Housing Retention Worker

• Using client-centered, anti-oppression, anti-racism, trauma-informed, gender-based analysis plus+ and strength-based approaches, build relationships and establish rapport with existing community partners, vendors, landlords, clients and staff.
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy protection measures for all community partners, vendors, landlords, clients and staff.
• Promote a high-functioning teamwork environment that is inclusive, harmonious, cooperative, efficient and productive.
• Participates in promoting a positive workplace culture through agency committee membership and departmental activities.
• Follow general directions and instructions from Team Leads within the Housing department.
• Work closely with the Landlord Engagement Specialists and CDCD's Housing team.
  
• Actively collaborate with and support Housing Workers in Durham Region to access Opening Doors Program support on behalf of tenants.
• Attend and participate in progress updates and case conferencing meetings with multi-disciplinary teams for the Opening Doors tenants within your caseload.
  
• Advocate for and support mediation processes that are scheduled between tenants and landlords, with the aim of helping clients save and retain their housing while promoting positive tenant/landlord relations.
• Provide regular communication with all parties involved.
  
• Conduct regular check ins with clients in the Opening Doors Program to ensure that their tenant responsibilities are being met.
• Maintain client files, ensuring confidentiality.
• Provide referrals and resources to individuals or families that assist with problem-solving and address immediate needs.
• Prepare cheque requisitions.
  
• Process program-related invoices and receipts to maintain proper financial reporting.
• Actively participate in and contribute to Opening Doors Program evaluation processes.
• Assist clients with filling out HSP, OWs, COHB, and OSDP applications and gathering documentation.
• Apply and adhere to all program and governance policies.
• Ensures that workplace conduct and activities are in accordance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act.

The job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

• Post-secondary degree/certification in Social Services with experience in housing and community development – or a combination of education and experience.
  
• Minimum 2 years relevant experience in a community-based setting, in a housing sector.
• Thorough knowledge of intake and assessment procedures, good knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act and Landlord and Tenant Board is preferred.
• Experience in dealing with landlords, tenant disputes and eviction notices is an asset.
• Knowledge of gender-based violence, anti-oppression, anti-racism principles and trauma-informed and strength-based approaches is required.
• Must be an excellent problem solver and have a strong ability to prioritize case load of multiple service users that are dealing with complex needs.
• Must be a good communicator and presenter with the ability to take and record notes.
• Demonstrates understanding of the Durham Region social service sector and issues faced by equity-deserving and equity-seeking populations we serve.
• Experience in conflict resolution, de-escalation, referral and advocacy for clients.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, team environment.
• Possesses working knowledge of current Windows Operating System, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

• The Housing Retention Worker will need to be flexible in the case of attending evening and/or weekend meetings and events as required.
• A valid Ontario driver’s license (Class G), use of a vehicle and insurance with the ability to work in a variety of settings is an asset.
  
• The successful candidate must provide an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Screening prior to commencing employment.
  
• The physical ability to function effectively in an environment that includes both a normal office and duties being carried out in an external setting.