Housing Advisor - Housing Services

at  Lutherwood

STARLING COMMUNITY SERVICES IS DEDICATED TO SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES WHERE EVERYONE EXPERIENCES MENTAL WELLNESS, OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYMENT, A PLACE TO CALL HOME, AND A SENSE OF BELONGING.

To better serve the diversity of our community, the agency is committed to embedding anti-racist, anti-oppressive practices, and perspectives into the fabric of our organization. We have implemented mandatory antiracism training, we are actively building safe spaces to host brave conversations for learning, and we are fostering a culture of belonging for all, but especially BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, historically and presently marginalized individuals and communities.

YOUR TALENTS AND EXPERIENCE:

A degree or diploma in social services with relevant experience working in a community-based setting. Demonstrated passion and understanding of anti-racism and anti-oppression. Experience in supportive counseling, case management and crisis intervention. Knowledge of the local housing market and community services within the K-W community. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are essential for this position.

Rent Fund:

• Conducts Rent Fund eligibility assessments with clients to determine loan and/or grant approval.
• Gathers and verifies appropriate documentation from clients to verify income, arrears, and/or potential tenancy.
• Communicates with landlords and community partners to confirm arrears and potential tenancies.
• Determines applicant’s ability to repay and establishes repayment schedules.
• Processes loans and coordinates with financial and administrative staff to ensure cheques are produced and PAPs are set up for loan repayments.
• Stays current with OW and ODSP income supports guidelines and as required advocates for flexibility to support the financial needs of individuals, couples or families seeking housing.
• Assists client to understand and develop financial literacy and capacity building

YOUR ROLE:

Works with individuals, couples, and families to equip them with the skills, resources and support necessary to obtain and maintain housing. Develops and updates housing resources. Works with Housing Services team and community partners to ensure a coordinated approach to housing services and supports to meet the complex needs of individuals, couples and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Works in alignment with the agency’s commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression values.

TASKS:

Client Service:

• Assesses and provides support to minimize barriers to securing and maintaining housing.
• Determines most appropriate housing service to address client needs and facilitates the connection to the required services.
• Assists individuals, couples and families to develop action plans and educates on how to search for, obtain, and maintain safe and affordable accommodations.
• Works with clients individually on life skills issues as they relate to housing.
• Refers individuals, couples and families to transitional housing as well as landlords and facilitates to find successful housing matches.
• Develops and maintains relationships with landlords.
• Completes applications for subsidized housing with the Region of Waterloo.
• Ensures all material and resources in the Resource Centre are inclusive, accessible, and current, and assists clients to access the resources.
• Provides mediation services to support clients remaining within their current housing if appropriate.
• Advocates on behalf of clients to meet the complex needs of individuals, couples and families, influencing agencies to think unconventionally and be flexible in the provision of support to assist clients with their housing issues.
• Develops and conducts culturally inclusive and client-centered housing workshops at Lutherwood and in the community.

1. Provides crisis intervention and support to those in need and provides referrals to other programs or agencies as required.
   
   
   
2. Coordinates case conferences between clients, community agencies and significant others to ensure effective service provision.

Community Development:

• Works collaboratively with community partners to ensure a coordinated approach to services including referral protocols.
• Stays informed of community housing initiatives, connects with new initiatives to build cooperative working relationships, and keeps the housing team informed.
• Identifies special needs groups within the community and works with the community to address their needs.
• Identifies gaps in the housing stability services within Waterloo Region and works in conjunction with the housing team, supervisor and/or manager to identify potential solutions.
• Works in conjunction with the supervisor and/or manager and contributes to the development of funding proposals and presentations in the community and/or to funders.
• Works with community partners to develop a viable sustainability plan for the program.

Rent Fund:

• Conducts Rent Fund eligibility assessments with clients to determine loan and/or grant approval.
• Gathers and verifies appropriate documentation from clients to verify income, arrears, and/or potential tenancy.
• Communicates with landlords and community partners to confirm arrears and potential tenancies.
• Determines applicant’s ability to repay and establishes repayment schedules.
• Processes loans and coordinates with financial and administrative staff to ensure cheques are produced and PAPs are set up for loan repayments.
• Stays current with OW and ODSP income supports guidelines and as required advocates for flexibility to support the financial needs of individuals, couples or families seeking housing.
• Assists client to understand and develop financial literacy and capacity building.

Administration:

• Maintains client files according to agency and funding guidelines.
• Ensures the completion of all documentation to assist with accurate statistical collection.
• Collects and maintains accurate statistical information.
• Distributes participant support to individuals, couples and families and maintains accurate records of distribution.
• Develops and updates housing resources.
• Communicates high-risk client situations to supervisor and consults with supervisor regarding direction and follows direction accordingly.
• Assists in the compilation of information to assist with research and development.
• Works in conjunction with the manager and/or director and contributes to the development of funding proposals and presentations in the community and/or to funders.

Maintains current knowledge of all legislation that governs landlord and tenant relationships.
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