Housing Worker

**Housing Worker**

CSS-Housing Department

For forty years, we have maintained a steadfast dedication to our mission: supporting the vulnerable youth who come through our doors. To this day, we remain committed to this duty.

Covenant House helps youth ignite their potential and reclaim their lives. As Canada’s largest agency serving youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk, we offer the widest range of 24-7 services to an average of 280 young people each day.

As a national leader, we educate and advocate for long-term change to improve the lives of vulnerable youth. This includes influencing public policy, leading awareness and prevention programs and continually building and sharing our knowledge. As a learning organization, we strive for excellence and programs with impact.

More than a place to stay, we provide life-changing care with unconditional love and respect. We meet youth’s immediate needs and then we work together to achieve their future goals. We offer housing options, health and well-being support, training and skill development, and ongoing care once youth move into the community.

Thanks to our donors, who contribute 75 per cent of our $40-million annual operating budget, we are able to deliver these comprehensive programs and services.

Since 1982, Covenant House has supported more than 100,000 young people.

**Overview:
**This individual is responsible for assisting youth in finding and securing affordable housing. This person will be involved with viewing apartments with the youth, accompanying youth to the furniture bank, as well as assisting youth to navigate OW/ODSP. This individual is also responsible to build and increase our pool of landlords.

**Responsibilities**:

- Direct implementation of Covenant House philosophy, mission statement and policies as they pertain to disconnected, homeless and hard to serve youth
- Completing a housing history and assessment with each youth
- Developing an appropriate housing plan which could include market rent apartments, co-ops or group homes in accordance with Hostel Services guidelines
- Developing an appropriate discharge plan in accordance with Hostel Services guidelines
- Provide after care support for vulnerable youth through CSS drop-in and home visiting
- Assisting youth in selecting an appropriate roommate for shared accommodation
- Supporting youth during negotiations with landlord
- Provide eviction prevention to youth at risk of being evicted.
- Assisting youth in developing and following a housing budget
- Connect youth to life skills training either through YIT supports or external referrals
- Providing “hands on support” as requested by Case Management Team, e.g. escorting youth to appointments etc.
- Assisting youth in furniture, linen and kitchen utensils acquisition
- Liaising with other service providers and housing registries to identify available suitable accommodation.
- Finding and securing new landlords in the community

**Qualification, Experience**:

- College or university degree or diploma in child and youth work or equivalent.
- Minimum two years experience in a shelter or residential setting.
- Knowledge of adolescent developmental theory and specific issues related to street youth.
- First Aid, CPR and basic computer skills an asset.
- Excellent report writing skills and previous statistical data collections experience.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Knowledgeable in using ETO software and data entry
- Valid driver’s license.

At Covenant House Toronto we believe in a workplace culture of inclusion that is welcoming, respectful and safe for all staff. It is critical to Covenant House Toronto success to eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups. Equity groups have been, and continue to be, underrepresented and marginalized in the workforce, leadership roles, and in some specific occupations. Equity groups include but may not be limited to Indigenous persons, racialized people, gender diverse people, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities.
- In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Covenant House Policy on Accommodation, a request for accommodation will be accepted as part of the Covenant House recruitment process._

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