Manager, Housing Services (Contract – 1 Year Maternity Leave)

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager, Housing Services will oversee all housing programs and services, including the supervision of the Housing First Caseworker(s), Housing Support Specialist(s), and Mental Health and Addictions Caseworker(s).The Manager, Housing Services will play an active role in community advocacy related to homelessness and their work will fuel greater efforts to raise awareness and supports for people experiencing homelessness in the north Durham catchment area. The Manager, Housing Services will be required to demonstrate excellent judgement, diplomacy, tact, decision-making and problem-solving capabilities with an ability to act in a crisis-oriented environment and a proven ability to develop and maintain rapport with internal and external partners. They will work collaboratively to build key relationships to drive new programs and initiatives, measuring outcomes and carefully monitoring progress towards those efforts and building upon our successes.

The Manager, Housing Services is a strategic thinker who is skilled in people leadership and collaboration, and who will continue to bring internal and external partners together to make a significant contribution to marginalized residents who are experiencing homelessness.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Management

• Supervise all current and new housing services staff including the Housing First Caseworker(s), Housing Support Specialist(s), and Mental Health and Addictions Caseworker(s)
• Conduct an annual performance review process that includes goal setting along with staff development and identified training needs
• Participate in the recruitment and hiring of program staff including the on-boarding of new employees
• Foster a motivational and cooperative team work environment
• Plan and chair housing services meetings and debriefing sessions with staff on a regular basis
• Present recommendations of staff complement and/or major organizational design changes to the Executive Director
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of all housing programs to ensure that services are efficient, locally relevant, and outcome driven
• Formulate objectives and action plans to support the organization’s strategic plan
• Ensure that the organization meets the service delivery requirements as stipulated by the funders, and ensure that all necessary tools and resources are developed to operate effectively in an outcome-based measurement environment
• Complete data integrity checks both on HIFIS database and staff client files to ensure expectations are up to standard and client needs are being met
• Ensure that all relevant policies, service standards and informational materials are developed and provided to all staff
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of housing programs
• Lead and strengthen community-based initiatives
• Prepare monthly statistical and other reports as required
• Process monthly mileage and expense reports for staff
• Monitoring and approval of vacation and time off requests
• Other duties as required or assigned by the Executive Director

Program and Organizational Development

• Participate as an active member of the management team in strategic planning and organizational development
• Prepare and make recommendations on services, products, program development, retention strategies, and resource requirements
• Strengthen North House’s presence in north Durham as a collaborative and innovative leader in housing initiatives
• Manages the By-Name List Access Point program, including reporting, program development, program intakes and updates
• Oversees financial based programs and supports such as food cards, tangible items and furniture expenses, including approvals, disbursement of funds and reporting
• Develops and oversees new programs as required or as assigned by the Executive Director

Community Relations and Outreach

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community partners and stakeholders
• Participates in various committees as required or as assigned by the Executive Director
• Liaise with community partners by:
• informing community agencies about North House and its programs
• facilitating referrals and meetings with agencies
• advocating for low-income households
• obtaining community support for non-traditional initiatives and programs
• attending and participating in community planning events and activities

Housing Support and Homelessness Prevention

Support staff client needs when necessary by providing the following supports:

• Intake of clients on a walk-in and appointment basis
• Meet with clients and landlords in the community
• Advocate on a client’s behalf with OW, ODSP, other social agencies, local hostels and shelters
• Assist clients in finding permanent or temporary housing (i.e. referrals to shelters/hostels)
• Advocate/negotiate/mediate with landlord on client’s behalf
• Assist clients with applications for Housing Stability Benefit, LEAP funding and any other appropriate programs
• Provide information on the Residential Tenancies Act, Rental Tribunal process and the eviction process
• Accompany clients to the Landlord Tenant Board hearings if required
• Connect clients to resources in other cities when they are preparing to relocate
• Complete housing searches for clients who require housing
• Assist clients with applications for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)
• Assist clients with applications for replacement ID
• Organize the Bridging the Gap program including application and reporting
• Oversee the housing subsidy program including application, yearly review and reporting
• Provide support, advice and mentoring to housing staff with their clients when required
• Manage Harm Reduction and Naloxone distribution, inventory and reporting
• Onboarding, supervision, and training of student placements including development of learning plan, meeting with academic advisors, and overseeing completion of hours and tasks

Client Services, Case Management and Documentation

• Ensure services & treatment are delivered from a strength-based framework and customized to meet individualized needs of clients
• Provide crisis intervention linkages, referrals through consultation to ensure client support and housing stabilization
• Foster and maintain ongoing relationships with clients, service providers, and identified resources
• Maintain up-to-date case notes, progress reports and client files with clear rationale for methods and intervention used, and statistical documentation in accordance with the program requirements
• Complete and maintain accurate statistical and narrative reports on all clients
• Maintain a system to track and report all performance indicators for North House programs
• Ensure that all client data is entered accurately and in a timely manner into the HIFIS database
• Maintain client files with all relevant information required by the program guidelines
• Complete HIFIS and reporting information checks in order to ensure data integrity

SKILLS

• Social Services Worker diploma from an accredited College or University (BSW or SSW from an accredited College or University
• Member in good standing of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or must be able to obtain membership within the first three months of employment
• Minimum of 3 years recent experience in the area of housing placement and or social work
• Demonstrated success in coaching and mentoring staff to achieve team and organizational goals
• Minimum 3 years of management experience including budgeting, financial management, reporting and administration
• Working knowledge and understanding of the Region of Durham’s Homelessness Coordinated Access System and Built for Zero Campaign is an asset
• Experience working within a non-profit and/or social services environment
• Experience providing support services to individuals facing challenges surrounding their homelessness, including, but not limited to; mental health, family violence and/or addictions
• Strong knowledge of needs, experiences and community services for the homeless population
• Knowledge and understanding of social housing, the Residential Tenancy Act and eviction prevention strategies
• Knowledge of current north Durham housing market, trends, vacancy rates, and rental prices
• Ability and experience assessing client needs, and ability to assist staff to develop strategies for achieving goals while problem-solving barriers
• Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; as well as ability to establish rapport and excellent communication (written and oral) with clients, team members, community partners and Executive Director
• Driver’s license and access to vehicle required
• Demonstrated excellent administrative and organizational skills; strong computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint is an asset
• Previous experience using and data entry into HIFIS is an asset
• A current vulnerable sector police check with a negative return is required

WORKING CONDITIONS        

• Sits at a desk, as well as stands and walks daily, in order to perform the duties of the job
• Works in office and work field environments
• Exposure to abusive/irate clients, distractions, interruptions and deadlines
• Possible exposure to substances and/or needles, pests, and biohazards (PPE provided)
• Interacts with clients, staff, visitors and staff from other organizations
• Able to lift items as heavy as 25 lbs
• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• A current police vulnerable sector check is required

LOCATION
The North House main office is in Uxbridge. Due to North House’s service delivery requirements, the incumbent will be required to work and travel throughout Durham Region, primary in the north Durham area. Office setting with occasional travel to events or client and agency meetings within the Durham Region catchment area.

COMPENSATION AND HOURS

This is a full-time contract position for one year to cover maternity leave. The position is in-office with regular hours of work are 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday; however, occasional evenings and weekends may be required. Salary is based on experience. Extended health care including dental and vision care. Ten paid personal days plus three weeks vacation.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement of all North House staff except for those with an approved medical or human rights exemption.

If you are ready to embark on this journey with us and join in on the continued growth and success of this organization, this may be the opportunity for you!

Please note that submissions will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and therefore early submission is encouraged. Please send your resume to *******@**********.**. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.