Job Description

Location: Ottawa, OntarioReports to: Manager, HBCMEmployment Status: Full time temporary (Until April 2025)Bargaining Unit Status: Included (Youth Worker)Hourly Wage: $60,340.80 - $72,446.40Language requirements: English is essential; French is essentialBona Fide Occupational Requirement (BFOR): N/ASchedule: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, 1 evening shift weeklyCompetition Number: 24-058Closing Date: June 1, 2024Posting stage: Internal and externalAbout us:Founded in 1960, the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa (YSB) is one of the largest and most comprehensive non-profit agencies in Ottawa and a registered charity. It provides mental health services, employment programs, emergency shelter, community, health and housing services, and justice programs to youth in the Ottawa area, serving between 2,500 and 3,000 at-risk individuals aged 12+ and their families every month. YSB employs 350 caring professionals in a unionized environment in over 26 locations across Ottawa.Under the general guidance of the Director of Community Services and the immediate supervision of the Manger, HBCM Services, the Housing System Specialist will be responsible for overseeing housing operations for clients referred from designated community partners including YSB. These client supports may include rent supplements, housing allowances, arrears management, evictions, and communication with our property management company. The work will be completed in accordance with policies and directives established within the YSB.Responsibilities

• Manage the administration of rent supplements, housing allowances, arrears, and evictions for housing units in alignment with agency policies and regulations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of tenant information, rental payments, arrears, and eviction proceedings.
• Collaborate closely with the YSB Housing team, YSB Finance, Quality and Assurance, and our property management company to address tenant concerns, maintenance issues, and lease violations in a timely manner.
• Implement strategies to prevent arrears and eviction, including payment plans, referrals to supportive services, and tenant advocacy.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for tenant complaints and requests for assistance, providing compassionate and responsive communication.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge on current issues relating to housing youth.
• Coordinate with government agencies, landlords, and community partners to identify housing resources, eviction prevention programs, and supportive services for tenants.
• Build and maintain relationships with landlords and support the landlord/tenant relationships to maintain housing.
• Prepare reports, documentation, and data analysis on housing performance metrics, arrears management, and eviction trends for internal and external stakeholders.
• Commitment to upholding YSB\xe2\x80\x99s Values.
• Ensure familiarity with relevant housing policies, regulations, and best practices to ensure program compliance and effectiveness.
• Participate in regular meetings, trainings, and professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills in housing administration and tenant support.
• Attend and participate in supervision and planning meetings
• Follow safe work practices as established by YSB and the Program

This opportunity may be right for you if you have:

• Diploma or degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, or relevant field.
• Minimum of three (3) years experience working directly with the public providing customer service, preferably in a residential rental housing context, or working with vulnerable populations
• Knowledge of the Residential Tenancy Act and the Protecting Tenants and Strengthening Community Housing Act.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge pertaining to the Canadian affordable social and private housing sectors as well as the various programs intended to assist these sectors.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge related to multi-unit residential real estate development and finance.
• The ability to build and maintain client relationships and recognize opportunities for improvement.
• Strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and a commitment to effectively managing housing-related processes
• Experience working with diverse populations with different cultural backgrounds and needs.
• Oral & written fluency in English is essential; Oral fluency and written fluency in French is essential

Disclaimer:This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.What we offer:

• An opportunity to join a vibrant team and be part of truly meaningful and rewarding work;
• 15 days of annual vacation + 1 personal day;
• 100% YSB-paid group health benefits;
• Optional Pension plan from Day 1;
• A team where you get to be yourself everyday and where you have the freedom to innovate.

Join us!If you think this vacancy is a good fit, we would love to hear from you. Please to submit your resume and one-page cover letter. Don\xe2\x80\x99t just tell us what we want to hear, tell us your story and why you would make a great addition to our team.We know applying to a job takes time and thank all candidates for their interest. While we are not able to get back to every candidate, we will ensure shortlisted applicants are aware of their status and will do our best to provide feedback if that can be helpful.At YSB, we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ community and/or people with intersectional identities. Reasonable accommodation will be made available for applicants who require the same, whether on the basis of disability, creed or otherwise, throughout the hiring process, kindly make your needs known in advance. Applicants should know that YSB is similarly committed to providing reasonable accommodation of such needs in the workplace, up to the point of undue hardship. The selected candidate will be required to follow all mandatory Covid 19 safety protocols.

Youth Services Jeunesse