Homelessness Prevention Program Specialist

Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 48,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society seeks a Homelessness Prevention Program Specialist to deliver the HPP with a client-centered approach. You will coordinate rent supplements, eligibility, documentation and referrals within the Outreach team.

Based in the Kelowna region, you will work with Indigenous communities and housing partners to support stability, occupancy and service access across the region.

Qualifications

• Relevant education in social work, human services, Indigenous studies or related field.
• Equivalent education, training, lived experience may be considered.
• Experience supporting people affected by homelessness or housing instability.
• Experience in housing navigation or rent supplement programs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee delivery of HPP per program requirements and KFS procedures.
• Complete intake, eligibility screening, documentation, follow-up, and reviews.
• Administer rent supplements including landlord verification and payments.
• Maintain accurate HIFIS and program records.
• Coordinate with partners to support housing stability and access.

Skills

HIFIS knowledge

Communication

Cultural humility

Documentation

Time management

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Social work or related field

Indigenous studies

Tools

HIFIS

Job description

Position Title: Homelessness Prevention Program Specialist

Department: Outreach

Status: Full-Time

Wage: $27.00/hour

Reports To: Outreach Field Services Coordinator

Work location: Based out of the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society; travel within the region may be required

Nature of Position

The Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) Specialist delivers the Homelessness Prevention Program, including rent supplements, assessment, housing navigation and stabilization, landlord engagement, documentation, and referrals. The HPP Specialist works within the KFS Outreach team and provides coordinated, client-centred housing services in collaboration with KFS staff and community partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery of HPP in accordance with program requirements and KFS procedures.
• Complete intake, eligibility screening, documentation, follow-up, and reviews.
• Administer rent supplements, including applications, landlord verification, payment requests, tracking, and client communication.
• Maintain accurate HIFIS and program records.

Housing Navigation & Stabilization

• Assess housing needs and support housing searches, applications, supportive housing referrals, VATs, and related processes.
• Help clients overcome barriers to obtaining or maintaining housing.
• Work with landlords, housing providers, shelters, and community agencies to support housing access and stability.
• Provide tenancy information, advocacy, and referrals to Residential Tenancy Branch resources.
• Support clients at risk of eviction, housing loss, or a return to homelessness.

Integrated Client Support

• Coordinate with KFS frontline staff on shared and complex client needs.
• Participate in case planning, client meetings, and internal referrals.
• Connect clients with KFS and community services that support housing stability.
• Participate in partnership meetings and maintain relationships with housing providers, shelters, Indigenous organizations, and other community partners.

Community-Based & Outreach Support

• Provide housing-focused community outreach, including meeting or transporting clients and connecting them with services.
• Provide backfill coverage for Aboriginal Housing Outreach Program Specialist and, as needed, KFS Outreach Specialists.

Documentation & Program Support

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client, HIFIS, program, and rent supplement records.
• Maintain program forms, templates, client information, landlord communications, and housing resources.
• Oversee HPP reporting, planning, and funder accountability, and support consistent program processes.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Relevant education in social work, human services, Indigenous studies, community services, or a related field; equivalent education, training, lived experience, and employment experience may be considered.
• Experience supporting people affected by homelessness, housing instability, income insecurity, or systemic barriers.
• Experience in housing navigation, homelessness prevention, tenancy support, or rent supplement programs is an asset.
• Experience working with Indigenous individuals, families, communities, or organizations is strongly preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of HIFIS, BC Housing programs, Residential Tenancy processes, and local housing resources is an asset.
• Clear, supportive communication and the ability to explain complex information accessibly.
• Ability to build trust, honour client autonomy, practise cultural humility, and maintain professional boundaries.
• Strong documentation, organization, problem-solving, time-management, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while maintaining accurate, confidential records.

Work Conditions

• Work in office, housing, shelter, outdoor, and community settings.
• Travel and community outreach may be required.

Requirements

• Knowledge of urban Indigenous communities, culturally safe service delivery, and the Friendship Centre movement.
• Valid Class 5 driver's licence, satisfactory driver's abstract, and reliable vehicle.
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check.
• Completion of required KFS training, including cultural safety, de-escalation, crisis response, and drug poisoning response/naloxone.