Housing Specialist

About the role

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here. Mission Statement The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. Job Description: OBJECTIVE: Assist chronically homeless individuals and families of York Region to obtaining and maintaining appropriate accommodation and provide ongoing housing based case management (CTI) through telephone and/or home visits. Housing Specialists procure housing through landlord engagement and subsequently connects chronically homeless individuals and families with prescreened housing choices and landlords that enable housing stability. Housing Retention supports will include but are not limited to housing searches, transportation, viewing, application assistance, housing income supports warm transfer referrals, landlord tenant act training, eviction prevention supports, rapid rehousing and housing based time limited critical time intervention case management that will contribute to successfully getting housed and/or staying housed. EXPECTATIONS & TASK LIST Program Research, compile and maintain housing options, document acceptance criteria and procedures Liaise with and make regular, ongoing contact with Landlords concerning possible vacancies Provide statistical reports of number of apartment searches, placements, etc. Create Housing Map of Pro Housing First Landlords in Durham Region Create Service Agreements with Landlords Facilitate housing assessment specific to participant to provide the most appropriate support/housing options Assist Participants with obtaining and maintaining suitable housing & provide advocacy as needed. Assist Participant to acquire household furnishings when moving into the community and secure Start-up Funds as available or required. Provide time limited housing based Critical Time Intervention (CTI) case management. Work with Participant s to ensure they understand and fulfill their responsibilities for property upkeep such as cleanliness, safety issues, and proper garbage disposal. Assist Participant s in meeting their financial obligations in regard to rent, bill payments (budgeting purposes) by: defining individual responsibilities; resolving any financial disputes and any other financial responsibilities. Provide housing support, advocacy, and referrals to chronically homeless participants in Durham Region Process applications and documents for participants living in the community Identify and eliminate fire hazards; for example, bicycles and other items blocking means of egress, unsafe use of open flames like candles, use of stoves and heaters, or unsafe smoking. Meet with participants and/or partner agency Case Managers to provide guidance and information regarding all available housing options Assist participants with applications for social assistance and liaising with Ontario Works/ODSP/Rent Geared to Income Housing On an ongoing basis assist participants with social and required life skills to secure and maintain affordable housing (one-on-one or within a group setting) Help participants to re-establish themselves in the community Landlord mediation Crisis intervention Provide rapid rehousing support with housed participant as needed. Perform any other related duties as requested by Program Administrative Responsibilities Prepare case notes (intermittently throughout each working day) and share them via HIFIS to relevant individuals involved in the participant 's circle of care while maintaining participant 's confidentiality Ensure that the privacy and confidentiality of participant s is maintained within established standards, Policy and Procedure Work as a member of the team to ensure that the program operates efficiently and effectively (and to ensure that other staff's responsibilities are covered when they are away). Participate in and represent the organization at external committees & forums. ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor of Social Work preferred College diploma in Social Sciences field (minimum) Previous experience with people experiencing chronic homelessness (one to three years) Knowledge and understanding of Mental Health/Addictions Thorough knowledge and understanding of and a commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression and equity. Problem solving skills essential. The responsibilities associated wi

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