Housing Support Coordinator Jobs

Job Title: Housing Support Coordinator

Status: Temporary, Part-time

Schedule: Monday - Friday (Hybrid)

Hours: 28 hours/week

Wage: $28.32- $32.51 (Starting at $28.32/hr)

Grid: 12

Start Date: ASAP

End Date: March 31, 2024

Posting Date: June 20, 2023

Closing Date: Open Until filled

Please note that internal applicants must apply by June 26, 2023, internal applications received after this date will not be considered as internal and seniority will not apply – position will remain open until filled.

The Opportunity:

The Housing Support Coordinator (HSC) will use core Housing First principles to provide direct and indirect support to individuals and families to plan and successfully find, secure, and maintain stable and long-term housing. Through a client-centered holistic approach, the HSC in collaboration with BC Settlement & Integration staff will provide first language individualized support to clients to help assess their ongoing housing needs, personal plans, implementation of housing-based supports (applications to affordable housing, Rental Assistance Program (RAP), subsidies, transition housing and emergency shelters), coordinate referrals to housing-related resources and advocate for clients facing eviction, tenancy disputes or homelessness. In addition, the HSC will facilitate meetings/case conferences with clients, staff, and strategic housing stakeholders to share information, problem-solve and build and strengthen relationships to enable clients to be equitably housed in permanent housing so that they can build stronger community connections and have a greater sense of belonging. Having extensive knowledge of the housing system in BC, the HSC will build relationships with housing stakeholders in the community, conduct housing research, compile, and distribute housing resources to staff and provide information and orientation to staff and clients on available housing supports.

THE KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES ARE:

• Supports clients navigating the housing system by providing information about provincial, municipal, non-profit, coop and market housing and relevant supports;
• Maintains related records and statistics through accurate and timely documentation and contributes towards producing quarterly and annual reports as required;
• Supports clients facing housing precarity and homelessness by providing assisted access to transitional housing and/or shelters including registration to BC Charms;
• Coordinates housing related appointments in collaboration with BC Settlement and Integration staff who provide cultural bridging between clients and housing providers through language and cultural interpretation and translation;
• Networks and liaises with landlords, owners, property managers, housing providers, agencies, and stakeholders in the community to develop proactive housing relationships and expand partnerships;
• Develops and updates a housing resource directory that can be utilized by staff and clients navigating housing systems;
• Maintains client confidentiality in all aspects of their work;
• Collaborates with the Group Orientation Coordinator to identify key guest speakers who can provide housing focused group orientation workshops to clients and staff as needed;
• Helps clients with following up with landlords/tenants as needed to resolve concerns, complaints, or repair requests;
• Facilitates meetings/case conferences between clients, BC Settlement & Integration staff, and strategic housing stakeholders to share information, problem-solve and build and strengthen relationships to enable clients to be equitably housed in permanent housing;
• Conducts client surveys and assessments to capture housing needs and trends data that can be utilized in developing best practices to supporting newcomers with housing needs;
• Works collaboratively with BC Settlement & Integration staff to provide individualized advice, support, information, and guidance to help clients address barriers to housing and to ensure their housing needs are met;
• Provides support to clients navigating housing disputes by mediating issues and liaising between landlords, TRAC, and the BC Residential Tenancy Branch;
• Identifies when referrals to other programs and services are appropriate and provides follow up to any referrals to bridge gaps and ensure supported access as needed for the client;
• Collaborates with the BC Settlement & Integration staff to provide 1:1 information and orientation to clients on tenancy rights and responsibilities;
• Provides 1:1 support in the implementation of housing-based supports including: housing eligibility assessment, applying to affordable housing and/or market housing, targeted housing search based on income, family size or specialized needs (LGBTQ+ and assisted living), applying for housing subsidy programs and outreach to property owners/landlords to find suitable housing for clients;
• Provides 1:1 support to clients using a culturally focused and intersectional lens to help identify housing needs and promptly find matches to available housing resources based on identified needs and clients’ preference and values;

Qualified candidates will possess:

• Demonstrated ability for active listening, and building trust and rapport with all stakeholders;
• Minimum of (2) years’ work experience in affordable housing, project/program coordination and/or delivery of non-profit programs to benefit migrant communities or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience;
• Experience working with individuals who experience barriers to housing is an asset;
• Belief in the self-determination of newcomers is an asset.
• Experience with outreach and community engagement is an asset;
• Demonstrated understanding of housing accessibility barriers and its impact on racialized migrant populations;
• Demonstrated ability to advocate for clients’ needs and resources;
• Ability to multitask, prioritize and adapt to emerging needs;
• Excellent organizational and coordination skills;
• Proven track record of coordinating with multiple stakeholders to catalyze collaboration;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• A strengths-based, harm reduction, anti-racism/anti-oppression, and inclusive engagement philosophy of service provision.
• Degree in Social Sciences (i.e., social work, family support, community development or other relevant education/training) or employer-approved alternative or an acceptable combination of education, training, and/or experience;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently; take initiative, solve problems and work as part of a team;
• Deep understanding of equity, diversity, and cultural safety
• Extensive knowledge of social housing systems, housing programs and providers and housing advocacy organizations in the Lower Mainland;
• Demonstrated expertise in utilizing CRM systems for efficient and accurate client data management is an asset;
• Demonstrated recent experience in providing individualized advice, support, information, and guidance to newcomers related to housing;
• Strong analytical and research skills;

This position requires union membership. A Criminal Record Check is a requirement of employment.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter as separate attachments. As part of the application process, you will be prompted to complete a short questionnaire. Please ensure all questions are answered.

This position is open to current employees of DIVERSEcity only.

To view all opportunities at DIVERSEcity visit www.dcrs.ca/work-with-us/.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position is based in our Surrey office and is a blend of remote and in-person services. DIVERSEcity has implemented new safety procedures for in-office and in-person work, to view our safety plan, please visit www.dcrs.ca/news/diversecity-covid-19-safety-plan/. Successful candidates will be provided with the training and equipment to safely carry out their duties, ensuring the best protection for our staff and clients.

A comprehensive job description will be provided to all candidates shortlisted for interviews.

DIVERSEcity is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from people of all gender identities and expressions, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples and visible minorities. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process may contact our HR department at ([email protected]). Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

About DIVERSEcity

DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society is a registered charity devoted to helping newcomers. For 40 years we have focused on providing specialized services newcomers to find employment, learn English, find housing, deal with family challenges, work through mental health issues and access medical care. DIVERSEcity is a client-centred organization committed to quality and accountability. We value growth, respect, integrity and compassion. To learn more about DIVERSEcity visit us at https://www.dcrs.ca/.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.