Landlord Engagement Specialist

**Duties & Responsibilities**
- Develop and implement landlord engagement strategies with a goal of increasing safe and affordable rental housing in north Durham Region
- Identify and maintain a variety of housing stock matching the program caseloads and a network of landlords, focused on retention, mediation, and fair housing to program recipients
- To provide access to the Opening Doors in Durham Region program which includes: Padmission database, support to landlords and users, and ensure accuracy of listings within the system
- Enter all owner/landlord data into database and ensure all data is correct
- Process and approve changes in dwelling unit ownership in database
- Facilitate discussions with housing providers to communicate program guidelines, expectations and supports associated with client care
- Perform and confirm rent reasonableness at initial or new unit onboarding into database
- Create tools and advise on best practices for communicating with landlords
- Act as community resource for housing providers and housing related inquiries
- Act as a resource and develop understanding and capacity among community partners and landlords on housing legislation
- Liaise with community supports to determine needs and unit suitability
- Work with the Landlord Support Specialist to ensure the safety and appropriateness of units
- Provide information to landlords to promote their involvement with housing participants.
- Set expectations for landlords as to what the placement and partnership could look like
- Educating and advising landlords on RentSmart program, legislated standards and landlord rights and responsibilities
- Coordinate and update north Durham rental listing directory
- Active participation in the Landlord’s Association of Durham Region
- Accurate, detailed, and timely data entry to report program successes and engagement to the Region of Durham
- Maintain privacy and confidentiality for both landlords and program users
- Attend and actively participate in progress updates
- Perform other administrative or program-related tasks as required

**Qualifications**

**Education & Experience**
- Completion of relevant post-secondary education (diploma or degree)
- Minimum 1-2 years of experience in sales or related experience
- 1-2 years of experience building and fostering community relationships is an asset
- Knowledge of real estate industry, property management principles and relevant legislation is an asset
- Knowledge of homelessness in rural communities is an asset

**Knowledge, Skills and Abilities**
- Ability to negotiate with local landlords to increase access to housing by breaking down stigmatic barriers for those with complex needs
- Ability to think strategically and tactically to find out of the box solutions to overcome current housing crisis
- Ability to effectively communicate program expectations from both the landlord and client perspective
- Understanding of local private rental market and Residential Tenancies Act
- Strong sales and negotiation skills
- Strong understanding of the At Home in Durham Housing Plan, and policy frameworks related to integrated service delivery for people with complex needs.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills to connect and build relationships.
- Experience in marketing/working with a variety of housing providers including Non-Profits, Local Housing Corporations, and private landlords as well as experience working in an interagency or cross-system context is desirable.
- Strong and professional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to extract complex or technical issues to salient points.
- Proficiency with a variety of software programs, most importantly Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), and the ability to effectively use the internet.
- Possess a valid driver’s license, insured vehicle and willing to travel (within Durham Region).
- Must provide a vulnerable sector criminal police check with a negative return.
- An ability to advocate for those living with many barriers that limit their ability to access permanent housing
- Able to identify potential landlord connections in north Durham Region is an asset
- Ability to multitask, manage time and prioritize activities
- Excellent presentation skills
- Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; as well as ability to establish rapport and excellent communication (written and oral) with clients, team members, and Executive Director
- Ability to work effectively independently and within a team setting

**Work Conditions**
- Interacts with staff, potential landlords, community members and partner agencies only. NOTE: This is not a client-facing role
- Intermittent physical activity including walking, standing, sitting, lifting
- Able to lift items as heavy as 25 lbs.
- Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals
- Office Hours Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM

**Location**
The North House main office is in Uxbr