Tenant Navigator

at  County of Simcoe

Requisition Title
Tenant Navigator
Close Date
Contract Type
Temporary - Full Time
Location
CA
Midhurst, ON L9X 1N6 CA (Primary)
Job Description
Temporary end date approximately 1 April 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

The Tenant Navigator within Simcoe County Housing Corporation (SCHC) will provide support to the most vulnerable tenants in the portfolio, including those who encounter multiple challenges which can create obstacles to maintaining successful tenancies. This position is responsible to make and follow up referrals to community agencies, with an overall objective of improving the quality of life at SCHC properties. This position is also responsible for being a resource to other SCHC team members for suggestions to address challenging situations with the overall intent of building social work strategy capacity within the team. It is recognized that permanent housing can provide stability in peoples’ lives however some tenants need additional supports beyond subsidized rent, such as professional social work linkages to specialized agencies and ongoing support, encouragement and coordinated care to the tenant for follow-up.

EDUCATION, TECHNICAL SKILLS AND CERTIFICATION

• A Social Services Worker Diploma or Social Work degree from an accredited college or university.
• Eligible to obtain a membership in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Service Workers and Social Workers (OCSSWSW) within 90 days.
• A strong knowledge of property management in a Social Housing environment would be an asset.
• A demonstrated understanding of the challenges faced by people living with low-to-moderate incomes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• In depth knowledge of community and social programs such as addiction services, mental health supports and resources for the elderly.
• Ability to exercise a high level of independence and integrity while working in a non-standard work environment.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation including Residential Tenancies Act, Housing Services Act and associated regulations and privacy legislation.
• Must have a valid Ontario Driver’s license and ability to travel.
• Criminal reference check with vulnerable sector clearance.
• Bilingualism in English and French is considered an asset.

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in a progressively responsible, related position.
• Crisis intervention, conflict resolution, mediation and facilitation experience.

1. Mediate complex or ongoing tenant disputes, providing summary reports to Supervisor, Community Relations and Public Housing Manager on progress.
2. Develop a referral process for vulnerable tenants whose tenancies are at risk, in consultation with, Public Housing Manager, Supervisor Community Relations, and Tenant Service Coordinators,.
3. Provide guidance, support and appropriate referrals to improve tenant’s quality of life and preserve tenancy.
4. Provide information and resources to SCHC team members on social work strategies that support tenants.
5. Identify, assess, assist and develop plans for tenants at risk of evictions and requiring additional supports.
6. Work collaboratively with Supervisor, Community Relations and community stakeholders such as local Fire Departments in accessing need for services, financial supports and aftercare when dealing with hoarding issues.
7. Schedule routine inspections for tenants with hoarding tendencies to ensure their units remain safe for their habitation and lessen the fire risk for the safety of all tenants.
8. Assist vulnerable tenants who are experiencing individual and family difficulties to explore root causes of difficulties, in an effort to sustain tenancies and enhance quality of life.
9. Assist vulnerable tenants to access community and government supports as appropriate.
10. Facilitate and/or mediate the resolution of complex issues that are creating barriers for tenants to access services and maintain self-sufficiency.
11. Utilize strategies to inform and support tenant behaviours that contribute to improvement of individual and overall community well-being.
12. Provide crisis intervention in urgent situations with collaboration as needed.
13. Support fragile senior tenants with remaining independent for as long as possible. Assist tenants with self-referrals to Home and Community Care supports. Assist with transition to Long Term Care planning when independent living is no longer a viable option.
14. Develop coordinated circle of care plans with tenants; referring to appropriate treatment supports for mental health and addiction with follow up for success.
15. Work in coordination with the Tenant Services Coordinators, for example attend the Landlord Tenant Board to attest that all measures were taken to preserve tenancy.
16. Become familiar with and liaise with local community and social support agencies within the County of Simcoe.
17. Maintain accurate records of tenant interaction and recommendations with follow up in SAP.
18. Facilitate tenant engagement workshops and/or co-present with Tenant Services Coordinators and community partners.
19. Act as a resource and support person for tenants wishing to establish tenant recreation committees that are intended to support quality of life in SCHC settings.
20. Keep current in methods and best practices to support tenant’s addiction and mental health needs.
21. Participate in Internal Transfer Committee and attend meetings as required.
22. Participate in job appropriate committees when required.
23. Perform other duties as assigned, in accordance with Department Objectives.
24. Comply with provincial and County occupational health and safety legislation, regulations, policies and procedures.
25. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.