Supportive Housing Advisor

at  BC Housing

POSITION SUMMARY

The Supportive Housing Advisor administers funding and reviews the effectiveness of Non-Profit Societies responsible for the delivery of housing and support programs. He/She/They approves significant operating budgets that often includes multiple funding sources including health authorities, other provincial organizations, private sector philanthropy and the federal government. He/She/They makes recommendations regarding program implementation and provides a high degree of financial oversight and risk mitigation. The role provides housing program expertise through a collaborative approach that recognizes and adapts to the expertise and capacity of a range of service providers. The position builds and facilitates strong collaborative relationships with stakeholders and provides vision, advice, and leadership as a partner and advisor in achieving the Non-Profit provider’s mandate and BC Housing’s objectives. Responsibilities are performed in an environment that involves multiple stakeholders including a range of private and nonprofit advocacy groups as well as municipal, provincial, private sector and federal agencies with a range of agendas and special interests.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or other relevant discipline, including university level courses in non-profit society management and/or social service delivery.
• Extensive experience at a senior level in: Non-profit society management and/or in the delivery of social services and community-based programs, supporting populations who are homeless and/or live with mental health and addiction issues, developing partner/stakeholder relationships and providing consultation to not-for-profit Boards and Executive regarding business and program management, and negotiation and management of contracts for service.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience acceptable to the employer.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge and understanding of the philosophies, principles, practices and standards associated with the delivery of government social and regulatory programs by non-profit societies and contracted community service providers.
• Considerable knowledge of current social issues facing tenant populations, including homelessness, mental illness, drug addiction, domestic violence, child protection and ageing.
• Considerable knowledge and understanding of BC Housing’s mandate, programs and policies in delivering social housing and social services to the vulnerable.
• Considerable and broad cross-functional knowledge and understanding of non-profit society governance, operation, budgeting, maintenance, administration, procurement, contracting and staffing.
• Sound knowledge of the Residential Tenancy Act, Societies Act, the Co–op Housing Act and the Community Care and Assisted Living Act.
• Considerable knowledge and understanding of the risks associated with housing vulnerable tenants and ability to work closely with service providers in mitigating risk.
• Sound knowledge of building structures and systems and ability to recognize deficiencies.
• Considerable knowledge of budgeting and contracting practices, and ability to assess audited financial statements.
• Strong consultative, facilitation, consensus building, negotiation, mediation, influencing and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership, conceptual, analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with computer applications and databases.
• Ability to understand, analyse, and apply a broad range of Program Agreements and project-specific Operating Agreements.
• Ability to strategize, plan, coordinate, integrate and manage a complex portfolio of non-profit societies in providing the highest quality of stable, safe and affordable housing and housing related services.
• Ability to provide strategic organizational and general management expertise and educate boards and executives in the successful operation of housing societies.
• Ability to act as relationship manager and primary point of contact for Societies, including interacting with Society Board of Directors, the Executive Director, and Chief Financial Officers and accounting staff.
• Ability to analyse complex, challenging and sensitive issues, balancing diverse interests and facilitating the implementation of solutions.
• Ability to build successful and constructive relationships and partnerships, both externally and internally, and work together to mutually attain the objective of providing stable, safe and affordable housing and housing related services.
• Valid BC Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Criminal Record Check required.

• Join one of BC’s Top Employers!
• Be part of an exceptional company culture with great employee benefits and a healthy work/life balance!