Job title: Team Lead - Resettlement and Housing Support
Department: Resettlement and Integration Services
Reports to: Manager, Durham Humanitarian Response Project
Hours of work: Rotating 8-hour shift schedule between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.

INTERPERSONAL UNDERSTANDING AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Desire/ability to understand others attitudes/interests/needs/feelings/nonverbal behavior, incorporating empathy, listening skills, and diagnostic understanding, understanding strengths/limitations of others. Communicates and interacts effectively with individuals and groups in the provision of professional services. Gives full attention to what other people are saying by being active listeners that value the opinions of their workers. Capable of using their communication skills to successfully gather the information that they need. They are also people who are trusted and can build relationships with others.

PRESENTATION SKILLS

Effective in a variety of formal and informal presentation settings; commands attention and manages group process during the presentation; is cognizant of audience response and able to adapt content and style accordingly.

COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE

Ability to express vast knowledge of the Durham Community, as well as knowledge in social, government, and community services.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Social Services or Housing-related field, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience with presentations, project management, and property management.
• Proficiency in a second language is an asset, as is lived experience in or with newcomer communities.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to multicultural communities.
• Knowledge of gender-based violence, anti-oppression principles, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Housing Help sector’s intersection with other sectors and issues faced by at-risk and diverse populations.
• Knowledge of Durham region and surrounding areas housing landscape and community resources.
• Demonstrated ability to work with large real estate entities and not-for-profit institutions.
• Demonstrated ability to partner and work effectively with all levels of staff, housing providers, families, and external agencies.
• Ability to promote positive presentation strategies of advantages for landlords to want to host newcomers.
• Well-developed conflict resolution, mediation, and group problem-solving skills to work successfully with others to resolve contentious issues in a positive, ethical, and respectful manner within a diverse environment and with staff at all organizational levels.
• Strong planning, time-management, leadership, and organizational skills to manage and prioritize multiple projects and tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to understand and work across a wide range of cultural and political contexts.
• Orientation to excellence that acknowledges and builds on the strengths of all stakeholders, including staff and our client population.
• Excellent critical thinking and analytical abilities with a strong focus on driving results.
• Excellent computer skills: Office 365 - MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and database.
• Ability to work independently and on a flexible schedule.
• Experience in delivering programs in mentoring, employment, community partnerships, or resettlement services.
• Experience in delivering government-funded programs; Federal (IRCC) funded programs specifically is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability in written and verbal communication in English.
• Current and up-to-date knowledge of social services and social laws.
• Experience working with the Durham Welcome Centre Immigrant Services is a definite asset.
• Demonstrated ability to understand, map, and improve workflow and processes.
• Ability to respond to stressful situations in a calm, collected, and professional manner.
• Proactive, resourceful, and ability to resolve complex client concerns.
• Extensive knowledge of community-based resources and government agencies for low-income people, including income through Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, Old Age Security.
• Non-violent crisis intervention (CPI), suicide intervention (ASIST), standard first aid, or commitment to securing those requirements within six months of being hired.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• The Team Lead - Resettlement and Housing Support will need to be flexible regarding assigned work hours and location.
• Flexibility to work and/or be on call for rotating 8-hour shifts between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. as needed.
• A valid Ontario driver’s license (Class G), use of a vehicle and insurance with the ability to work in a variety of settings.
• The successful candidate must provide an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Screening prior to commencing employment.
  APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants are requested to submit their resume and a cover letter stating salary expectations while outlining their strengths, experience and aptitude to fulfill the position requirements.
  Please submit applications to Team Lead, Resettlement and Housing Support 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

