Landlord Engagement Specialist

Overview

Housing Assistance Department
Onsite
Full Time, Permanent
Level 7
Requisition Number: HAD-

Covenant House helps youth ignite their potential and reclaim their lives. As Canada’s largest agency serving youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk, we offer the widest range of services to hundreds of young people every day.

More than a place to stay, we provide life-changing care with unconditional love and respect. We meet youth’s immediate needs and then we work together to achieve their future goals. We offer 24/7 crisis shelter, transitional housing options on-site and, in the community, health and well-being support, training and skill development, and ongoing care once youth move into the community.

For over 40 years, Covenant House has been dedicated to its mission of serving youth on the street and to protect and safeguard all youth with absolute respect and unconditional love. Since 1982, Covenant House has supported more than 100,000 young people.

• Landlord Outreach
  • Develop and maintain a landlord outreach strategy. Actively recruit housing providers/landlords to support the growth of CHT housing stock for young people.
  • Prioritize potential landlords who have housing options that support CHT’s housing strategy.
  • Provide education to prospective landlords to increase their awareness of youth homelessness and how CHT supports young people to have sustained exits from homelessness.
  • Be the bridge of communication between landlord and our young people to support any potential conflicts and for eviction prevention services.
  • Creating outreach materials, presenting at landlord forums, and using digital platforms to promote CHT’s housing programs.
• Landlord Engagement
  • Provide support to landlords who are renting units to CHT. This includes being the main point of contact for landlords to discuss any property or rent issues.
  • Educate landlords about the Housing First for Youth program, its benefits, and the support services available to both landlords and tenants.
  • Advocate for the needs and rights of young people in the housing market.
  • Assist landlords in the rental process, including lease agreements and move-in procedures.
  • Convene and provide feedback loops to retain partners (e.g., newsletters, recognition events, satisfaction surveys).
  • Coordinate with case managers and other CHT staff to ensure a smooth transition for youth into their new homes.
  • Provide support for both youth and landlords in reviewing and signing lease agreements.
  • Coordinate with landlords for any scheduled unit viewings. Conduct site visits as requested.
  • Facilitates and coordinates landlord training sessions.
• Administrative
  • Develop and maintain a robust landlord database with accurate and up-to-date information.
  • Data collection on landlord retention, tenancy success rates, and feedback mechanisms.
  • Monitor and track landlord information through the housing funnel (prospects to leads to partners).
  • Build and foster positive relationships with landlords and property managers to secure suitable housing options for youth.
  • Act as the primary contact for landlords, addressing concerns and ensuring long-term partnerships.
  • Complete cheque requests as requested for any landlords connected to CHT (any rent direct payment to landlords).
  • Assist youth in completing any maintenance requests for any units secured with any partner landlords.
  • Perform duties as assigned by management.
  • Participation in internal and external committees.
  • Other additional duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, community development, real estate, or a related field.
• 4 years experience in landlord engagement or similar role.
• Experience in property management, real estate, is required.
• Full knowledge of Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).
• Knowledge of the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
• Working knowledge of the Toronto rental housing market and practice.
• Understanding of issues of youth homelessness and human trafficking and the barriers young people experiencing homelessness and/or human trafficking face in relation to employment, education, social inclusion, mental health, and wellbeing.
• Experience working with young people in a community setting is an…