QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Diploma in the field of community service or social science, including or supplemented by some training in addictions, physical and mental illness, conflict resolution and violence prevention, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of market and non-market rental housing resources and programs.
• Considerable knowledge of the counseling, social and medical service requirements of persons experiencing housing displacement and homelessness.
• Considerable knowledge of the social, medical, financial and community resources available to clients.
• Considerable knowledge of the rules, regulations, procedures and policies governing the work.
• Working knowledge of municipal and provincial legislation affecting tenants.
• Ability to recognize and address mental, physical and neurological disabilities in clients, as well as financial and social problems which may complicate tenancy.
• Ability to advise, assist and work persuasively with clients of the housing relocation service.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with outside agencies, public and community resource organizations, landlords, members of the public, other government officials and civic staff.
• Ability to advocate for clients.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and files related to the work.
• Ability to respond to emergencies after regular work hours, walk long distances, climb stairs.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20kg.
• Ability to meet transportation requirements.

Driver’s License and Record Checks:

• A Police Information Check is a requirement of this position. A clearance requires the absence of any criminal charges or convictions related to this position.

Business Unit/Department: Arts, Culture and Community Services (1200)
Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks
Employment Type: Regular Full Time
Position Start Date: September, 2025
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-020: $35.72 to $42.04 per hour

MAIN PURPOSE & FUNCTION

The Housing Relocation Officer I is responsible for providing housing relocation and referral services to individuals and families in need, including people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations.
The role involves assessing clients’ mental health, stability, and financial circumstances, facilitating access to income supports and personal identification, offering guidance on finding housing and understanding basic rights, making referrals to relevant agencies, and providing direct assistance with housing searches and advocacy as needed. It requires significant independent judgment and action within established guidelines and procedures, with work evaluated based on the quality of services provided and achievement of desired objectives.
This position reports directly to the Homelessness Outreach Supervisor and works within existing relationships and agreements with a variety of Provincial Ministries (including the Ministry of Income Assistance and Poverty Reduction, BC Housing, and Vancouver Coastal Health) and other community partners to support client needs.
The Housing Relocation Officer I is based out of the Outreach Team office (392 Powell Street) and works a 4 day work week. Successful candidates may be required to adjust shifts as operationally required and in accordance with the Collective Agreement.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the Homelessness Outreach Supervisor, the position provides the following services:

• Outreach support to individuals experiencing homelessness at the Outreach Team office and with site visits to the street, park, or field or other outdoor locations where people are sheltering to gain information on client situation and living conditions and supports needed.
• Assesses clients through an interview process for mental health and stability, substance use issues, familial abuse and suicide risk and responds appropriately.
• Assesses the financial circumstances of clients to determine entitlement to government income or housing assistance. Takes action to ensure that clients are receiving their full financial and housing entitlements. Understands the current income assistance and other relevant legislation affecting housing and basic human rights.
• Locates housing and provides direct housing search assistance and arranges for emergency housing; as required, coordinates clients’ moves and oversees the work of movers; advises clients on procedures for locating housing and on basic rights under relevant legislation and bylaws.
• Provides direct assistance in completing applications for housing, welfare and pensions, and identification applications.
• Refers clients to appropriate private and public non-profit agencies, provides encouragement and attempts to motivate clients.
• Makes visits to buildings slated for demolition and landlords evicting tenants to determine tenants’ assistance requirements and to seek landlord support in relocating tenants.
• Advocates for clients with landlords and housing, legal, income and medical resources; testifies in legal proceedings as required.
• Provides assistance to other community services and hospital social workers in locating housing for their clients.
• Attends fires and other emergency building closures to provide support to displaced vulnerable populations.
• Liaises with various community and public agencies providing relocation services or housing; obtains and exchanges information within COV privacy guidelines.
• Supports delivery of programs of an educational, cultural, social and recreational nature provided by the Homelessness Outreach Program.
• Prepares and maintains various files, records and statistics related to the work, including reporting client data gathered through databases, logbooks, paper files and memos according to departmental guidelines, as well as updating the HIFIS database on a daily basis.
• Responsible for reporting work performed, or client information gathered, through databases, logbooks, paper files and memos according to the guidelines provided by the department.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.