Housing Case Manager (Contract)

CDCD; Ajax; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in Durham is seeking a Housing Case Manager to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at-risk of losing their housing in Ajax and Pickering. This role involves comprehensive case management, community outreach, and collaboration with various stakeholders to secure housing and resources for clients. The ideal candidate will possess strong advocacy skills, a background in social services, and a commitment to community welfare.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in case management and outreach.
• Experience in settlement services.
• Proven understanding of community resources and government support agencies.

Responsibilities

• Support clients with housing needs and access to services.
• Conduct client intake and develop housing plans.
• Facilitate group sessions on housing-related topics.

Skills

Advocacy

Mediation

Problem-solving

Communication

Time management

Education

College diploma or undergraduate degree in Social Work

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Department : Housing Reports to : HousingManager andTeam Lead Case Management and Housing First Hours of work : 8 : 30 am to 4 : 30 p.m. / 10 : 00 am to 6 : 00 p.m. Employment Status : Short-term Contract (3 months), 37.5 hours per week Job purpose The Housing Case Manager (HCM) supports individuals and families in the Ajax / Pickering area who are experiencing homelessness and / or are at-risk of homelessness.The HCM has a broad understanding of the services available to Durham Region residents who are at risk. Using a coordinated access approach, the HCM is responsible for advocating on behalf of clients and referring them to appropriate organizations when required. The HCM will also be responsible for facilitating group sessions and preparing presentations on housing related topics. The successful candidate will need to identify and attend events to create awareness about housing programs. Company Overview

Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) is an independent, not-for-profit social planning organization that has been working to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families and communities in Durham for over 55 years. We organize a variety of research, community development and social planning initiatives as well as administer and deliver front line social service programs. Please visit us at for more information. Duties and responsibilities

• Using client-centered, anti-oppression, anti-racism, trauma-informed, gender-based analysis plus+ and strength-based approaches, build relationships and establish rapport with existing community partners, vendors, landlords, clients and staff.
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy protection measures for all community partners, landlord, vendors, staff and clients.
• Promote a high-functioning teamwork environment that is inclusive, harmonious, cooperative, efficient and productive.
• Participates in promoting a positive workplace culture through agency committee membership and departmental activities.
• Follow general directions and instructions from the Team Leads within the Housing Department.
• Conduct holistic client intake, assessment and case planning services, utilizing a client-centered, anti-oppression, anti-racism, trauma-informed, gender equity and strength-based approaches to assist clients in securing permanent housing.
• With clients input co-create settlement / housing plans to support clients with the short- and long-term goals; conduct follow up, referral and advocacy.
• Maintain client files, ensuring confidentiality.
• Manage caseloads and maintain detailed case management notes within the HIFIS database.
• Meet with potential clients, assess, and determine the appropriate housing response to a households request for support services and accommodations to resolve their housing needs.
• Provide support, information, resources and referrals to individuals or families that assist with problem solving and address immediate needs.
• Act as a resource to and advocate for individuals and families in Durham Region.
• Actively engage with clients to secure housing, secure income assistance, if necessary, assist with leases, deposits, setting up utilities, and lease signing, complete and submit OESP applications, and assist clients with ID replacement.
• Meet clients throughout the community to provide housing support. (ex. Durham Welcome Centres, YMCA, Ajax Homeless Hub, CAREA, CFOC, Library etc.)
• Assist clients with filling out HSP applications and gathering documentation.
• Create and facilitate group sessions and presentations on housing-related topics such as, evictions, landlord / tenant rights and responsibilities, budgeting, Rent Smart etc.
• Identify and attend events to increase community outreach and public education about the housing programs.
• Collect and display accurate resource information on housing advocacy for clients.
• Collect information on, and participate in, team, agency and partner communication on systemic housing issues.
• Attend and participate in advisory committees as needed, including agency partners' meetings.
• In addition to referred clients from other community partners, conduct outreach efforts to identify and connect with homeless individuals and newcomers who require assistance.
• Engage in activities to reach isolated households / individuals and at-risk families.
• Liaise with Landlord Engagement Specialists, Housing Retention Workers, shelters, and other community resources to establish referral processes and ensure that individuals are appropriately linked.
• Facilitate start-up supports for clients using program-approved guidelines, templates and tracking tools.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with other community outreach workers, Housing First and Housing Settlement Case Managers.
• Participate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of housing programs to meet identified needs.
• Conduct housing searches using the landlord database, and various websites. (Ex, viewit.ca, Kijiji, Craigslist, Marketplace etc.).
• Track client statistics using the HIFIS database and agency excel spreadsheet. Suggest new initiatives and contribute to other projects / duties as required.
• Attend and support internal and / or external committees, meetings and events where applicable.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by Housing Manager or Housing Team Leads.

Personal Attributes

• Professional and polished demeanor, with excellent communication skills.
• Strong work ethic, integrity and ability to instill trust.
• Thorough attention to detail and takes personal pride in work performed.
• Must have a high level of integrity and ability to work with confidential and sensitive information.
• Maintains flexibility and performs under pressure with tight deadlines.
• Requires a high degree of initiative and judgment.
• Highly motivated, dynamic, proactive and forward-thinking individual with exemplary interpersonal skills.
• Team player who is positive, professional and experienced in working with at-risk clients.
• Highly organized with strong time management skills and the ability to handle multiple projects concurrently and meet tight deadlines.
• Responds to stressful situations in a calm, collected and professional manner.
• Demonstrates the ability to deal effectively with a variety of people and resolve conflict when necessary.
• Strong decision-making ability while adhering to agency guidelines.
• Must be proactive, resourceful, and possess the ability to resolve complex client concerns.
• Demonstrated sensitivity and awareness of cultural diversity issues and promotes an inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience providing enhanced case management and outreach in a community-based housing or related agency
• 3+ years working experience in settlement services.
• Completion of a college diploma or undergraduate degree in Social Work or other relevant discipline.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Housing sectors intersection with other sectors and issues being faced by at-risk and diverse populations.
• Extensive knowledge of community-based resources and government agencies for low-income people, including income through Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, Old Age Security.
• Practical knowledge of housing help-sector best practices, the Housing First model, the Landlord and Tenant Act, the Residential Tenancies Act, the Housing Services Act, and all other relevant legislation.
• Strong mediation and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills; second language is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and using the Internet.
• Non-violent crisis intervention (CPI), suicide intervention (ASIST), standard first aid or a commitment to secure those requirements within six months of being hired.
• Able to work both independently and within a team context.
• Capable of effectively managing stressful client situations.

Additional Requirements

• A valid Ontario drivers license (Class G), use of a vehicle and insurance with the ability to work in a variety of settings.
• The successful candidate must provide valid criminal records check prior to commencing employment.
• The physical ability to function effectively in an environment that includes both a normal office and duties being carried out in an external setting.
• Some evening and / or weekend may be required.