Housing Coordinator

**ABOUT US**

The Catholic Centre for immigrants (CCI) has been serving refugees and immigrants for more than 65 years. CCI is a bridge between the 7,000 immigrants and refugees who come to Ottawa each year and the community. We provide programs and services to help newcomers settle and integrate. We also work in the community to promote the value of a diverse and more welcoming community for all.

**Job Summary**

Under the direction of the Manager of the Reception House, the Housing Coordinator will support the management, planning, and implementation of housing programs and activities to secure affordable accommodation for all newcomer clients. Will supervise the housing workers and provide support to RAP Counsellors, and other responsibilities as required by the organization and the program manager.

This position reports to: Reception House Manager
Employment Status: Full-time until March 31, 2025
Hourly rate: $34.12
Deadline Date to Apply: December 12, 2024

Flexible Location: 219 Argyle Avenue and 204 Boteler Street

**Responsibilities**
- Assist the program manager with overseeing program functioning.
- Supervise and support the work of the Housing Support Counsellors.
- Assess and respond to clients’ initial housing needs, and settlement and integration needs as required.
- Assist clients in finding suitable housing accommodations, including viewing housing options, unit availability, rent negotiation, leases, rent payment, and others as needed.
- Arrange appointments, assist and accompany clients, when needed.
- Liaise with RAP Officer at local Immigration for rent cheque payment, order of furniture, starter kit, and others as needed.
- Arrange client’s transportation “move in to & move out from” Reception House and other temporary accommodation sites.
- Develop and facilitate RAP orientation, Housing workshops, and other basic educational workshops, groups, and activities to orient clients to their new community, Canadian culture, and social norms.
- Conduct house briefing (meet & greet) with new arrival as needed in all temporary accommodation locations.
- Identify, establish, and maintain a good working relationship with relevant community stakeholders and landlords to secure permanent housing for clients.
- Maintain an up-to-date list of affordable housing inventory.
- Liaise and advocate for clients with community service providers including housing services and suppliers regarding client’s needs (furniture delivery, date of moving, documentation, etc.)
- Accompany the client when moving out of the Reception House and other temporary locations to ensure a smooth transition to their permanent accommodation and new community.
- Perform in-person follow-ups with clients and landlords, at the office, by phone, and/or through home visits to evaluate client progress/needs and to ensure housing retention.
- Maintain accurate service records and program documentation.
- Provide activity reports and statistical information as required.
- Participate in meetings and activities that promote understanding of newcomers.
- Work collaboratively with volunteers and staff, including other housing workers, to ensure efficient and effective CCI events and activities management.
- Other duties assigned by the manager

**Qualifications**
- Post-secondary education in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Program Coordinator experience and demonstrated ability to supervise and training staff, as well as to deliver program outcomes on time and to a high standard considered an asset.
- Good knowledge of the Settlement sector and work with refugees
- Experience assessing client needs to provide appropriate service and referrals.
- Experience facilitating groups and workshops.
- Skilled at de-escalation, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
- Ability to function in a multidisciplinary, culturally diverse workplace.
- Fluency in oral and written English and French. Other languages is an asset.
- Active listening and capacity to communicate empathetically.
- The Catholic Centre for Immigrants (CCI) is committed to being an equal opportunity employer._