Housing First Case Manager - Rooming Houses

Socket.dev; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 54,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

John Howard Society of Ottawa is seeking a Full Time Rooming House Case Manager to support residents in housing stability and access to services through a Housing First approach.

Working under the Housing and Reintegration Coordinator, you will conduct intake and assessments, coordinate services, advocate with housing providers, and maintain case notes while traveling across Ottawa to clients' homes and community locations.

Qualifications

• Postsecondary education in social work, social services or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of two years of experience supporting individuals with complex needs, including homelessness, mental health challenges and/or substance use concerns.
• Knowledge of Housing First, harm reduction, trauma-responsive and client-centred approaches.
• Knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities.
• Familiarity with HIFIS, SPDAT or other housing assessment tools and case management tools.
• Understanding of Ottawa's housing and homelessness service system and housing placement resources.
• Ability to build respectful professional relationships with clients, landlords, agencies and service providers.
• Strong communication, negotiation and advocacy skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Sound judgment and ability to respond calmly to challenging situations.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with electronic databases.
• Valid Ontario Class G driver's licence and access to insured personal vehicle for travel across Ottawa.
• Ability to work flexible hours and provide Police Record Check for Vulnerable Sector.
• Bilingualism in English and French is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Meet clients where they are, including in homes and community locations accessible and comfortable for them.
• Complete intake, triage and assessments to identify housing history, barriers, needs and priorities.
• Work in diverse environments where pests may be present, following health and safety procedures.
• Develop individualized, client-led plans reflecting housing and personal goals.
• Support clients with identification, income, food, clothing, shelter and health services.
• Assist clients in locating and securing housing through active searches and applications.
• Build relationships with landlords and promote Housing First participation.
• Help clients understand tenancy expectations and maintain housing stability.
• Provide ongoing case management, coaching and follow-up based on identified needs.
• Provide crisis intervention, safety planning and service coordination when required.
• Connect clients with JHS Ottawa programs and community services.
• Advocate with housing providers and health and social systems as needed.
• Monitor progress and adjust plans as needs change.
• Coordinate or participate in case conferences with clients, colleagues and partners.
• Maintain regular contact with clients while respecting privacy and boundaries.
• Prepare clear case notes, reports and professional correspondence.
• Contribute to staff meetings, case consultations and program planning.
• Follow policies on safety, confidentiality and professional conduct.
• Deliver services within a gender-responsive, trauma-responsive, harm-reduction framework.
• Work with a broad range of community organizations and emergency services.
• Travel regularly between client homes and JHS Ottawa sites and adapt to changing priorities.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Advocacy

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Documentation

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Flexibility

Judgment

Education

Postsecondary education in social work

Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Word

Outlook

Excel

Electronic databases

Job description

John Howard Society of Ottawa is seeking a Full Time Rooming House Case Manager to support residents in housing stability and access to services through a Housing First approach.

Working under the Housing and Reintegration Coordinator, you will conduct intake and assessments, coordinate services, advocate with housing providers, and maintain case notes while traveling across Ottawa to clients' homes and community locations.