Full-Time Housing Specialist

Who We Are For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here. Mission Statement The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. Job Description POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY: Recruit and support landlords to develop and implement an inventory of housing options that will be available to people experiencing homelessness across the Housing First System. Collaborate with team members to ensure client and landlord satisfaction with program, housing, and services received. Accountabilities

• Support current program landlords with repayment of arrears, access to the Landlord Damage Fund, and yearly renewals.
• Identify private market rental units and build an inventory of available housing options
• Assist program Housing Based Case Managers in completing housing applications, applying for units, negotiating with landlords on lease costs, and advocacy with community partners
• Develop tools to raise awareness of housing programs and services (e.g. marketing tools, brochures, newsletters)
• Provide information to landlords as follows:

• Overview of the Housing First model
• Rental subsidy programs
• Rent direct payments
• On-site supports available to tenant, as needed

• Serve as the primary point of contact for landlords who have tenants receiving Housing Based Case Management services
• Maintain case notes and files that are reflective of the work completed, in compliance with program standards.

Critical Relationship Management The incumbent conducts routine interactions and provides clarification of information. GovernanceBoards and Councils: None Internal: MU’s team members, various leadership and management teams, clients, volunteers as required External: Community members & partners, contractors, vendors, donors MANAGERIAL/Technical Leadership RESPONSIBILITY

• This position reports directly to Manager of Outreach and Housing Services
• Does not have formal people management authority
• May show others how to perform certain procedures related to the administrative field and routines

Financial And Materials Management

• Regular responsibility for minor financial matters and for wise use of own resources
• Supports in the reading and understanding of rental ledgers/ statement of accounts.

Working Conditions

• May deal with potentially angry and aggressive clients
• May encounter verbal abuse
• May be required to deal with client overdose and other medical situations
• Work can take place in an office environment
• Work can take place in the community, at homeless shelters, and in client’s apartments.

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.Education, Qualifications And Certifications

• Completion of a relevant post-secondary degree
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Experience And Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge of local private rental market and Ontario Residential Tenancies Act
• Minimum 1 year of experience building and fostering community relationships
• Minimum 1 year of experience developing and maintaining vendor relations
• Understanding of challenges faced by vulnerable populations seeking permanent housing
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills
• Intermediate skill level with Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work well independently
• Valid Class “G” driver’s license
• Personal vehicle required, including personal automobile insurance coverage, for daily travel within City of Ottawa limits
• Bilingualism (English & French) is a strong asset
• Experience working as a Housing Based Case Manager is a strong asset
• Experience administering Narcan and/or Narcan training a strong asset

Skills And Capabilities

• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Good decision-making and organizational skills
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities (i.e., good judgement)
• Good interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational skills and sound judgment
• Able to work cooperatively in a team setting
• Ability to lift/move weights of up to 50 lbs. occasionally
• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening.
• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

Compensation The target hiring range for this position is $26.90 to $26.90 with a maximum of $26.90. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role. The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.