Housing Services Manager

at  Lift Community Services

About the Organization
Lift Community Services focuses on helping all people thrive in the qathet region by reducing social inequities and by providing support and advocacy for anyone who needs it. Our vision is a welcoming, inclusive, and diversity-affirming community that is free of poverty and full of heart. At Lift, we believe a thriving, sustainable community comes from a collaborative, equitable, future-focused approach.
Our programs and services include employment services, supportive housing and homeless outreach, complex care housing, temporary shelter services, literacy programs and outreach, immigrant services, adult and family on-demand support. We also provide community leadership and development in overdose response planning, poverty reduction planning, and other projects that develop a more connected and resilient community. Lift operates many resource centres in our community, including the local WorkBC Centre, the Community Resource Centre, the Family Place and the Dr. Elsie Paul Literacy Centre.
Lift Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicant will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.
Opportunity
We are seeking a Housing Services manager to lead our Housing Services team in running a supportive housing facility, temporary shelter and outreach services, and in working with community and provincial partners in expanding supportive housing services in the region. The candidate, above all else, must fundamentally value genuine inclusivity and believe that we, as a community, are ethically accountable for the health and wellness of all who live here.

Overview

• Hours: 35 hours/week
• Wage: $72,800 per annum, commensurate with experience
• Benefits: 4 weeks vacation to start, 2 weeks sick pay and 1 week Paid Time Off annually, with competitive extended health benefits and an up to 4% matching RSP plan
• Reports to: Executive Director
• Start Date: December 1st, 2024
• Closing Date: Open until filled.
• Questions? Contact Kim Markel at kim.markel@liftcommunityservices.org
• How to apply? Apply online by clicking on “Apply for this Job” on this page.

Summary
Lift Community Services is seeking Housing Services Manager in running a supportive housing facility, temporary shelter and outreach services, and in working with community and provincial partners in expanding supportive housing services in the region. The Supportive Housing program is comprised of 44 self-contained units, with supports provided on-site, for people who are transitioning out of homelessness. The primary purpose of the housing is to help people ages 19 and over, who live in the qathet region and who are homeless, to achieve and maintain housing stability. The temporary shelter and outreach services provide 20 emergency beds overnight, 7 days a week, and general support services throughout the day. Lift is also working with community partners to bring more supportive housing resources and support services to the region to address a growing need.
The Manager is responsible for the oversight of a coordination team that runs the day-to-day operations and support services of 44 residents at supportive housing and up to 20 residents at the shelter. We are looking for a dedicated individual who is committed to making a difference in the lives of the people who are and have experienced homelessness. We are looking for a team player who can work collaboratively with the Housing Services team as well as our community partners. This is a front-line management role and will suit someone who has a passion for working directly with staff and residents. The Housing Services Manager will work from a harm reduction perspective.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and guide team members, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and transparency.
• Collaborate with HR on recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and staffing initiatives.
• Implement and oversee performance management for all housing programs, supporting managers.
• Address employee relations issues with guidance from the Executive Director and management.
• Approve and oversee student practicum, volunteer placements, and recruitment for housing programs.
• Manage daily operations and evaluations of Housing Services, ensuring staff meet performance standards.
• Ensure programming aligns with client needs and organizational capacity while adhering to compliance.
• Oversee program evaluations, compliance with grants, financial reporting, and data collection.
• Ensure participant records, program documentation, and housing connections are maintained and secure.
• Oversee property management and maintenance, addressing deficiencies and coordinating with BC Housing.
• Supervise case planning and participant support systems, ensuring privacy and security standards.
• Foster relationships with local stakeholders, including BC Housing, Vancouver Coastal Health, and others.
• Contribute to communication materials and promote community engagement opportunities.
• Address external complaints and prepare for monthly Community Advisory Committee meetings.
• Participate in strategic planning, budgeting, and performance measurement as part of the senior leadership team.
• Track statistical data as required
• Prepare a variety of written reports
• Oversee Rent Subsidy Program

Education, Training, and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred), preferably in the social service field
• A minimum of 5 years recent experience including at least one-year supervisory experience in the non- profit housing or a related social service field; experience working in supportive housing would be an asset
• Demonstrated experience working successfully with populations impacted by homelessness, substance use disorder, mental health issues and/or other barriers to stable housing
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and be part of an integrated community team
• Demonstrated ability to manage high workload with multiple priorities and function effectively in difficult and/or crisis situations
• Demonstrated ability and knowledge of effective internal and external communications planning and execution
• Demonstrated excellent planning and organizational skills
• Demonstrated good judgment skills, tact and discretion
• Demonstrated research and analysis skills to investigate and resolve issues and recommend solutions
• Demonstrated ability to function effectively in difficult and/or crisis situations is required
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated conflict management/crisis prevention skills
• Working knowledge of the Residential Tenancy Act
• Knowledge of local community resources
• Knowledge of Trauma-informed practice and person-centered care
• Knowledge of harm reduction and ‘Housing First’ theory and practice
• Knowledge in de-escalation methods
• Proficient in Google suite programs (Docs and Sheets) and MS 365 programs (Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams)
• Naloxone Training and FOODSAFE Level 1 would be an asset
• Current First Aid and CPR

Additional Requirements

• 35-hour week
• Flexible hours to include some evenings and weekends
• Involves on-call work on a rotational basis and responding to emergencies after hours and on weekends
• Working in an environment with individuals facing multiple barriers
• Criminal Record and vulnerable sector Check completed
• Valid driver’s license
• Reliable vehicle

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and guide team members, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and transparency.
• Collaborate with HR on recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and staffing initiatives.
• Implement and oversee performance management for all housing programs, supporting managers.
• Address employee relations issues with guidance from the Executive Director and management.
• Approve and oversee student practicum, volunteer placements, and recruitment for housing programs.
• Manage daily operations and evaluations of Housing Services, ensuring staff meet performance standards.
• Ensure programming aligns with client needs and organizational capacity while adhering to compliance.
• Oversee program evaluations, compliance with grants, financial reporting, and data collection.
• Ensure participant records, program documentation, and housing connections are maintained and secure.
• Oversee property management and maintenance, addressing deficiencies and coordinating with BC Housing.
• Supervise case planning and participant support systems, ensuring privacy and security standards.
• Foster relationships with local stakeholders, including BC Housing, Vancouver Coastal Health, and others.
• Contribute to communication materials and promote community engagement opportunities.
• Address external complaints and prepare for monthly Community Advisory Committee meetings.
• Participate in strategic planning, budgeting, and performance measurement as part of the senior leadership team.
• Track statistical data as required
• Prepare a variety of written reports
• Oversee Rent Subsidy Progra