Landlord and Housing Retention Support Worker

**Job title**:Landlord and Housing Retention Support Worker

**Department**:Housing

**Reports to**:Housing Manager and Team Lead - Outreach & Landlord Engagement

**Hours of work**:8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

**Job purpose**

The Landlord and Housing Retention Support Worker (LHW) will work alongside the Landlord Engagement Specialist (LES) to provide support services to local housing providers and program users related to landlord support and risk mitigation. Working in collaboration with the Landlord Engagement Specialist, prospective units will be screened for safety and legalities to ensure clients are only moving into spaces that will contribute to long-term successful housing placements.

The Landlord and Housing Retention Support Worker (LHW) will work with low acuity clients who are housed through the Opening Doors Program. The LHW will meet with the clients regularly and ensure that the clients are following through with their responsibilities as tenants with the goal of retaining housing for these individuals.

**Company Overview**

**Duties and responsibilities**
- Review and determine eligibility of prospective clients for Landlord Support Program
- Work closely with the Landlord Engagement Specialist and CDCD's Housing team
- Perform verification of dwelling unit ownership for new landlords or any changes in ownership
- Work with landlords to ensure their units comply with bi-law and zoning requirements
- Assist tenants in retaining their housing by offering resources and referrals to address their immediate needs
- Confirm move-in and move-out inspections are completed to ensure legalities, safety and condition of the space for clients
- Evaluate damage claims submitted for accuracy, appropriateness and costs; including scope of work, quotes for repair and other costs
- Actively collaborate and support Housing Workers in Durham Region to access Opening Doors Program supports on behalf of tenants and landlords
- Attend and participate in progress updates
- Prepare cheque requisitions
- Process program-related invoices and receipts to maintain proper financial reporting
- Maintain client files and ensure confidentiality and privacy protection for both the landlord and tenant
- Provide regular communication with all parties involved
- Organize and manage Opening Doors Program evaluation processes
- Conduct regular check in’s with clients in the Opening Doors Program to ensure that their tenant responsibilities are being met
- Ensures that workplace conduct and activities are in accordance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act
- Participate in promoting a positive workplace culture through agency committee membership and departmental activities
- Perform other administrative or program related duties as assigned by Manager or Team Lead

**Qualifications**
- Post-secondary degree/certification in Social Services with experience in housing and community development - or a combination of education and experience
- 1 to 2 years relevant experience in a community-based setting, in a housing sector
- Thorough knowledge of intake and assessment procedures, good knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act and Landlord and Tenant Board
- Knowledge of housing bi-law and zoning requirements
- Experience in dealing with landlords, tenant disputes and eviction notices
- Must be a good communicator and presenter with the ability to take and record notes
- Demonstrates understanding of the Durham Region social service sector and issues faced by marginalized populations we serve
- Experience in conflict resolution, de-escalation, referral and advocacy for clients
- Knowledge of gender-based violence, anti-oppression principles and trauma-informed approaches
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, team environment
- Must be an excellent problem solver and have strong ability to prioritize
- Possesses working knowledge of current Windows Operating System, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

**Additional Requirements**
- The Landlord and Housing Retention Support Worker will need to be flexible in the case of attending evening and/or weekend meetings and events as required
- A valid Ontario driver’s license (Class G), use of a vehicle and insurance with the ability to work in a variety of settings is an asset
- The physical ability to function effectively in an environment that includes both a normal office and duties being carried out in an external setting

**APPLICATION PROCESS**: Applicants are requested to submit their resume and a cover letter stating salary expectation, while outlining their strengths, experience and aptitude to fulfill the position requirements.

CDCD thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those asked for additional information and/or selected for an interview will be contacted.

CDCD is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace that represents the cultural mosaic of the Durha