Tenant Support Worker

**WHO ARE WE?**

Vancouver Native Housing Society (VNHS) has been in operation since 1984 with the mandate of providing culturally appropriate housing so that tenants have a sense of belonging with supports in place for harm reduction. While the core function of VNHS is in providing housing, there is acknowledgement that many of the tenants have endured intergenerational trauma. Residents have been disenfranchised from their communities and so in addition to housing, VNHS has the responsibility of creating a safe community by connecting residents with community service supports as well as access to cultural opportunities.

**TENANT SUPPORT WORKER**

The **Tenant Support Worker** reports to the Building Manager and is responsible for monitoring the general wellbeing of the residents, providing programmes to build a sense of community among the marginalized and diverse residents, dealing with daily issues as they arise, and maintaining a respectful and supportive environment for all residents, staff, and visitors.

**KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES**
- Provides guidance to residents with housekeeping tasks such as care of common areas and their individual suites
- Monitors the residents’ ability to maintain their suite and, if required, arranges for home care or other supportive services (e.g., medical needs, meals on wheels, pest control, community building activities, etc.)
- Assists residents to identify and connect with community support services such as mental health programs, education, employment, social services, and community programs
- Helps tenants maintain their housing by facilitating individualized life skill programs through education and referral to the appropriate social, health, income support, and service organizations when needed
- Monitors the flow of visitors by supervising the main entrance, ensuring visitors sign in/out, and noting the visitor’s destination in the building
- Deals with emergencies following specific reporting procedures and policies
- Assists with orientation and other rent-ready programs
- Promotes a sense of security through “good neighbour” initiatives
- Works with the Supportive Housing Manager to ensure compliance with the BC

Residential Tenancy Act and program agreements
- Coordinates contingency services and provides non-violent crisis intervention and/or extraordinary services where required
- Assists with orientation and other rent-ready programs
- Conducts light clean up duties in common areas and the amenity room
- Performs other related duties as assigned

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Experience working with Indigenous and at-risk communities
- Grade 12 diploma or equivalent
- Three (3) years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
- Crisis Intervention, Naloxone Administration, and Conflict Resolution Training are considered assets
- Basic First Aid Training Certificate
- Criminal Record Check

**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)**
- Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous histories and cultures in Canada
- Knowledge and understanding of the issues facing Indigenous and marginalized people in an urban setting
- Knowledge of office administration procedures
- Knowledge and understanding of computer systems including Microsoft Office
- Knowledge of emergency procedures including police, fire, and ambulance
- Willingness to meet tenants at their level and respond to their needs effectively and appropriately
- Demonstrated suitability to work with disadvantaged and challenging adults in a diverse environment
- Demonstrated physical and mental ability to perform the duties of the job
- Personal initiative, sound judgement, decision-making and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to act in a crisis management environment
- Ability to organize oneself in the workplace and work effectively as a team member
- Ability to develop and maintain rapport with at-risk tenants, co-workers, and other stakeholders, while preserving professional worker-client boundaries
- Ability to deal with sensitive and confidential tenant information
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
- Ability to work in a fair, non-judgmental, and respectful environment and to interact with others effectively

This position requires shift work and flexibility with hours to meet operational deadlines.

**WHAT WE OFFER**
- Extended Health
- Dental Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Vision Care
- 15 Sick Days per Year
- 13 Statutory Holiday Days and 1 Discretionary Day Off with Pay per Year
- Education or Training Allowance

**NEXT STEPS**

**Closing Date**: Open Until Filled

**Although we thank all applicants for their interest, only those who are shortlisted will be contacted.** **Please do not contact the office directly.**

Pursuant to Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of Aboriginal Ancestry

**COVID-19 considerations**:
We provide Personal Protective Equipment to al