Housing Navigator

Date posted

January 8, 2023

Title

Housing Navigator - DSOER

Status

Term to March 31, 2024

Bilingualism

Fluently bilingual in both official languages is essential

Closing Date

January 20, 2023

Service Coordination for People with Developmental Disabilities (SCS) is a not-for-profit bilingual organization managed by a volunteer Board of Directors which works with and for families and people with intellectual disabilities residing in the region of Ottawa. SCS serves adults and children by providing information, referral services and case management support. An important goal is to empower families/individuals to make informed choices about the supports they seek. DSOER is a service offered by Service Coordination and works with and serves families and adults with intellectual disabilities residing in the Eastern Region: United Counties of Prescott-Russell, Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, city of Ottawa and County of Renfrew.

**Primary Focus**:
Reporting to the Operational Supervisor of DSOER, the Housing Navigator is responsible for the provision of navigation services specific to housing within the Developmental Services for the Eastern Region program (Renfrew County, Prescott-Russell, Stormont Dundas and Glengarry, and the city of Ottawa). The Housing Navigator will collaborate with individuals, their families, and staff both at community Developmental Services agencies and within the housing sector to address the housing needs of adults who have a developmental disability and/or dual diagnosis (mental health and developmental disability).

**Main Responsibilities**
- Provide information about housing for people seeking assistance to obtain or explore inclusive and/or innovative housing options in their community
- Provide information to individuals and the public regarding supportive housing and available grants, as well as education on how they can use funding and/or assets toward their housing solutions.
- Assist individuals with developmental disabilities and their families/caregivers by providing information about MCCSS services and resources and/or non-MCCSS services and resources.
- Reviewing and updating contact information to maintain accurate records
- Assist individuals to connect to local community resources and agencies including working with the municipal service managers
- Work alongside adult protective service workers or equivalent to assist in the development of Individual Support Plans for individuals that reflect their housing needs and all available community-based housing options
- Maintain ongoing contact with individuals, families, and staff at community agencies through a variety of methods (e.g. follow up phone calls, resource fairs, presentations, organized drop in’s, etc.)
- Establish and maintain both formal and informal networks both across and within sectors through interagency committees and collaborative initiatives.
- Work in collaboration with the community to inform and direct people to available community supports, fee-for-service options, other government supports, employment, etc.
- Facilitate family engagement through connecting people with common interests or experiences with one another (e.g. through caregiver or self-advocacy networks).
- As assigned, actively participates on internal and external committees and working groups, always representing the best interests of the organization and the individuals that we support.
- Ensure uploading of all documentation into MCCSS Developmental Services Consolidated Information System (DSCIS).
- Maintain program statistics for purposes of evaluation and research.
- Work with DSOER to promote Community Engagement activities such as presentations, workshops, initiatives
- Participate in Partnership mapping process
- Support SN as needed (Ex: covering for an extended medical leave for a SN)
- Other tasks as assigned.

**Required Qualifications and Skills**
- A University Degree or College Diploma with a focus on Social Services, supplemented by previous work experience in the Developmental Services Sector or related field
- Experience in service provision with knowledge of community housing resources and local service system and providers
- Strong consulting skills
- Experience in a non-profit health care setting considered an asset
- Above average oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to handle multiple tasks at once, work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Highly organized and detail oriented
- Expertise in Microsoft office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Experience working in an Electronic Client Records system is an asset

**Core Competencies Required**
- Service Orientation
- Collaboration
- Relationship/Network Building
- Interpersonal Relations & Respect
- Advocating for Others
- Self-Development

**Working Conditions**

Working conditions are normal for a virtual environment and working with clients in the community. Work regular business hours with some overtime w