Housing Resource Worker

About this position

Housing Resource Worker

Internal/ External Posted on: October 1, 2019

Closing: October 8, 2019

Job Summary

Housing Services of the John Howard Society are funded by the Regional Municipality of Durham with the goal to provide support to individuals and families who may be experiencing homelessness or risk of homelessness in the areas of Whitby, Oshawa and Clarington. This support can be in the form of housing search, eviction prevention, mediation with landlords, advocacy with the Landlord Tenant Board, rent supplements and assistance with applications for rentals and funds for last month’s rent, utility arrears or other housing related needs. Regular ID clinics are facilitated in addition to these services to assist in the acquisition of required identification.

Working within the Resource Centre, the Housing Resource Worker is responsible for developing and implementing self-directed services for individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Support, guidance and referrals will be provided to assist individuals to find permanent housing and related community supports and services as needed.  The Housing Resource Worker will provide resource room orientation and screening to assess whether further services, both internally within housing services or externally in the community are needed.

JHS Durham is looking to fill one (1) position within the Housing Program. 

POSITION WILL BE LOCATED IN THE WHITBY RESOURCE CENTRE  

To commence ASAP. This is a full time contract position for the period of October 2019 to April 2020. This position works 35 hours per week. The incumbent must have to ability to flex their schedule to work early evenings when required. 

Please apply through this link: 

https://jhsdurham.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=150

Requirements

• Related post-secondary education is required; experience in addictions counselling, social work is an asset
• Must be non-judgmental and flexible, be able to work with a diverse clientele  and work with persons at risk in all aspects of daily living
• Previous experience working with at risk  adults and youth as it relates to chronic housing or homelessness issues
• Candidate should have a solid knowledge of community and health care services in the Durham Region to be able to refer and link individuals to these services as required.
• Must have own vehicle with minimum of $1,000,000 liability insurance
• Demonstrates punctuality and accountability with their time
• Manages quality of service and meets program objectives and deadlines
• Contribute to the program strategy
• Treat people with respect, considers the impact of their actions
• Take initiative, shows leadership
• Able to write simple correspondence, including memos, letters, etc.
• Adjust and is flexible to meet changing work needs and demands.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Able to maintain filing systems and basic databases.
• Meticulous records maintenance skills.
• Superior telephone manners and strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and verbal skills to communicate with all levels of the organization.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• ASIST Certification is an asset
• If selected employment is conditional upon a satisfactory Police/Vulnerable Sector 

Basic Job Functions

• Thorough understanding of JHS Durham Housing Services and knowledge of housing resources
• Work effectively and collaboratively with all JHS in-house services and programs to ensure coordination between programs and utilization of available resources
• Able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Achieve all services outcomes and goals as developed by the agency
• Ensure that all services are provided within the standards of service maintained by JHS and consistent with the agency’s philosophical beliefs.
• Act with integrity
• Communicate effectively (verbal/written)
• Take initiative and shows leadership
• Contribute to the program strategy
• Treat people with respect, considers the impact of their actions 
• Manage program and agency changes in a positive manner 
• Other duties as assigned

Administrative Functions

• Ability to use  internet, social media, and other research tools to identify resources and housing opportunities
• Develop, collect, and display housing search and housing retention information and resources in an appealing manner ensuring displays are kept current and resources are well-stocked
• Develop and implement client satisfaction surveys and basic client information forms
• Completion of accurate statistics, data entry and reports as required
• Learn and utilize new / specialized software as required

Client/Customer Service

• Conduct preliminary screening of all inquiries from potential clients, and subsequently inform them of appropriate services for which they are eligible 
• Remain current with the Durham Region rental housing market trends, availability, legislation  and  develop Resource and Information activities relevant to JHS client needs
• Direct and assist clients regarding completion of forms such as Housing Stability Program, LEAP funding, signing in for Resource Centre etc.
• Assist clients with self-directed housing search, obtaining community resources as needed. 
• Assist clients with use of computers, fax machine, copier, printer etc. 
• Facilitate housing related  workshops/information sessions/ID Clinics
• Schedule housing  appointments as necessary
• Answer telephone calls from individuals requesting information 
• Provide technical support; i.e. setting up e-mail accounts, internet, faxing, photocopying, etc.
• Ensure that the  Resource Centre is clean and orderly at all times 
• Provide information on the Residential Tenancies Act, Rental Tribunal process and the eviction process 
• Direct clients to resources available in other cities when they are preparing to relocate

Case Management/Documentation

• Keep accurate documentation and records as required
• Maintain accurate statistics, registration records, and reports on all clients accessing housing resource and information services

Community Liaison

• Represent the John Howard Society on community committees and in community meetings as required 
• Make referrals to community agencies as deemed appropriate 
• Attend workshops, meetings and seminars as requested

                                                                                                                                                                                Reviewed October 1, 2019

Recognizing the intrinsic worth and dignity of every human being, the John Howard Society is committed to uphold the principles set out in the Human Rights Code of Ontario and the Canadian Human Rights Act.

 This commitment is expressed in the following undertaking:

(1)   The Society shall provide services within its mandate to every individual without discrimination, regardless of race, ethnicity, citizenship, national ancestry, colour, creed, language, religion, marital status, family status, gender, sex, sexual orientation, age, abilities, economic status, political affiliation or criminal record.

 (2)   The Society shall maintain such personnel policies and practices as are consistent with the tenets of the Human Rights Codes of Ontario, the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

 (3)   The Society, through its employees, shall deal with representatives of the community in a responsive manner, with courtesy, respect, and without prejudice and discrimination.

We wish to thank all applicants but only those selected.