COMMUNITY RELATIONS WORKER

Join us and help make a difference! At Grey County we work together to deliver essential public services that meet the needs of our communities. Grey County isnt just a great place to live; its also a great place to work!
We are proud to offer competitive wages and an attractive total compensation package. We support learning and continuous employee development, and champion career progression for our employees. We value work-life balance, so you can make the most of your career at Grey County, while making the most of your life in Grey County!
Apply now to join our team!

Please be advised this is a contract position from approx. mid-January until the beginning of August (about seven (7) months). The closing date for this position is Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 4:30pm.

Purpose

To provide support for Grey County Housing tenants in order to maintain tenancy and promote improved well-being. The Community Relations Worker will develop and maintain a cooperative working relationship between local community service providers, County Housing Staff, and tenants to foster tenant relations, and facilitate community development initiatives and opportunities.

Responsibilities

General

• Act as a resource for Housing tenants and staff and clarify the policies and role of housing and social agencies to tenants and the general public.
• Provide recommendations and support for by-names list unit allocation and success
• Act as a secondary resource to the Tenant Services Coordinator in executing lease signings and move-ins
• Visit and assist at-risk tenants who require additional supports, including counselling, health support, and/or community assistance (i.e., parenting, income, employment, mental health, and/or food security resources)
• Provide mediation and referral services to tenants and provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Contact community agencies and health professionals, as required, to advocate for tenants
• Facilitate community development in various housing communities to promote and meet the needs of the tenants. Prepare proposals for funding of tenant activities, and coordinates/participate in the implementation of approved proposals.
• Assist community centres, tenant associations, social groups, and tenants to organize special tenant events and tenant association activities.
• Participate in inter-agency meetings and professional development workshops to respond to inquiries, develop cooperative relationships, advocate for tenant groups, and promote community group associations, and housing programs and services to the broader community.
• Assist in coordinating programming, support services, information sessions, and events at the Alpha Family Resource Centre. Develop and distribute the monthly calendar of events.
• Conduct home visits to inform tenants of the handbook/guidelines and assist tenants seeking transfers.
• Prepare written recommendations and reports for tenants and tenant services, following each visit. Provide follow up with tenants as necessary.
• Report building deficiencies observed during visits to maintenance staff. Recommend improvements to the Manager of Community Housing for consideration during the budget process.
• Assist tenants in completing forms, surveys, and other documentation such as annual reviews, applications and social assistance and pension forms.
• Provide summary reports to the Manager of Community Housing regarding interactions and activities performed with families and individual tenants.
• Participate as a member of the internal Application and Tenant Review Committee regarding approval of new or transferring tenants.
• Coordinate the investigation and resolution of tenancy matters including violations under the Residential Tenancies Act.
• Supervise Event Coordinators involving staff selection, training, work assignment and performance appraisals
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and procedures related to Residential Tenancy Act and Housing Services Act, 2011 for safety and security and well-being of tenants.
• Review current policies and make recommendations for modifications and/or the development of new procedures where necessary
• Collect evidence at the request of the Tenant Services Coordinator for Landlord Tenant Board proceedings, including security footage and written declarations. Prepare witnesses and educate tenants and community supports on the Landlord Tribunal proceedings, while sharing knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2011.
• Testify in court proceedings regarding various matters
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Usual hours of work are 35 hours per week; core hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm. Work is performed in a standard office 30% of time and in tenants residences 70% of the time.

The Community Relations Worker (CRW) travels throughout the Grey County Housing portfolio. The successful candidate would exhibit excellent risk assessment skills in order to ensure health and safety when visiting tenants in their homes.

Some overtime is required to cope with deadlines, peak periods, and unexpected situations that arise within the Housing Portfolio. Occasional evening and weekend hours will be required to attend tenant/community meetings or provide crisis assistance.

Contacts
Internal Working Relationships

Receives direction and guidance from the Tenant Services Manager. This position is in constant contact with other County housing staff regarding departmental/tenant issues. There is ongoing contact with other County staff, in particular the Social Services and Finance Departments, to exchange information and ensure services are provided for housing tenants. There is routine contact with the 24-hour emergency answering service when the incumbent is on call.

External Working Relationships

Regularly conducts interviews with, and provides information to, tenants regarding policies, procedures, and to provide support services and on-going follow-up. Regularly explains County housing policies, procedures, and directives to the general public. This position will have frequent contact with social and support agencies, Police and Fire Departments, government offices and consultants regarding the availability of social support systems.

Knowledge and Skill

• Post secondary education in Social and Behavioural Sciences, Community Development, or equivalent discipline, normally acquired through the attainment of a Community College Diploma in Social Work or Social Services, plus two years related experience.
• Knowledge of community development, alternative dispute resolution and social and behavioural sciences.
• Knowledge of social housing policies and procedures, as well as related Provincial and Federal Legislation including the Residential Tenancy Act 2006, Housing Services Act, 2011, Child Welfare Act, Occupational Health & Safety Act, and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Familiarity with Building and Fire Codes in order to report building deficiencies to maintenance staff and Tenant Services Coordinators.
• Knowledge of Landlord Tenant Board procedures including documentation, submission of evidence and testimony.
• Ability to demonstrate and navigate local complex housing systems in addressing housing takeovers and housing needs
• Strong communication, human relations, conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills in order to recognize the need for, and obtain the intervention of, other professionals.
• Consider various cultural practices and beliefs and work in a non-judgmental, empathetic manner with tenants from a variety of backgrounds and cultures
• Ability to demonstrate use tact and judgement when communicating with others and when providing support to tenants in crisis
• Demonstrated ability to assess safety risks, recognize liability and conduct oneself in a manner that minimizes risk to staff, tenants and the County
• Effective time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills in order to prioritize and plan work activities
• Proficient computer skills and knowledge of software packages such as Microsoft Office and waiting list and financial management systems.
• Ability to travel to various locations within Grey County and to attend professional development outside of Grey County. Possession of a Valid Drivers License and maintenance of a reliable vehicle are an asset
• Must provide an acceptable Police Records Check to ensure suitability when working with vulnerable populations.
• Demonstrated ability to write reports, recommendations, visit notes, follow-up letters, referral letters, Housing and other agency forms, and Coordinated Access applications.

Impact of Error

Failure to respond to tenant requests in an appropriate and/or timely manner, or delays in resolving issues, could result in poor landlord/tenant relations, further tension and frustration for tenants, negative public image, and loss of confidence in the services provided by Grey County Housing.

Failure to consult with service coordinators, refer tenants appropriately, and/or report suspected neglect and/or abuse to Family and Children Services could result in tenants remaining in at-risk situations, which could lead to physical or mental harm, and could result in legal action against the County of Grey.

Failure to properly store, maintain, or share confidential information could result in a loss of confidence in the services offered by Grey County Housing, legal action against the County, and could negatively impact tenants safety. Failure to complete and submit case documentation in a timely manner could negatively impact the work and assessment abilities of professionals involved with the family, resulting in legal action against external service coordinators and/or the County of Grey.

Grey County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and promotes a culture of respect where all team members are valued for their unique talents, knowledge and lived experiences.
Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants are encouraged to outline accommodation needs when submitting their application. If alternate methods of application are required, candidates can email careers@grey.ca.
While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Any personal information submitted will be managed in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and will be used only to determine eligibility for employment.
Based on the nature of the position, pre-employment screening may be required including but not limited to; Criminal Record Searches, Financial Credit Inquiries; Educational and Credential Verification; Drivers Abstracts; Drug/Alcohol Testing; Pre-Medical Testing and Investigative Employment References.