Housing Locator

**Salary**: $49,300 per year
**Days of work**: Sunday - Thursday
**Hours of work**: 10 am to 6 pm

**Position Summary**
Using the Housing First Approach, the Landlord Engagement Specialist, works in
collaboration with other Alpha House programs to find suitable accommodation for
people experiencing homelessness, many of who are individuals with addictions and or
mental health issues. The goal of this position is to assist the individual in obtaining
housing by connecting with landlords that are willing to rent to our clientele. This position
will entail meeting with landlords in the community, doing viewings and helping to
resolve issues.

**Responsibilities**:

- Research, investigate, negotiate and view housing opportunities on behalf of our
clients
- Engaging with landlords to access private market housing opportunities for
clients that are safe, well maintained and affordable
- Act as the first point of contact for landlords, providing information, education and
support regarding housing issues to maintain successful partnerships
- Respond and support landlords by troubleshooting & problem solving issues
related to tenancies and provide conflict resolution in partnership with the Case
Worker and client, to avert potential eviction
- Maintains housing files, case notes, move in paperwork, insurance forms and
daily stats.
- Ensure move-in and move-out inspections are completed, and if necessary,
perform minor building repairs and maintenance, and or obtain quotes for repairs
or other costs
- Evaluate damage claims submitted for accuracy, appropriateness and costs
- Liaison with community agencies and businesses to fulfil program needs
- Working in collaboration with the Case Worker, provides support services to
clients at risk of eviction
- Maintains confidentiality at all times
Updated: Oct 2022
- Demonstrates empathy and acts in a professional, non-judgmental, discreet and
caring manner with all clients and serve as a role model
- Maintains positive working relationships with Alpha House team members as well
as other business and agencies as required
- Understanding of the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA), and ensures the agency
and clients are in compliance with same

**Qualifications**:

- Completion of at least a one year of Post-secondary education, ideally in
Business or related field, from a public educational institution, or working towards
one
- Preference will be given to those with experience in rental property management
(tenant disputes, eviction notices, etc).
- Experience performing minor building repairs and maintenance would be an
asset
- Experience working within a Not for Profit Agency is an asset
- Strong business acumen and knowledge of residential tenancy act
- Team player, who can also work independently and is able to take initiative
- Strong verbal and written English communication skills
- Strong interpersonal communication and customer service skills and the ability to
communicate showing respect and dignity as well as with discretion and maintain
confidentiality of clients
- Proven conflict resolution, negotiation, mediation and advocacy skills
- Highly resourceful, organized with strong documentation skills and the ability to
multi task and set priorities
- Awareness and understanding of the Not for Profit sector as well as the barriers
to housing for high-risk individuals
- Time management skills, multitasking skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks with
mínimal supervision.
- Computer literacy, including effective working skills of MS Word, Excel, Power
Point and Outlook
- Consistently demonstrate ability to take the initiative to make decisions/choices
without direct supervision, often in times of crisis
- Have ethically responsible practices with staff and clients alike including a
thorough understanding and appreciation of the Protection of Persons in Care
Act

**Position Requirements**:

- Proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID
- Class 5 (Non GDL) driver license
- A reliable vehicle that can be used for business purposes
- Be physically able to assist clients with move in’s/Out as well as cleaning (which
may involve bodily fluids), lifting up to 35 lbs
- Able to provide a Vulnerable Sector Search, valid within the last six months, that
does not contain any results material to the position
- FOIP Certification
- “It’s your Move” training, or equivalent Lift training