Housing Support Specialist

Calgary Housing (CH) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The City of Calgary. CH is a purpose-driven social enterprise and the largest housing operator in Calgary, providing safe and affordable housing to more than 27,000 Calgarians. As a Housing Support Specialist, you will support CH residents in maintaining their tenancy and housing stability. You will support resident awareness of and access to programs and resources, assist with resource and system navigation and respond to emerging tenancy issues and crises. You will also work with other staff to develop and implement strategies to facilitate community and individual wellbeing and to support Calgary Housing¿s strategic priorities and business plan. Primary duties include:

• Work from an eviction prevention model and collaborate with other staff to identify and address barriers and support residents to maintain housing stability.
• Support resident onboarding activities and conduct needs assessments.
• Provide assistance navigating systems to help residents utilize resources.
• Facilitate mediation to aid in the resolution of interpersonal conflicts between residents.
• Advocate and participate in case conferences with internal and external partners to support housing stability and community safety.
• Collaborate with other government and community organizations and support agencies to provide support services that meet the needs of residents.
• Cultivate emerging resident leadership groups.
• Work collaboratively with residents and community partners to plan, develop and execute special events and projects.
• Assist residents to prepare external funding applications.
• Foster and maintain site specific partnerships and programming.
• Partner with crisis resources to ensure residents are supported through crisis and emergency situations.
• Triage, de-escalate, assess risk, and refer residents during a crisis on an individual or property level.
• Assess urgent and emerging resident needs and determine appropriate responses.
• Accountable for data integrity and reporting, manage shared use service provider agreements.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant legislation, and applicable policies and procedures.

• A degree in Social Work, Community Development or a related Human Services field and at least 3 years of related experience.
• Experience must include working with vulnerable populations and individuals experiencing housing instability.
• A solid knowledge base and experience around many different social issues such as mental health complexities, addiction, domestic violence, employment, basic needs.
• Coursework in crisis intervention, mental health first aid, suicide intervention, addiction, family violence and abuse, group facilitation, life coaching, and community development is preferred.
• A professional designation as a Registered Social Worker (RSW) will be considered an asset.
• Strong assessment and communication skills and well established, practical knowledge of community support agencies, resources and programs available to the vulnerable population.
• The ability to initiate and implement strategies to meet individual and community needs.