ABOUT US

Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high-quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.
At Niagara Region, we value diversity - in background and experience. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We aspire to hire and grow a workforce reflective of the diverse community we serve. By doing so, we can deliver better programs and services across Niagara.
We welcome all applicants! For more information about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Niagara Region, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Niagara Region, Ontario or email related questions to diversity@niagararegion.ca. To send input on reducing barriers in the current hiring process, please email myhr@niagararegion.ca
For the Region’s full employee equity statement, Working at Niagara Region - Niagara Region, Ontario.

DON’T HAVE EVERY QUALIFICATION?

You may be hesitant to apply if you do not have every qualification listed in the posting. While specific qualifications are important for certain roles, we invite individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of experience and education to apply. Our recruiters will evaluate your suitability for the role.
Please note that for unionized roles, we must follow collective agreement requirements. However, we encourage all interested candidates to submit their applications. We believe success in a role can extend beyond meeting every single requirement.

JOB SUMMARY

Salary Pending Review
Reporting to the Funded Program Supervisor, the Affordable Housing Programs Administrator is responsible for overseeing the administration for various affordable housing programs, ensuring proponents of new developments and housing providers participating in rent benefit programs are in compliance with funding agreements, legislation and Niagara Region Housing Services policies/standards, and further providing direction, clarification and guidance to all relevant invested parties. This role is also responsible for providing direction, support, and guidance for complex Rent Geared to Income (RGI) reviews.

EDUCATION

• Post-secondary degree in Public Administration, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) Certification through recognized institutions (e.g. Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association).
• Accreditation in property management from a recognized institution such as Institute of Housing Management (IHM) is an asset

KNOWLEDGE

• 3 to 5 years of progressive experience in the areas of program compliance, policy development, interpreting and applying legislation
• At least 3 years experience performing eligibility reviews in a human services environment
• Strong Investigative, analytical, communication and problem-solving skills
• Comprehensive knowledge of Housing Services Act, Residential Tenancies Act, privacy legislation (MFIPPA and PIPEDA) and related acts
• Experience developing and implementing process improvements, Lean Six Sigma training would be considered an asset

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regional staff strive to enable the strategic priorities of council and the organization through the completion of their work. Staff carry out their work by demonstrating the corporate values.
• Must maintain ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Compliance and Operational Auditing – Plan and conduct compliance and risk/audit reviews to ensure compliance with funded program guidelines (30% of time):

• Lead, coordinate and conduct operational RGI audits on housing providers participating in rent supplement or other funded programs to ensure compliance with service agreements, legislation and housing services polices.
• Conduct operation reviews/audits on proponents who developed projects under various affordable Housing Programs funded through contribution agreements and/or under Municipal Housing facility Agreements to ensure compliance with program and agreement requirements
• Prepare clear and concise written review reports on findings of reviews, citing legislative references, funding or agreement requirements, comments, directions and recommendations on process improvements.
• Formulate and revise reporting templates, communicate deadlines and audit submissions
• Communicate report findings to boards, housing providers, and other invested parties
• Review and monitor provider responses to reports and implementation status to ensure compliance with directions.
• Address areas of non-compliance with funded programs supervisor when all resolution avenues have been exhausted

Supports affordable housing programs and solution development. (30% of the time)

• Responsible for ensuring annual reporting requirements are completed for all providers that received funding through various affordable housing programs.
• Providing oversight, clarification, guidance and direction to affordable housing providers on requirements per funded program guidelines and municipal housing facility agreements
• Creates/revises Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) s to support compliance related programs and activities
• Maintain records of all documentation related to funded affordable housing program providers, ensuring compliance with retention guidelines
• Analyze outcomes of audits/reviews to identify common issues, problems and trends
• Act as Niagara Region Housing Services Appeals committee. Review and analyze appealable decisions with regards to RGI calculations and eligibility, occupancy standards and local priority groups, using local rules and relevant legislation to decide whether the decisions are upheld or overturned