trends, challenges, and areas for improvement.
• Support participants in accessing Ontario Works, ODSP, Housing Connections, and other community services.
• Keep the Manager of Housing Access informed on updates, participate in evaluations, and suggest program improvements.
• Collaborate with housing support workers and Unit staff and actively participate in meetings and supervisory sessions.
• Complete required training and professional development as directed by WoodGreen Community Centre.
• Ensure the anti-racism objectives and community development principles of the organization are achieved through the Project.
• Complete and assist tenants with annual RGI reviews, within assigned CCU and supportive housing buildings.
• Perform other related duties as required by the Manager of Housing Access, Partnerships & Tenant Supports.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level