Program Manager - Project Home

St. Leonard’s Community Services (SLCS) is currently seeking a dynamic candidate for a new management position in Project Home, a Housing First/housing stability program aimed at improving the health and housing outcomes of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. The new Program Manager will complement our existing leadership team, in supporting various housing initiatives, as the program continues to expand its services within the City of London. Project Home focuses on housing and supporting individuals who have experienced chronic and persistent homelessness, anchoring them in their community, and establishing a sense of belonging through the provision of assertive and intensive housing first case management. Supported by the City of London through the London Homeless Prevention System, Project Home is a collaborative effort between various community agencies.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Senior Director of Operations, the Program Manager will be fully responsible for various aspects and management of day-to-day program delivery. Key areas of responsibility will include:

• Building strong working relationships with funders and community partners;
• Liaising with housing stability organizations to maintain and enhance strong Housing partner relationships;
• Providing leadership support to a team engaged in networking with landlords to develop new housing opportunities for participants;
• Leading our Housing Identification Program by guiding the work of landlord liaisons and housing finders as they navigate the on-going housing crisis;
• Working as a member of Project Home’s collaborative leadership team;
• Participating in the development of cross-organizational procedures and protocols for the effective facilitation and management of the housing allowance program.

As a member of the SLCS leadership team you will provide direct supervision to a team of front-line service delivery employees with regard to all aspects of their employment and job performance. You will lead and support resolution of day-to-day issues and complaints and work with staff, program participants, and/or housing/service partners towards mutually agreeable outcomes. You will lead the development, implementation and evaluation of new and ongoing programming, including the exciting expansion of SLCS’ Housing Identification and Housing Allowances programs. You will be responsible to ensure the health and safety of employees, program participants and visitors at all times. In addition to oversight of program budgets, including maintenance and reconciliation of petty cash, you will oversee the collection and compilation of all statistical data and narrative reports related to the programs and provide monthly and ad hoc written reports as established/required.

You will be required to provide rotational “on-call” support which entails being available to respond after business hours and on weekends to urgent or emergency calls from agency staff across all programs on a 24 hours per day/7 days per week basis. This duty will be assigned as per an established schedule of approximately one-week rotation per 8 weeks, with the potential to change at times.

A strong understanding of Housing First and harm reduction philosophies and intersections of the Criminal Justice System and mental health and addictions is required, as gained through a blend of formal education and direct work experience. You possess strong leadership skills, tact, diplomacy and superior communication skills both verbal and written in English. Advanced training in mediation / conflict resolution is preferred.

Required Qualifications:

Completed degree (preferred) or diploma in Social Services;

Minimum 5 – 7 years direct work experience, preferably in housing first, mental health and addictions and/ or a social justice program;

Minimum 2 years leadership or management experience;

Valid G class license and a reliable vehicle;

Standard First Aid/CPR Level C certification; and

ASIST and CPI certification

Required Competencies:

• Experience with conflict resolution and effective problem solving;
• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and developing staff to reach their full potential; and
• Candidates who are proficient in both official languages of Canada considered an asset.
• A strong understanding of the housing market, residential tenancies act and other housing-related by-laws considered an asset;
• Considerable experience addressing the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness or those at risk of homelessness including developing and implementing successful case management plans;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization, community partners, funders and other stakeholders;
• Superior judgment and problem-solving skills, particularly in high risk / high stress situations;
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan, prioritize, organize and complete work effectively within established timeframes where precedents and/or policies are not always available;
• Advanced knowledge of the Criminal Justice System in Canada and individuals experiencing homelessness or those at risk of homelessness;
• Thorough understanding of harm reduction theory;
• Strong ability to lead projects, motivate, coach, mentor and provide constructive feedback to employees;

In accordance with SLCS’ policy on Police Background Checks, this position requires that the individual provide, at their own cost, a clear Police Check, which includes vulnerable sector screening as a condition of employment. SLCS adheres to the French Language Services Act and is committed to promoting equity and diversity in our employment practices. As well, we are an equal opportunity employer which is committed to an inclusive and barrier-free workplace, in support of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should an applicant require accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, please inform the recruitment contact and we will work with the applicant to meet the accommodation needs. SLCS is an equal opportunity employer which is committed to an inclusive and barrier-free workplace.