Housing Specialist

Who We Are 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:

The Housing Specialist will assist chronically homeless individuals and families of York Region to obtain and maintain 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 pre-screened 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 LISTProgram

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…