Housing Support Coordinator

**Housing Support Coordinator**:
DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society Surrey, British Columbia

**THE KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES ARE**:

- Works collaboratively with BC Settlement & Integration staff to provide individualized advice, support, information, and guidance to help clients address barriers to housing and to ensure their housing needs are met;
- Provides 1:1 support to clients using a culturally focused and intersectional lens to help identify housing needs and promptly find matches to available housing resources based on identified needs and clients’ preference and values;
- Networks and liaises with landlords, owners, property managers, housing providers, agencies, and stakeholders in the community to develop proactive housing relationships and expand partnerships;
- Supports clients facing housing precarity and homelessness by providing assisted access to transitional housing and/or shelters including registration to BC Charms;
- Identifies when referrals to other programs and services are appropriate and provides follow up to any referrals to bridge gaps and ensure supported access as needed for the client;
- Coordinates housing related appointments in collaboration with BC Settlement and Integration staff who provide cultural bridging between clients and housing providers through language and cultural interpretation and translation;
- Supports clients navigating the housing system by providing information about provincial, municipal, non-profit, coop and market housing and relevant supports;
- Helps clients with following up with landlords/tenants as needed to resolve concerns, complaints, or repair requests;
- Provides support to clients navigating housing disputes by mediating issues and liaising between landlords, TRAC, and the BC Residential Tenancy Branch;
- Facilitates meetings/case conferences between clients, BC Settlement & Integration staff, and strategic housing stakeholders to share information, problem-solve and build and strengthen relationships to enable clients to be equitably housed in permanent housing;
- Develops and updates a housing resource directory that can be utilized by staff and clients navigating housing systems;
- Collaborates with the Group Orientation Coordinator to identify key guest speakers who can provide housing focused group orientation workshops to clients and staff as needed;
- Collaborates with the BC Settlement & Integration staff to provide 1:1 information and orientation to clients on tenancy rights and responsibilities;
- Maintains client confidentiality in all aspects of their work;
- Maintains related records and statistics through accurate and timely documentation and contributes towards producing quarterly and annual reports as required;
- Conducts client surveys and assessments to capture housing needs and trends data that can be utilized in developing best practices to supporting newcomers with housing needs;
- Degree in Social Sciences (i.e., social work, family support, community development or other relevant education/training) or employer-approved alternative or an acceptable combination of education, training, and/or experience;
- Minimum of (2) years’ work experience in affordable housing, project/program coordination and/or delivery of non-profit programs to benefit migrant communities or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience;
- A strengths-based, harm reduction, anti-racism/anti-oppression, and inclusive engagement philosophy of service provision.
- Belief in the self-determination of newcomers is an asset.
- Demonstrated recent experience in providing individualized advice, support, information, and guidance to newcomers related to housing;
- Extensive knowledge of social housing systems, housing programs and providers and housing advocacy organizations in the Lower Mainland;
- Demonstrated understanding of housing accessibility barriers and its impact on racialized migrant populations;
- Experience working with individuals who experience barriers to housing is an asset;
- Demonstrated ability to advocate for clients’ needs and resources;
- Experience with outreach and community engagement is an asset;
- Demonstrated ability for active listening, and building trust and rapport with all stakeholders;
- Deep understanding of equity, diversity, and cultural safety
- Proven track record of coordinating with multiple stakeholders to catalyze collaboration;
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
- Strong analytical and research skills;
- Demonstrated ability to work independently; take initiative, solve problems and work as part of a team;
- Ability to multitask, prioritize and adapt to emerging needs;
- Excellent organizational and coordination skills;
- Demonstrated expertise in utilizing CRM systems for efficient and accurate client data management is an asset;

This position requires union membership. A Criminal Record Check is a requirement of employment.

**APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS*