Landlord And Housing Retention Support Worker

Job title: Landlord and Housing Retention Support Worker

Department: Housing

Reports to: Housing Manager and Team Lead – Outreach & Landlord Engagement

Hours of work: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Job purpose

The Landlord and Housing Retention Support Worker (LHW) will work in the Landlord Support Program, which assists landlords to access financial help associated with the program such as a signing bonus, maintenance and repair costs, lost rent, and vacancy, as well as pest control. In addition, the LHW will be responsible for ensuring claims are valid and will request appropriate documentation for all applications.

The Landlord and Housing Retention Support Worker (LHW) will work alongside the Landlord Engagement Specialist (LES) to provide support services to local housing providers and program users related to landlord support and risk mitigation. Working in collaboration with the Landlord Engagement Specialist, prospective units will be screened for safety and legalities to ensure clients are only moving into spaces that will contribute to long-term successful housing placements.

The Landlord and Housing Retention Support Worker (LHW) will work with low acuity clients who are housed through the Opening Doors Program. The LHW will meet with the clients regularly and ensure that the clients are following through with their responsibilities as tenants with the goal of retaining housing for these individuals.

This position is a one-year contract role with possibility of extension subject to funding.

Company Overview

Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) is an independent, not-for-profit social planning organization that has been working to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families and communities in Durham for over 50 years. We organize a variety of research, community development and social planning initiatives as well as administer and deliver front line social service programs. Please visit us at www.cdcd.org for more information.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Assist tenants in retaining their housing by offering resources and referrals to address their immediate needs
• Participate in promoting a positive workplace culture through agency committee membership and departmental activities
• Work with landlords to ensure their units comply with bi-law and zoning requirements
• Work closely with the Landlord Engagement Specialist and CDCD's Housing team
• Evaluate damage claims submitted for accuracy, appropriateness and costs; including scope of work, quotes for repair and other costs
• Attend and participate in progress updates
• Process program-related invoices and receipts to maintain proper financial reporting
• Maintain client files and ensure confidentiality and privacy protection for both the landlord and tenant
• Conduct regular check in’s with clients in the Opening Doors Program to ensure that their tenant responsibilities are being met
• Organize and manage Opening Doors Program evaluation processes
• Provide regular communication with all parties involved
• Actively collaborate and support Housing Workers in Durham Region to access Opening Doors Program supports on behalf of tenants and landlords
• Perform verification of dwelling unit ownership for new landlords or any changes in ownership
• Perform other administrative or program related duties as assigned by Manager or Team Lead
• Ensures that workplace conduct and activities are in accordance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act
• Assist clients with filling out HSP applications and gathering documentation
• Confirm move-in and move-out inspections are completed to ensure legalities, safety and condition of the space for clients
• Apply and adhere to all program and governance policies
• Prepare cheque requisitions
• Review and determine eligibility of prospective clients for Landlord Support Program

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of intake and assessment procedures, good knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act and Landlord and Tenant Board
• Knowledge of gender-based violence, anti-oppression principles and trauma-informed approaches
• Experience in dealing with landlords, tenant disputes and eviction notices
• Experience in conflict resolution, de-escalation, referral and advocacy for clients
• Must be a good communicator and presenter with the ability to take and record notes
• Knowledge of housing bi-law and zoning requirements
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, team environment
• 1 to 2 years relevant experience in a community-based setting, in a housing sector
• Must be an excellent problem solver and have strong ability to prioritize
• Post-secondary degree/certification in Social Services with experience in housing and community development – or a combination of education and experience
• Possesses working knowledge of current Windows Operating System, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Demonstrates understanding of the Durham Region social service sector and issues faced by marginalized populations we serve

Additional Requirements

• The Landlord and Housing Retention Support Worker will need to be flexible in the case of attending evening and/or weekend meetings and events as required
• The physical ability to function effectively in an environment that includes both a normal office and duties being carried out in an external setting
• The successful candidate must provide an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Screening and certificate demonstrating proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 prior to commencing employment
• A valid Ontario driver’s license (Class G), use of a vehicle and insurance with the ability to work in a variety of settings is an asset

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants are requested to submit their resume and a cover letter stating salary expectation, while outlining their strengths, experience and aptitude to fulfill the position requirements.

Please submit applications to “Landlord and Housing Retention Support Worker” at: https://communitydevelopmentcouncildurha.easyapply.co

CDCD thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those asked for additional information and/or selected for an interview will be contacted.

CDCD is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace that represents the cultural mosaic of the Durham Region and the communities we serve. We recognize the value that comes from the different viewpoints, unique experiences and diverse perspectives of our employees, who bring fresh, new ideas to our business. Diversity plays a key role in our ability to deliver our mission.

CDCD is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion within its community and encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQ2S persons, and others who may contribute to fostering innovative ideas and solutions.

As an employer, CDCD has a duty to accommodate potential candidates throughout the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.