The Team Lead - Resettlement and Housing Support will help coordinate and manage the day-to-day operations of DHRP activities and assist with implementing the program objectives and action plans to meet the initiative’s mandate and goals.
Using Trauma-informed and Gender-Equity approaches, the Team Lead - Resettlement and Housing Support will also be responsible for overseeing the client database, promoting the services of the Durham Humanitarian Response Project, engaging Landlords and housing services professionals, conducting outreach activities and presentations with them to secure stable housing for eligible asylum claimants. The incumbent will be required to coordinate with the Team Lead Information and Program Engagement Support to identify, promote and offer workshops such as housing-related sessions to all clients in the program, ensuring referrals and follow-up are completed in a timely manner.
The incumbent will keep abreast of the workflow to identify issues, improve processes, and problem-solve with clients accessing housing services to ensure the highest level of service. The incumbent will also work with staff to address complex cases that have been escalated by staff. The Team Lead will delegate to and monitor tasks assigned to their teams.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Utilize a client-centered, anti-oppression, anti-racism, trauma-informed, and strength-based approach in partnership with the DHRP Manager to assist with the implementation of program objectives and action plans to meet the mandate and goals of the DHRP and CDCD’s strategic plan.
• Coordinate and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Resettlement and Housing Support team within the framework of the DHRP program.
• Facilitate bi-weekly case conferencing with the Resettlement and Housing Support Team.
• Ensure all necessary equipment in DHRP offices is readily available and fully functional.
• Oversee an assigned program location, strategize, problem-solve, minimize risks, and address issues that may emerge there, ensuring clients’ and staff’s safety and well-being at all times.
• Collaborate with the DHRP Manager to meet service delivery target numbers and utilize necessary tools and resources in a results-driven environment.
• Collaborate with the DHRP Manager and stakeholders to develop and implement strategic initiatives that enhance Housing stability outcomes for newcomer families.
• Maintain data accuracy and integrity across all DHRP sites and ensure necessary tools and resources are available and utilized for effective operation in an outcome measurement environment.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to team members to ensure effective delivery of housing services to government-assisted refugees.
• Collaborate with community partners, landlords, and housing agencies to identify and secure suitable housing accommodations for refugee families, and to ensure holistic support for them.
• Work with the Team Lead - Information and Program Engagement Support to secure access to a broader range of services and information sessions on relevant topics that will aid in clients’ housing success and retention.
• Provide culturally-sensitive and trauma-informed support to newcomer families navigating the housing sector/market and adjusting to life in Canada.
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy protection for both landlords and tenants accessing the program.
• Work with the Housing Resettlement team and clients to co-develop and implement housing plans tailored to the needs of newcomer families, ensuring safe and sustainable service options are secured.
• Conduct housing needs assessments and develop strategies to address housing challenges faced by refugee families, including advocating for affordable housing options.
• Train and mentor team members on best practices in housing support, including tenancy rights, lease agreements, and landlord-tenant relationships.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of housing support services, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective measures as needed.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of housing placements, client interactions, and program outcomes in compliance with program requirements.
• Stay informed about changes to housing policies, regulations, and resources relevant to government-assisted refugees and incorporate this knowledge into program delivery.
• Represent the organization at meetings, workshops, and community events related to housing support and resettlement.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team environment that values diversity, equity, and mutual respect among team members and clients.
• Direct, support, motivate, and coach staff professionally and effectively.
• Coordinate the onboarding process for new team members and participate in their orientation and training in collaboration with the Manager.
• Facilitate regular check-in and staff meetings with team members.
• Explore and recommend professional development opportunities and learning from peers, sharing best practices, discussing complex cases, and receiving feedback on approaches.
• Backfill for Manager and other Team Leads in their absence.
• Participate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the Durham Humanitarian Response Project to meet identified needs.
• Attend and support internal and/or external meetings and events as applicable.
• Promote a positive workplace culture through agency committee membership and departmental activities.
• Coach, guide, and develop staff for optimal performance, including monitoring staff accountability on time management, client service outcomes, target attainment, and overall program health.
• Stay up-to-date with current developments in laws and policies in the social service sector and community development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

PERFORM FRONT-LINE WORKERS DUTIES AS NEEDED

Conduct needs assessments of clients

• Determine the needs of the clients and the support that is appropriate for each individual client.