Housing Support Worker

POSITION SUMMARY

The Help Centre is a non-profit organization, located in Cobourg, Ontario that provides programs and services to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged residents in Northumberland County. We are currently looking for a 3 day part-time, Housing Support Worker to join our team.

This role will provide housing related support to low-income clients to enable them to maintain their tenancies. It will also build strong relationships with other community resources and local landlords with the aim of ensuring successful tenancies and preventing evictions.

We want a dynamic, friendly person who understands the current housing situation in Northumberland County and must demonstrate, knowledge of clerical and administrative procedures and systems, strong knowledge of services and resources in Northumberland County; have a positive attitude towards low income clients with multiple needs; show empathy towards our clients, also show commitment to social equity and justice; and commitment to client services that are offered with dignity and respect.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

· Post-secondary education in social service and/or at least 2 years’ experience working in the social service field. Education and/or experience with marketing materials is an asset.

· Good interpersonal and communication skills

· Access to a reliable vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and a clean driver’s abstract

· A satisfactory Criminal Reference Check including a Vulnerable Sector Search

· Ability to work flexible hours

· Experience dealing with confidential information

· Intermediate computer skills (Microsoft Office, internet research)

· Data and record management skills

· Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

· Excellent communication and negotiation skills

· Demonstrated ability to work within a team

HOUSING DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide individual support and follow-up to clients addressing their housing needs and provide advocacy relating to housing and the needs identified during the Intake Assessment.

· Develop supporting relationships with clients and have regular and on-going contact with them.

· Assist individuals to access basic needs, access income supports, sustain tenancies, complete applications related to housing, access information and other community resources.

• Provide information on rental choices based on the clients’ income and family circumstances.
• Attend meetings and committees related to housing, such as the Homelessness Coordinated Response Team, the Northumberland Affordable Housing Committee, amongst others.
• Maintain a close relationship with Northumberland County Social Services.

· Represent the agency in local initiatives involved in addressing homelessness.

· Monitor and complete all reporting obligations with relevant funders.

· Represent The Help Centre at the Homelessness Individual and Family Information System (HIFIS) committee.

OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Answering the phone

· Assist walk-in clients and complete client intakes

· Provide general advocacy and system navigation with clients

· Complete appropriate forms as required

· Provide information, guidance and referrals to appropriate community services

· Write reports as required

· Report regularly to Executive Director

Job Type: Part-time

Salary: From $19.05 per hour

Expected hours: 21 per week

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• First Aid Certification (preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Cobourg, ON K9A 5J4 (required)

Work Location: In person