Job Description

Division

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Housing Services

Important Notices & Amendments

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This position

currently falls within our hybrid model

, allowing the employee to

typically

work

a minimum of

50% of

your

time

at your regular work location and the other 50% of time at home.

As an employer of choice, Niagara Region offers competitive salaries and benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, a corporate wellness centre, access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), mentorship and training programs, employee recognition programs, and more. In addition, the Region recognizes the value of having flexible work arrangements to support better work-life balance for our employees. Hybrid work arrangements may vary from one employee to another and may also differ in the number of remote workdays. These opportunities remain subject to the alignment of operational needs, business requirements, and customer service expectations.

About Us

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Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high-quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada's most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada's most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario's most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.


At Niagara Region, we value diversity - in background and experience. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We aspire to hire and grow a workforce reflective of the diverse community we serve. By doing so, we can deliver better programs and services across Niagara.


We welcome all applicants! For more information about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Niagara Region, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Niagara Region, Ontarioor email related questions to diversity@niagararegion.ca. To send input on reducing barriers in the current hiring process, please email myhr@niagararegion.ca


For the Region's full employee equity statement, Working at Niagara Region - Niagara Region, Ontario.

Don't have every qualification?

You may be hesitant to apply if you do not have every qualification listed in the posting. While specific qualifications are important for certain roles, we invite individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of experience and education to apply. Our recruiters will evaluate your suitability for the role.


Please note that for unionized roles, we must follow collective agreement requirements. However, we encourage all interested candidates to submit their applications. We believe success in a role can extend beyond meeting every single requirement.

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JOB SUMMARY

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Responsible for managing the delivery, administration and tenant placement of the Rent Supplement Program for Housing Services. This position will evaluate, assess, and monitor applicants eligible to receive a rent benefit and act as a resource to address the needs of individual applicants. Responsible for the placement and leasing of Rent Supplement housing units on a modified chronological basis within a restricted time frame in order to achieve departmental objectives. Ensure compliance with the Rent Supplement Agreement, negotiate new agreements/renewals and issue subsidy payments to landlords that are timely and accurate.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

2-year post-secondary diploma in Social Services, Business, or other related field Certification in Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) administration is strongly preferred, or, must successfully obtain within 6 months of commencing employment

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

At least 2 years of senior administrative experience in a fast paced computerized office environment within a human services environment providing customer service to clients. Experience and/or previous training withRent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) administration is strongly preferred Experience working with tenants and landlords is an asset Experience working with vulnerable populations Knowledge all relevant legislation including Housing Services Act, Residential Tenancy Act, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code

SKILLS

Microsoft Office capability, including MS Word, advanced Excel Yardi property management or wait list software programs Excellent organizational and telephone skills Excellent verbal and written communication skills Excellent social skills and an ability to effectively manage and build relationships with difficult clients and providers/landlords Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and timelines Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and in a team environment within tight deadlines


SPECIAL CONDITIONS

In accordance with the Corporate Criminal Record Check Policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records Check and submit a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate Must maintain ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons

RESPONSIBILITIES

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Providing contract administration for the Rent Supplement Program, such as negotiating renewals, assessing and securing suitable private rental landlords, including but not limited to: (25% of time)

Negotiating new Rent Supplement Agreements, renewals, annual market rents, vacancy restoration charges and unit additions/deletions with private sector landlords Create and execute new Rent Supplement agreements Ensuring Housing Services and rent supplement landlord complies with agreements and program policies, and provisions Inspecting current and/or potential rent supplement properties to ensure buildings are being maintained to an acceptable standard Reviewing tenant/applicant concerns and/or complaints with the rent supplement landlord and tenant or applicant, including mediation when warranted Inspecting vacant rent supplement units where the landlord is requesting reimbursement for damages caused by the former tenant including damage verification, repair estimates and negotiating reimbursement terms Process reimbursement by Housing Services to the landlord for willful damage and/or negligence on the part of the former tenant and other pertinent costs, as approved by Supervisor. Provide timely communication to landlords including amendments to agreements, notices, updates to files, and formal contract expiration documents Produce, develop and maintain detailed spreadsheets for statistical and reporting information using advanced skills in excel or other applicable software Prepare reporting information monthly for department reporting and annually for SMAIR reporting to the province


Reconciling billing for all rent supplemental allowance housing programs, such as bill payments and balancing budgets, including but not limited to: (25% of time)

Verifying and approving rent supplement payments to landlords and ensuring monthly payments are issued on time Preparing, analyzing and interpreting rent supplement status and activity reports, and provide assessments and recommendations to the Funded Program Supervisor and Manager Housing Programs where appropriate Connecting with Community Services to issue payments on behalf of Housing Services Ensuring the tenant portion of payments is calculated correctly as part of Housing Services portion of payment to specific landlords, in accordance with the respective agreement in place with the landlord Address discrepancies in reporting (undeclared income, misrepresentation), create repayment agreements and monitor compliance with agreements, provide follow up for failure to adhere to agreement terms


Determining eligibility for rent benefit program and determining program eligibility. (20% of time)

Screening, selecting, and issuing conditional approval for rent benefits according to various Rent Benefit program guidelines, then entering into the formal agreement (example, COHB). Initiate and follow to completion the entire tenant file within the various software systems incl. application, assessment, approval, and finance (example, Integrated Housing System known as IHS). Correspond with agencies to collect client data where benefits are being delivered in collaboration. Handles irritated and difficult tenants or applicants as a first level of escalation and response. Confirming family composition and occupancy standards, citizenship, and income sources.


Managing the Tenant Placement Process for Rent Supplement Units. (20% of time)

Contacting tenants and/or their community partners to re-confirm eligibility, and to offer units if applicable. Providing tenants with guidance throughout the placement process Managing and coordinating logistics with tenants and their community partners (i.e. family, etc.), including unit viewing, income verification process, what is needed, and providing contact information to gather forms (i.e. contact Revenue Canada) Calculating Rent-Geared-to-Income Coordinating placement offers with Rent supplement Landlords. Verifying income through the collection of income-source documents Maintain relationships with Rent Supplement landlords to preserve current housing stock and add additional units as funding allows. Discussing Rent Supplement agreement with tenants and/or their community partners about their obligations and implications to various actions Ensuring new tenants receive appropriate documents, pamphlets, tenant handbook, etc. Scheduling appointments to sign appropriate paperwork as necessary and review any related documents (eg Tenant Agreements, Pamphlets, Tenant Handbook, etc.)


Providing Rent-Geared-to-Income administration and rent supplement administration, including but not limited to: (10% of time)

Approval of all rent supplement tenant initial and annual rent calculations while ensuring that tenants have provided all required documentation Ensuring the continued eligibility of rent supplement households in accordance with program guidelines and directives Correspond with agencies to collect new tenant data Prepare files for discharge and the end of tenancy Prepare monthly reports for rent payments and program data


Additional duties as assigned

Closing Statement

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Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow's challenges TODAY!



Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.



We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.



If you require an accommodation for the application process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the alternate formats for contacting us are as follows:

Email: myhr@niagararegion.ca Phone: 905-980-6000 or 1-800-263-7215 Bell Relay: 1-800-855-0511 * In-person: Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 - Human Resources Department