Eviction Prevention Worker

**OUR MISSION**

To help those in the community with social and economic needs improve their quality of life

**OUR VISION**

Port Cares inspires and provides help, hope and opportunity for all in our community to achieve their potential

**OUR VALUES**

We provide help without judgement

We are accountable to one another

We treat everyone with respect

We work collaboratively together

**Job Summary**

**Roles and Responsibilities**
- Work with Fort Erie and Port Colborne (including Wainfleet) households requiring eviction prevention (or housing loss) to maintain housing through assessment, referral, mediation coordination, education and planning. Assess level of need to provide the appropriate level and length of assistance.
- Engage in problem-solving and conflict resolution activities e.g. work with parties (e.g. landlord) to find ways to save housing, explore financial resources to address eviction or housing loss, referral to formal mediation.
- Gather documentation, use motivational interviewing and strength based approach to support housing stability.
- Refer/liaise with Community Legal Services in formal eviction processes supporting the household as appropriate e.g. work with family to gather documentation necessary to challenge eviction notice, accompany household facing eviction to community based legal services or Tribunal
- Support in addressing rental arrears, when appropriate e.g. Liaise with Ontario Works staff or ODSP to explore eligible financial mechanisms/supports for impacted families or individuals.
- Liaise with utility assistance community programs when eviction of housing loss is directly related to arrears with energy or utilities.
- Where appropriate and with consent, engage with family/friends that are trusted partners of impacted households in determining solutions/options.
- As appropriate, provide short term case-management to recently housing households to support housing stabilization and reduce risk of housing loss. E.g. connecting or accompanying household to other community resources, establish short term goals, assist in budgeting assistance, training, offer voluntary time-limited money management program to assist with increased financial stability e.g. set up and review budgets for accuracy, follow up monthly and support household’s transition to managing their own payments.
- Provide education on landlord and tenant rights, coordinate mediation services and provide referrals to legal services and financial resources.
- Establish partnerships with community agencies to support program.
- Assist in policy development to support program delivery and implementation.
- Participate in evaluation activities for the program.
- Attend meetings, conferences and trainings.
- Must be willing to travel to connect with households in the community.
- Assist with Port Cares related fundraisers if necessary
- Other related duties as assigned.

**Administration and Organizational Responsibilities**
- Maintain appropriate documentation for statistics and files
- Develop organized case plans
- Provide information for funder reports as necessary
- Maintain client files and update HIFIS database. Experience with this database is an asset
- Assist in the establishment of linkages with community resources
- Ensure compliance with all agency policies/grant requirements
- Practice effective time management and communication skills
- Protect the confidentiality of all client related records

**Qualifications and Experience**
- Post-secondary degree, diploma or relevant work experience in a related field
- Experience or education in housing, addictions, mental health, or social services sector
- G License and ability to drive around in catchment area _**is required**_
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Experience in working in social services environment
- Knowledge of Landlord - Tenant legislation or willingness to learn
- Willingness to train and adapt to emerging best practices
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and potentially other basic computer programs
- Vulnerable sector check and clean driver’s license _**is required**_

**Hours**

8:30 - 4:30, Monday to Friday, Flexibility will be required to support household needs
- **To be considered for employment, a satisfactory Police Criminal Record / Vulnerable Sector Search is required.**_

**Job Types**: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Pay: From $22.36 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Port Colborne, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

- Are you willing to and able to provide a valid Police Criminal Record / Vulnerable Sector Check on your first day or employment, should you be hired?

**Education*