Transitional Tenant Support Worker (Contract)

YWCA Toronto•Toronto, ON

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for providing communications and support to tenant households impacted by renovation work occurring in their homes, including but not limited to planning and implementation of temporary relocation. They work directly with tenants in advance of and during the renovation process, to ensure clear and consistent communication, coordination of contractor access, relocations schedules, ongoing one-on-one support as needed, and addressing gaps in services. They will also create tenant facing communications materials as well as internal program documents, tools and resources as needed. YWCA Toronto Housing Support Program – Scatter Homes portfolio offers families a range of permanent and affordable housing options that are owned by Neighborhood Land Trust (NLT). These include 154 units of permanent housing within 82 scattered properties. YWCA Toronto has a management agreement to provide Property and Tenancy Services for these Scattered Homes. Assistance will be available to help tenants maintain their housing, build the skills required to ensure successful tenancies and participate in their community.

Requirements

General knowledge of an academic or technical discipline normally acquired through the completion of an undergraduate degree in a social services or health field (examples: BSW/Social Work, Occupational Therapy, etc.) (Cases for Equivalency will be considered);
3 - 5 years of demonstrated experience working in diverse, direct and complex service settings with adults and families who experience the impacts of poverty, homelessness/under-housing, violence/trauma, mental health and or substance use challenges, and other sources of marginalization or oppressions;
Knowledge, skills and expertise in the following areas: Social Housing, Community engagement, Residential Tenants Act, Homelessness, intersections of Housing and Health; Program development and evaluation;
Demonstrated in-depth understanding of marginalization and vulnerability, as it specifically relates to women and gender diverse people and their families living with trauma, mental illness, addictions and chronic health issues;
Demonstrated ongoing commitment to critical self-reflection and anti-oppression practice;
Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work and build partnerships with external community partners and stakeholders, including resource brokerage and advocacy for client access to relevant community supports, services and programs as necessary;
Demonstrated conflict mediation skills and crisis intervention skills, including creating effective safety plans and thorough follow-up;
Demonstrated ability to work in teams as well as independently in the planning and delivery of services;
Demonstrated ability for creative problem-solving and developing effective solutions
Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communications skills;
Ability to deliver culturally sensitive services;
Strong computer proficiency skills in Windows and Excel;
Current First Aid and CPR certification;
Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required;
A vulnerable sector police reference check is required by the successful candidate prior to hiring.

Nice To Haves

Second language is an asset
Previous work in a multicultural, unionized environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Works with the YWCA and NLT teams as a specialist in the area of innovative home relocation, stabilization, eviction prevention, and capacity building with marginalized and mixed communities;
Provides leadership in developing services that promote inclusion, participation and, creativity to build a vibrant community where safety and wellbeing are shared values;
Liaises with YWCA & NLT staff teams to coordinate communication with tenant households who are impacted by capital projects, including repairs undertaken with tenants in place as well as those requiring temporary relocations;
Liaise with impacted tenant households and Housing Administration team to ensure temporary accommodation agreements are understood, signed, and implemented in a manner that respects tenants and allows for repair projects to proceed in a timely manner;
Ensures that details on notices to enter units and buildings are correct and understood by tenant, served in a timely manner, and that follow ups are undertaken with tenants where needed;
Maintains a working knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act, Housing Services Act, and the Ontario Human Rights Code;
Has a comprehensive understanding of RGI rules and regulations;
Responsible for ensuring safety policies and procedures are applied consistently in programs serving high need, women and gender diverse individuals with multiple barriers;
Models’ effective community engagement, conflict resolution, facilitation, and crisis intervention skills in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team context;
Shares in On Call for Scatter Homes Support program.