Housing Outreach Worker

Job Title Housing Outreach Worker

(1full time permanent and 1 full time fixed term until May 9, 2025)

Department Housing

Location All JHS Offices and Durham Community

Posting Start Date January 27, 2025

Posting End Date February 14, 2025, or until the position is filled

Employment Group CUPE 2938.13

Standard Weekly Hours of Work 35 - 8am to 4pm

Shift Work Required Flex hours may occasionally be required

Work Environment All JHS Durham Office Locations and Community locations

Additional Benefits Extended Health, Dental, Life, LTD, EAP, Mileage reimbursement, Accident coverage, RRSP

Start Date As soon as possible

**John Howard Society of Durham Region Mission Statement**:

- To reduce the impact of crime and its causes by providing a spectrum of effective prevention and intervention programs._

The Housing Services program, supported by funding from the Regional Municipality of Durham, aims to aid individuals and families facing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in Whitby, Oshawa, and Clarington. The program offers diverse support, including but not limited to housing search assistance, eviction prevention, support at Landlord and Tenant Board hearings, advocacy and mediation with landlords, assistance with financial support for last month's rent, rental and utility arrears, education on the Residential Tenancies Act and tenant rights, and ID clinics.

**_
Key Relationships:_**
- Housing Manager, Senior management team, agency employees, service seekers, and other community agencies and stakeholders._

**Key Responsibilities**:
**Client Support**:

- Conduct intake, assessments, and provide support to clients on housing-related issues through walk-ins or appointments.
- Engage with clients and landlords in the community to address housing concerns.
- Advocate for clients with various social agencies, including O.W., ODSP, hostels, shelters, and landlords.
- Assist clients in securing both temporary and permanent housing options, including shelter.

**Advocacy and Mediation**:

- Negotiate and mediate with landlords on behalf of clients.
- Educate clients on the Residential Tenancies Act and navigate the Landlord/Tenant Tribunal process.
- Provide support during Tribunal hearings and assist with court orders when needed.

**Documentation and Reporting**:

- Maintain detailed case notes, progress reports, and client files in HIFIS, ensuring compliance with program requirements.
- Generate accurate statistical and narrative reports in a timely manner.
- Monitor and track finances as necessary, meeting all specified deadlines.

**Resource Development and Information Management**:

- Stay updated on rental housing market trends and legislation in Durham Region
- Develop resource activities aligned with client needs within the John Howard Society framework.
- Conduct preliminary screening for potential clients and guide them to appropriate services.

**Technology and Research**:

- Utilize internet, social media, and research tools to identify housing resources.
- Perform accurate data entry, statistics, and reports using specialized software as required.

**Educational Support**:

- Offer information on the Residential Tenancies Act, Rental Tribunal process, and eviction procedures to clients.

**_ Requirements_**

**Education & Skills**:

- College diploma or higher in a related field (e.g., Social Services, Addictions and Mental Health)
- Proficiency in brief counselling, crisis support, and ability to understand various instructions.
- Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and adaptable work skills
- Proficient in maintaining records, filing systems, basic databases, and organizational tasks.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, computer proficiency (Office 365, MS Teams, Zoom)

**Requirements**:

- Owns a vehicle with a minimum of $2,000,000 liability insurance or access to reliable transportation.
- Able to provide an acceptable vulnerable sector police check.

**Knowledge & Experience**:

- Thorough understanding of JHS Durham Housing Services and local housing resources
- Experience in addictions counselling, social work, and supporting diverse clientele.

**Commitment**:

- Non-judgmental, flexible, committed to achieving agency service outcomes and standards.
- Represents the John Howard Society in community committees and meetings.

**Work Conditions**:

- Potential exposure to infectious waste, diseases, and related conditions
- Works outdoors in all weather conditions, with modified work during severe weather, navigating various terrains as required.
- Interacts with the public, clients, staff, visitors, and representatives from other organizations.
- Requires ongoing physical activity involving walking, standing, sitting, and lifting to 25 lbs.
- Manual dexterity necessary for operating desktop computers and peripherals
- Flexibility in working hours as needed.

**Application Instructions**: