Housing Support Worker

Regional Municipality of Peel

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the Housing Support Worker, you will provide service to individuals and families who are at high-risk and need housing support programs and other resources to help them obtain and maintain housing. The major focus of this position is to assess housing eligibility in accordance with the Housing Services Act (HSA) and link critically sensitive individuals and families with proper housing supports, resources, manage financial funds, and provide multi-sector and shared case management. You will interact and support homeless, low-income households, individuals or families living in shelters, on the streets or experience multi-complex barriers impacting housing stability. This position requires a high-level of intensive case management and collaboration with applicants, residents, landlord staff and supportive agencies.

Requirements

College Diploma in Human Services field combined with at least two (2) years of related experience in the delivery of direct client service in housing and/or homelessness
Knowledge of all applicable policies, legislations, acts including but not limited to the Housing Services Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA)
A valid class G driver’s license
Demonstrated creativity in case management with consideration to the client’s unique circumstances
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, and other Housing enabling technology
Completion and satisfactory results of a Vulnerable Sector Search is required, Region of Peel does not reimburse any associated costs.
Specific knowledge of housing and homelessness programs and other services available in Human Services
Strong knowledge of community agencies and demonstrated ability to work in partnership with them
Experience and sensitivity working with those impacted by mental health issues, addiction, victims of violence and abuse
Crisis intervention, harm reduction, and client centered care experience required
Creativity in problem solving, and the ability to follow through on housing leads
Advocacy to help people who have struggled with homelessness and help them find and secure housing
Strong communication skills, speaking, listening and writing clearly and thoroughly
Excellent customer service skills
Negotiation and problem-solving skills
Tact, diplomacy, decision making, and organizational skills
Ability to deal with challenging applicants
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
Must maintain and execute confidential information
Trauma trained required
Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias

Responsibilities

Provides initial crisis intervention, makes referrals, works in partnership with community resources for housing support and works one-on-one with clients during crisis and stabilization period
Identifies and facilitates appropriate permanent housing options for multi-barrier clients in need of intense housing supports and matches them to the right service.
Conducts any necessary screening, assessment evaluations, intense case management and navigation services and determine a client’s eligibility to several different housing options and services
Work with the clients to determine and eliminate complex barriers preventing housing stability, identify high risk social complexity factors and matches client with appropriate services and programs
Provides intense, multi-sector and shared case management supports and intervention services that addresses housing stability
Provides onsite services in the areas of independent living skills, conflict resolution, negotiation skills, and financial linkages available to assist in reaching case plan goals
Develops a plan of intervention with the client that addresses the need for housing, services, crisis intervention, and continuity of care planning and coordination
Interviews and reviews eligibility criteria to ensure suitable placement and calculation of rent for housing units, preparing and signing rent supplement agreements
Calculates and issues funds based on program eligibility to ensure housing stability
Provide community referrals to assist clients and their families, as needed
Assist clients with housing applications, complete supportive and subsidized housing paperwork, survey rental market for affordable housing, and advocates for clients with prospective landlords
Documents 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 customer service to applicants and residents, and maintenance of customer files
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
Updates relevant resident data changes, such as income and family composition, initiated by the annual renewals and/or the resident
Responds to and actions all resident complaints as appropriate
Provides life skills assistance and coaching
May facilitate group discussions