Housing Specialist

**Position**:

- Housing Specialist

**Competition Number**:

- 2025-113

**Hours of Work**:

- 37.50 hours per week.Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.

**Reports to**:

- Program Manager, Community Housing

**Vacancies**:

- One (1)

**Hourly Rate**:

- Pay Band 6$ 32.53 - $ 37.80

**Job Status**:

- Temporary Full-time (1 year)

**Union/Non-Union**:

- OPSEU/SEFPO Local 489

**Location**:

- Kingston

**Job Summary**:
The Housing Specialist works as a member of an inter-professional team carrying out rehabilitation and support functions in a community living environment with adults living with a serious mental illness, 16 years of age and older.

The incumbent is responsible for screening referrals, waitlist management, assessments, and after-care services to support clients through their journey towards permanent housing. This position works in close partnership with community service agencies, landlords and other stake holders to facilitate access to housing resources and services. The incumbent also shares housing expertise to support the team in carrying out treatment plans.

The incumbent works within a community housing environment, where services are offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will be expected to support community integration with transportation and appointments outside the work location. All services are provided in accordance with the mission, vision, values and established protocols of the Agency.

**Minimum Qualifications**:

- University Degree in a health-related discipline.
- Three years’ relevant experience providing services to individuals who live with a serious mental illness, preferably in a community setting and supporting those individuals to secure and maintain housing.
- Strong understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues in securing and maintaining housing.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with clients, landlords, and community partners.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Knowledge of local housing resources, community services, and supportive & transitional housing models.
- Knowledge of the Residential Tenancy Act.
- Familiar with the processes of landlord Tenant Board.
- Certification in First Aid and CPR an asset.
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) an asset.
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) an asset.
- Experience working within a community based mental health model, preferred.
- French Language proficiency considered an asset.

**Knowledge, Skills and Abilities**:

- Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of mental health symptoms, issues, psychotropic medications and associated side effects.
- Knowledge of issues related to addictions an asset.
- Knowledge of and the ability to incorporate best practices in community support for individuals living with a serious mental illness.
- Demonstrated assessment and crisis intervention skills with broad knowledge of emergency mental health and crisis stabilization.
- Demonstrated advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.
- Ability to effectively utilize community resources and support to meet the needs of individuals.
- Ability to work under pressure within a changing environment.
- Working knowledge of the Health Care Consent Act, Mental Health Act, Personal Health Information Protection Act, and other relevant legislation.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to effectively engage community services and individuals, increasing awareness of services.
- Well-developed problem-solving, prioritization and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to work autonomously as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
- Basic proficiency in computer skills; MS Office preferred.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends.
- Must possess a valid Ontario Driver’s License and have regular access to a reliable vehicle and provide proof of $2,000,000 vehicle insurance. Incumbent may be required to transport clients.
- Required to provide a satisfactory criminal reference check (CRC) with Vulnerable Sector Screening prior to hire.

- We are committed to accessible employment practices. If you require an accommodation to fully participate in the recruitment and selection process, please inform Human Resources to discuss your individual accessibility needs._