Community Housing Worker

Job Brief

coordinate and deliver in-community tenant services including housing supports, plan and execute community development initiatives, resolve tenancy and community problems, and conduct property management functions.

Wage: $34.78 - $37.62 hourly (2023)

Reports to: Manager, Tenant Services

Location: 68 Lindsay St., Lindsay, ON. Combination of approximately 30% of time in an office environment and 70% directly engaging clients/tenants in KLH communities (or ‘the community’) with occasional travel to various work locations

Hours of Work: Normal working hours are 35 hours per week, seven (7) hours per day with core working hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. May require work outside of regular business hours and shift work, including weekends. May attend meetings, conferences and departmental emergency situations, which may be outside of normal business hours. Combination of approximately 30% of time in an office environment and 70% directly engaging clients/tenants in KLH communities (or ‘the community’) with occasional travel to various work locations

Other: Regular exposure to secondary traumatic stress (STS), which may contribute to the experience of compassion fatigue. Ability to exert up to 9.07 kg (20lbs) of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Involves walking or standing for several hours at a time

Under the direction of the Manager, Tenant Services, this position is assigned to the Kawartha Lakes-Haliburton Housing Corporation (KLH) to coordinate and deliver in-community tenant services including housing supports, plan and execute community development initiatives, resolve tenancy and community problems, and conduct property management functions. This position is expected to be within the KLH communities engaging directly with tenants and others, as well as service agencies, emergency responders and enforcement staff.

Essential Duties

Specific to Tenancy Matters:

• Respond to reported tenancy concerns through investigation, consulting with others, documenting incidents and activities and responding in a manner that advances the best interests of the client and meets the goals and principles of the KLH
• Provide service referrals and advocate for tenants and others to receive necessary services and supports; educate tenants and service providers about tenancy responsibilities
• Monitor communities for housing unit takeovers and other criminal activities; provide regular reports and evidence to, and collaborate with, local enforcement agencies
• Investigate, document, and assist with resolutions of violations under applicable legislation; collect, document, provide evidence, and participate in mediation and hearings at the Landlord and Tenant Board, as necessary
• Respond to police requests for video footage and other information, including during off hours
• Inform Manager of significant issues and/or risks to self, staff, tenants, or the corporation

Specific to Community Development:

• Facilitate and promote tenant involvement in events and initiatives promoting community development, safety planning, energy efficiency, health and well-being, etc.
• Research, apply for, implement, and report on grant funding opportunities to provide services and supports for residents and communities

As a member of the professional team:

• Administer procedures and recommend resources to achieve strategic objectives
• Complete continuous research and analysis of industry trends and issues to make recommendations to management and remain current in area of specialty
• Manage stakeholder interactions in the supply and receipt of information, analysis, and resolution of issues
• Partner with process or program owners to share program objectives, analyze gaps, provide advice on actions to be incorporated in other’s processes, act as a program/service champion
• Maintain documentation and or databases and corporate records in accordance with policy and divisional practice; consider legislative requirements such as MFIPPA and the Residential Tenancies Act
• Provide data to allow reporting and decision making
• Procure services and goods related to areas of responsibility
• Contribute to the development of annual program needs
• Provide other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma in Social Services, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Mental Health and Addictions or a related field
• Minimum three (3) years of related progressive experience in a residential setting, including experience working with diverse populations including people who have histories of homelessness, psychiatric disability, criminal justice involvement, substance use, behavioural issues, and trauma
• Certification in NVCI (Non-Violent Crisis Intervention) and Mental Health First Aid, or willingness to obtain
• Solid knowledge and understanding the Residential Tenancies Act, Housing Services Act, Trespass to Properties Act, eviction prevention strategies, and applicable industry-related legislation, regulations, and community programs and services
• Excellent crisis intervention and conflict mediation skills with ability to remain calm and think critically in crisis and/or traumatic situations. This includes the ability to quickly and skillfully assess complex situations, analyze response options, make decisions, and respond in the moment with sound judgement
• Exceptional interpersonal/relationship building skills and outcome-based problem solving skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to take initiative; particularly in situations where things change rapidly
• Effective oral communication; excellent written communication skills; attention to detail and accuracy
• Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion, tact, and sensitivity in delicate and highly charged situations while maintaining a high degree of confidentiality at all times, complying with all applicable privacy legislation and local policies and procedures
• Demonstrated awareness, promotion, and practice of self-care strategies and healthy coping mechanisms
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office, the internet and any other related software
• Possess and maintain a valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s Licence or the ability to frequently attend work related activities at various sites within the municipalities or at other sites within Ontario
• Upon a conditional offer of employment, a Criminal Record Check will be required

Applicants must be prepared for skills testing.