Landlord Engagement Specialist

Landlord Engagement Specialist

Housing Assistance Department

Onsite

Full Time, Permanent

Level 7

Requisition Number: HAD

Covenant House helps youth ignite their potential and reclaim their lives. As Canada's largest agency serving youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk, we offer the widest range of services to hundreds of young people every day.

More than a place to stay, we provide life-changing care with unconditional love and respect. We meet youth's immediate needs and then we work together to achieve their future goals. We offer 24/7 crisis shelter transitional housing options on-site and, in the community, health and well-being support, training and skill development, and ongoing care once youth move into the community

For over 40 years, Covenant House has been dedicated to its mission of serving youth on the street and to protect and safeguard all youth with absolute respect and unconditional love. Since 1982, Covenant House has supported more than 100,000 young people.

Overview: The Landlord Engagement Specialist advances Covenant House Toronto's community housing strategy by building and sustaining strong relationships with landlords. The role is responsible for recruiting new landlord partners, educating them about CHT's mission and housing programs, and supporting them throughout the rental process. By securing safe, affordable units for young people transitioning out of homelessness and/or trafficking and providing ongoing tenancy support, the Specialist fosters stable housing outcomes and strengthens community partnerships that promote youth well-being and independence.

We are currently recruiting for 1 Full Time, Permanent Landlord Engagement Specialist. This is a new role within the organization

Responsibilities:

Landlord Outreach

• Develop and maintain a landlord outreach strategy.  Actively recruit housing providers/landlords towards the growth of CHT housing stock for our youth people. 
• Prioritize potential landlords who have housing options that support CHT's housing strategy
• Provide education to prospective landlords to increase their awareness of youth homelessness and how CHT supports young people to have sustained exits from homelessness. 
• Be the bridge of communication between landlord and our young people to support regarding any conflicts and for eviction prevention services.
• Creating outreach materials, presenting at landlord forums, and using digital platforms to promote CHT's housing programs

Landlord Engagement

• Provide support to landlords who are renting units to CHT. This includes being the main point of contact for landlords to discuss any property or rent issues.
• Educate landlords about the Housing First for Youth program, its benefits, and the support services available to both landlords and tenants.
• Advocate for the needs and rights of young people in the housing market.
• Assist landlords in the rental process, including lease agreements and move-in procedures.
• Convene and feedback loops to retain partners (e.g., newsletters, recognition events, satisfaction surveys)
• Provide ongoing support to landlords, addressing any concerns or issues that arise during the tenancy.
• Coordinate with case managers and other CHT staff to ensure a smooth transition for youth into their new homes.
• Provide support both youth and landlords in reviewing and signing lease agreements. 
• Coordinate with landlords for any scheduled unit viewings.  Conduct site visits as requested.
• Facilitates or coordinates landlord training sessions

Administrative

• Develop and maintain a robust landlord database with accurate and up-to-date information.
• Data collection on landlord retention, tenancy success rates, and feedback mechanisms
• Monitor and track landlords through the housing funnel (prospects to leads to partners).
• Build and foster positive relationships with landlords and property managers to secure suitable housing options for youth.
• Act as the primary contact for landlords, addressing concerns and ensuring long-term partnerships.
• Complete cheque requests as requested for any landlords connected to CHT (any rent direct payment to landlords)
• Assist youth in completing any maintenance requests for any units secured with any partner landlords.
• Perform duties as assigned by management.
• Participation in internal and external committees.
• Other additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, community development, real estate, or a related field.
• 4 years experience in landlord engagement or similar role
• Experience in property management, real estate, is required.
• Full knowledge of Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).
• Knowledge of Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)
• Working knowledge of the Toronto rental housing market and practice.
• Possess an understanding of the issues of youth homelessness and human trafficking and the barriers young people experiencing homelessness and/or human trafficking face in relation to employment, education, social inclusion, mental health, and wellbeing. 
• Experience working with young people in community setting is an asset.
• Dedication and openness to continued learning and improvement. 
• An understanding of and personal commitment to anti-oppressive practices, and anti-racism practices.
• Commitment to the principles of Housing First for Youth.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 required.
• Demonstrated commitment to anti-oppressive practice, harm reduction, and trauma-informed practice. 
• A Class G Drivers license with a clean drivers abstract is an asset.

Don't meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet all qualifications. If you are excited about the role but your resume doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the description, apply anyway. You may still be the right candidate for this or other roles.

What we Offer:

• Meaningful work.
• Competitive compensation.
• Benefits such as Health, Dental, Vision, Personal Days, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.
• Employee perks which include discounts on gym membership, city bike rentals, auto & home insurance and more.

Interested candidates are welcome to apply directly to this posting on or by February 12, 2026. Only those selected to move forward in our recruitment process will be contacted. No agencies or phone calls please. 

Use of AI and Technology in the Hiring Process

Covenant House Toronto does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to make or inform hiring decisions. However, we do use an external applicant tracking system (ATS) to help manage applications efficiently.

While our ATS may apply automated filters or sorting functions, all applications are reviewed and evaluated by human recruiters. No hiring decisions are made by AI.

Commitment to Equitable Recruitment

At Covenant House Toronto we believe in a workplace culture of inclusion that is welcoming, respectful and safe for all staff. It is critical to Covenant House Toronto success to eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups. Equity groups have been, and continue to be, underrepresented and marginalized in the workforce, leadership roles, and in some specific occupations. Equity groups include but may not be limited to Indigenous persons, racialized people, gender diverse people, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Covenant House Policy on Accommodation, a request for accommodation will be accepted as part of the Covenant House recruitment process.

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