Housing Relations Specialist

**The Context**:
Over 1/3 of homeless people in Ottawa are Indigenous. Wabano has been providing homelessness services to our community for over 20 years. But both “houselessness” and homelessness have negative connotationsat Wabano, we see our role more as “path finders”. Whether clients need help finding or keeping their home, our team is here to help clients create a safe, cozy place that they can feel pride in calling home.

**The Role**:
Wabano is now looking for a Housing Relations Specialist to be part of our “Home Team” working collaboratively within the **Indigenous-specific coordinated access system in Ottawa.** (See Appendix for more information on this system.)

We are looking for an individual that is inspired by the work of grassroots initiatives and is motivated to find innovative ways to foster rapport and use technology to streamline communication.

**The Responsibilities**:
As the Housing Relations Specialist, you will build and preserve trusting relationships with landlords in Ottawa. We’ll rely on you to engage with our housing team and potential landlords regularly, working together to find homes for low-income Indigenous families in Ottawa.

To meet these responsibilities, the Housing Relations Specialist will:

- Identify appropriate private rental housing opportunities for low-income Indigenous individuals and families in Ottawa.
- Maintain ongoing communication with Case Managers of Wabano and Minwaashin Lodge about available housing, creating technology solutions to maximize the channels of communication.
- Develop a network of contacts consisting of landlords and property managers.
- Create promotional tools and methods to inspire this network to participate in the housing program.
- Maintain good relationships with these landlords and property managers.
- Do initial site visits of available units and create “postings” for distribution to Wabano and Minwaashin Lodge Case Managers that clearly and visually describe the unit.
- Offer support to teams’ Case Managers by:

- Helping them identify available properties that correspond to clients’ criteria,
- Being the connector to the landlord and property managers, starting the client off on the right path, and
- Being an advocate for clients, enhancing cultural sensitivity and respect.

**Qualifications**:

- Ability to build, foster, and maintain positive professional relationships
- Proficiency with Customer Relation Management technology
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills
- Keen analytical and research abilities
- Problem-solving and conflict resolution capabilities
- Post-secondary completion in relevant field OR equivalent work/lived experience with low-income Indigenous families
- 2+ years of experience in a customer service role, sales or communications role
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
- Clear criminal reference check to work with vulnerable population is required
- Valid driver’s license and exceptional driver’s record

**Salary**:
***Range $55,000-$60,000 per year + Benefits

**Why Work for Us**:

- Collaborative and Supportive Work Environment
- Comprehensive Group Health and Dental Insurance
- Employee Pension Plan (defined benefits) with matching contribution from Wabano
- Employee Assistance Program - the best in the world
- Four (4) weeks paid vacation time
- Ten (10) paid personal/sick days
- Access to cultural teachings and knowledge keepers
- Work with dynamic teams from various sectors

**Application Details**:
Successful applicants will be required to provide a criminal reference check.

Wabano is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If contacted for an employment opportunity or interviewing, please advise if you require accommodation.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.