Housing Relocation Officer I

Requisition ID: 41815

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world's most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose & Function

The primary responsibilities of this position are to provide housing and referral support services to Gathering Place Shelter patrons. The Outreach Worker assesses psychosocial health, stability and financial circumstances; assists with accessing income supports and personal identification; advises and supports with housing relocation and basic rights; make referrals to appropriate agencies and programs; and advocates for clients through direct housing search assistance. Considerable independent judgement and action are required.

The Gathering Place Community Centre has operated and provided service in the downtown south for over 28 years. The centre supports community members with essential services such as low cost meals, showers and laundry, recreational programming and arts and cultural programming. For the past 6 years, the Gathering Place has operated a shelter with 34 guests nightly.

Reports to the Manager, Community Centre Operations directly, and indirectly to the Director. Works with Gathering Place Shelter Coordinator and leadership teams, external community partners, housing providers, shelter providers, and within established agreements and relationships with BC Housing and other partners to meet client needs. This position exercises independent judgement in routine affairs, but unusual problems are referred to supervisors.

This position works Tuesday through Friday, from 7:30am to 4:30pm, based on a compressed 4-day work week, at the Gathering Place. Work location and hours may change as operationally required and in accordance with the Collective Agreement.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Client Services and Record Keeping:

With direction from the Manager, Community Centre Operations, the incumbent personally delivers the following services:

• Assesses clients through interview and relational process for psychosocial well-being, mental health and stability, substance use, gender or age-based violence, suicide risks, and responds appropriately.
• Utilizes a collaborative framework to incorporate client's expressed goals and needs.
• Assesses the financial circumstances of clients to determine entitlement for government income or housing assistance. Takes action to ensure clients are receiving full financial and housing allowances. Understands current income assistance and other relevant legislation affecting housing and basic human rights.
• Locates housing and provides direct housing search assistance. Provides advocacy and coordination support to clients throughout the process.
• Maintains relationships with housing providers, shelter providers, and other resources to assist clients with housing stability.
• Provides direct assistance in completing applications for housing, welfare and pensions, and personal identification papers.
• Refers clients to appropriate private, public, and non-profit agencies; provides encouragement and motivational support to address psychosocial needs of clients.
• Provides assistance to community services and hospital social workers in transitioning individuals into shelter settings.
• Liaises with various community and public agencies providing relocation services or housing; obtains and exchanges information within COV privacy guidelines.
• Prepares and maintains various files, records, and statistics related to their work, updating HIFIS database on a daily basis.
• Other duties and related work as assigned or required.

Planning and Development of Programs:

• Operates and participates in programs of an educational, cultural, social, and recreational nature provided by The Gathering Place Community Centre that support client needs.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Diploma in the field of community service or social science including or supplemented by some training in substance use, disabilities, mental illness, conflict resolution and violence prevention with related work experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Current and valid Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certification
• Driver's License for the Province of British Columbia is an asset

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of market and non-market housing resources and programs.
• Considerable knowledge of the counselling, social and medical service requirements of persons experiencing housing displacement and homelessness.
• Considerable knowledge of the social, medical, financial, and community resources available to clients.
• Considerable knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing the work.
• Working knowledge of municipal and provincial legislation affecting tenants.
• Ability to recognize and address mental, physical, and neurological disabilities in clients, as well as, financial and social problems that may complicate tenancy.
• Ability to advise, assist, and encourage clients seeking housing and psychosocial support services.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with external agencies, public and community resource agencies, building managers/landlords, members of the public, other government officials and staff.
• Ability to advocate for clients.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and files related to their work.
• Ability to respond to emergencies after regular work hours and support client needs, travel in community including walking long distances, climbing stairs, and lift heavy items.

Police Record Check:

• A Police Record Check is a requirement of this position. A clearance requires the absence of any criminal charges or convictions related to the position.

Business Unit/Department: Arts, Culture and Community Services

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: July 2024

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-020: $35.72 to $42.04 per hour

Application Close: June 20, 2024

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.