Landlord Engagement Specialist

at  Community Development Council Durham

Job title: Landlord Engagement Specialist
Department: Housing
Reports to: Housing Manager and Team Lead, Landlord Engagement, Opening Doors and Housing Retention
Hours of work: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of 3 years of experience providing services to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
• Post-secondary education in Social Sciences or related area of study.
• Knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act.
• Experience in sales and/or real estate field is an asset.
• Strong writing and technology skills.
• Strong conflict resolution, mediation and problem-solving skills.
• A demonstrated understanding of the impacts of addiction, mental health, homelessness and poverty.
• Demonstrated skills in performing assessments and on-the-spot risk assessments.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals living with multiple barriers to stable housing.
• Demonstrated awareness and belief in the value of harm reduction principles.
• Able to work both independently and within a team context.
• Capable of effectively managing stressful situations in a fast-paced environment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• The Landlord Engagement Specialist will need to be flexible in the case of attending evening and/or weekend meetings and events as required.
• A valid Ontario driver’s license (Class G), use of a vehicle and insurance with the ability to work in a variety of settings is an asset.
• The successful candidate must provide an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Screening and certificate demonstrating proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 prior to commencing employment.
• The physical ability to function effectively in an environment that includes both a normal office and duties being carried out in an external setting.
  APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants are requested to submit their resume and a cover letter stating salary expectation, while outlining their strengths, experience and aptitude to fulfill the position requirements.
  Please submit applications to The Landlord Engagement Specialist at: https://communitydevelopmentcouncildurha.easyapply.co
  CDCD thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those asked for additional information and/or selected for an interview will be contacted.
  CDCD is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace that represents the cultural mosaic of the Durham Region and the communities we serve. We recognize the value that comes from the different viewpoints, unique experiences and diverse perspectives of our employees, who bring fresh, new ideas to our business. Diversity plays a key role in our ability to deliver our mission.
  CDCD is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion within its community and encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQ2S persons, and others who may contribute to fostering innovative ideas and solutions.
  As an employer, CDCD has a duty to accommodate potential candidates throughout the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005

JOB PURPOSE

As the Landlord Engagement Specialist, you will strengthen cooperation and communication between landlords and Housing Retention Support Specialists while supporting and developing strategies to proactively engage landlords in the rental housing continuum.
The Landlord Engagement Specialist will help create more housing opportunities within the private rental market while enhancing the relationship between existing programs meant to support housing retention over the long term.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Using a client-centred, anti-oppression, anti-racism, trauma-informed, gender-based analysis plus+ and strength-based approaches, build relationships and establish rapport with clients.
• Actively participate and promote a positive workplace culture through agency committee membership and departmental activities.
• Develop and implement landlord engagement strategies with the goal of increasing safe and affordable rental housing in the Durham Region.
• Promote the Opening Doors program to potential landlords, providing a clear and concise description of the program’s purpose, objectives, and key activities.
• Onboard new landlords that have been assessed and accepted into the program, ensuring all legislative and program-related documentation are completed.
• Maintain and update the Opening Doors a login-based rental listing database for landlords within the program to advertise available rentals.
• Prompt landlords to update their listings after 30 days or delete units that are filled.
• Support Housing Retention Support Specialists to liaise regularly with landlords to support at risk tenancy.
• Facilitate the improvement and maintenance of safe and affordable rental housing by:
• Educating and advising landlords legislated standards and landlord rights and responsibilities.
• Consulting with landlords to identify barriers and gaps in service needs to develop and maintain safe and affordable rental housing.
• Linking landlords with funding, resources and support services to help support at-risk tenancies.
• Coordinating and advertising rental listing services.
• Linking and matching Landlords and Tenants to appropriate vacant housing units.
• Recommending and facilitating access to alternate housing for tenants best suited to their needs.
• Assist landlords to network and liaise with community and government social service, enforcement and housing agencies.
• Provide information and conduct presentations on Landlord Rights and Responsibilities, Housing Services Assist landlords and accessing other Community Support Agencies.
• Distribute brochures and information related to landlord issues.
• Assist landlords to access web-based and print resources.
• Maintain records, conduct reports and statistics data related to service delivery.
• Establish and maintain positive, and ongoing relations with Durham landlords.
• Promote landlord and tenant awareness of their rights and responsibilities.
• Work together with landlords and tenants so that current tenancies can be maintained.
• Actively engage the Landlords Association of Durham Region