Job Description

About the Job:

Reporting to the Housing Engagement Manager, the Landlord Engagement Specialist will work alongside internal and community partners within a multidisciplinary approach to service. The individual will be responsible for initiating and maintaining relationships with private market landlords to create housing opportunities for clients receiving case management services from internal and partner organizations.


The Landlord Engagement Specialist will also be responsible for providing housing preparation, search, and tenancy retention support. The Landlord Engagement Specialist will also support SHIPs Supportive Housing department with landlord meetings pertaining to unit acquisitions and documentation preparation and will work to increase the availability of housing stock and number of landlords on the housing portfolio.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Liaising with landlords to access private market housing opportunities for clients that are safe, well maintained, and affordable. Evaluating and recommending suitable housing placements that would meet client needs Act as the first point of contact for landlords, providing information, education and support regarding housing issues. Offering landlord recognition to maintain successful partnerships and promote the benefits of landlord participation in the program Targeting housing search efforts in keeping with program prioritization criteria Participating in weekly housing team meetings, offering concise updates of housing status for the housing portfolio. Providing housing availability updates for the team in an efficient and timely manner. Maintaining strong collaborative working relationships with members of the team Respond to client housing enquiries from a 'no wrong door', redirecting case management needs to primary worker. Participate in care coordination within scope of role as housing resource Supporting landlords by troubleshooting/problem solving issues related to tenancies and provide conflict resolution in partnership with client and primary worker, to avert potential eviction Providing clients with information on tenant rights and responsibilities in conjunction with their primary support worker. Research housing topics, collect and organize housing information for organizational staff. Providing input into ongoing policy, market changes, and landlord evaluation Track housing opportunities and outcomes of head lease applications and unit take backs and follow up on housing leads. Create and facilitate trainings and workshops for clients, workers, and landlord including tenant rights and responsibilities, housing discrimination, communicating with landlords and others Maintain documentation of trainings, budgets, housing contacts and other pertinent information in accordance with agency and best standard practice Maintaining appropriate record keeping/documentation, client files, statistical and outcome measurement tools, meeting agency and partner timelines Auditing of the Building Management Contact list to ensure accuracy. Assuring all relevant information pertaining to clients is disseminated to appropriate staff members in a timely fashion Performing additional duties including providing support to other areas within the Housing Engagement team as required/delegated by Management

Qualifications:

Post-secondary education in Social Work, Social Services, Health Services, or equivalent 3+ years experience providing outreach to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness Expertise in collaboration with healthcare, social service and shelter services Demonstrated Knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act, experience in housing searches, lease agreements and the Landlord and Tenant Board Experience working with high-risk adults with persistent mental illness Demonstrated understanding of the impacts of addiction, mental health, homelessness, and poverty Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals living with multiple barriers to stable housing Knowledge of evidence-based practice for housing and mental health services (Intensive Case Management, Housing First) Excellent assessment, risk management, and crisis intervention skills. Efficient with time management, prioritization abilities, and communication Knowledge of MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) A vehicle, valid driver's license, and adequate insurance coverage Must have a valid Ontario's Class "G" Driver's License, and a vehicle with adequate insurance coverage Valid Certification in First Aid & CPR Training in ASIST and CPI

Reporting Function:

The successful candidate will report directly to the Program Manager. He/ She/ They will work with both internal and external clients and will interact with all levels within the organization.

Role Details

Union Affiliation - CUPE 996 New position

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

Day shift (Monday - Friday 8:30-4:30) with the ability to work excess/overtime hours where required and flex schedule when needed. Able to sit for prolonged periods of time Able to answer and communicate telephone calls and general computer use Able to lift up to 20lbs (product, documents, etc.) Vehicle travel to sites for visits/walk-throughs


Monday - Friday | 8:30am - 4:30pm

UNION | 37.5 hours per week