Housing Support Worker: Tenancy
Accountability
The Housing Support Worker: Tenancy (HSW: T) is responsible for ensuring that the tenancy processes and actions are performed in a manner consistent with legislative and funder’s requirements, Ecuhome’s mission and housing stability goals, and using a customer service approach.
General Responsibilities
The HSW: T is responsible for the application process for the intake of new tenants, developing, updating and maintaining the waiting list, creating and maintaining tenant files. Also responsible for implementing eviction prevention processes and for the ongoing income verification process. As a member of the tenant support team, the position is also responsible for filling vacancies in a timely manner and providing support to staff in tenancy matters. Responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with referral sources and community organizations providing services to applicants and tenants. Diligent and consistent documentation in the database is essential to all aspects of this role.
Processing applicants and waiting list management
Responsible for the application process for new tenants and managing the waiting list using a customer service approach including:
Interviewing applicants, completing initial application and gathering necessary documentation
Determining eligibility for social housing
Creating an electronic files and maintaining files in accordance with privacy and confidentiality
Completing initial income verification
Calculating rent
Maintaining regular contact with applicants on the waiting list, and updating files as necessary
Responding to inquiries from applicants, tenants and referral sources in a timely manner
Develop repayment plans
Filling vacancies in a timely manner
Filling vacancies and maintaining a high occupancy rate is a priority.
When a vacancy arises, consulting with appropriate parties and follow the process for accepting applicant(s) for vacancy
Arranging for applicant to view unit
Preparing letters, leases and arranging for applicant to sign lease
Collecting rents
Providing orientation to Ecuhome
Maintaining accurate and up to date records about the intake process including any contacts made with applicants
Eviction Prevention
Responsible for implementing eviction prevention activities and actively engaging with tenants to assist them to maintain their housing and achieve housing stability including:
Communicating directly by phone and in person with tenants who are at risk of losing their housing to alert them to the problem and educating them on the eviction prevention process
Communicating with HSWs about tenants who are in arrears and jointly developing a plan to support them to maintain their housing
Meeting and developing rent repayment plans for tenants in arrears
Ensure the LTB forms are completed in an accurate and timely manner and ready for review
Attending LTB hearings as needed
Recording all eviction prevention activities in the database
Income verification
Responsible for the ongoing income verification for tenants including:
Sending the income verification requests to tenants, follow up, develop plans and keep necessary parties informed
Meet with tenants in person when necessary
Recording all income verification activities
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent
3 years’ experience working with people who have been homeless and have difficulty maintaining a stable tenancy and an understanding of the systemic reasons for homelessness
Experience with the Residential Tenancy Act and knowledge of other relevant legislation preferred
Experience with Landlord Tenant Board, forms, tribunal processes preferred
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proficient in word processing, e-mail and spreadsheet applications
Certificates in First Aid and Crisis Intervention an asset
Support Ecuhome’s Mission and Goals: Believe in the value of social justice and the contribution that non-profit organizations make to the community
Behave ethically: Understand ethical behaviour and ensure that own behaviour is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization
Build relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the organization
Communicate effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate communication tools and techniques
Focus on Client Needs: Understand and respond to the needs of internal and external clients
Foster teamwork: Work collaboratively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems and enhance organizational effectiveness
Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interests of the organization
Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track data, information and activities
Plan: Determine strategies to move work plan forward, set goals, implement action plans, evaluate results
Solve problems: Assess problem situations, identify causes, gather information, generate solutions, make recommendations
This position is in the bargaining unit.
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time, Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Salary: $52,342.48
Location: 76 Pembroke Street
Reports to: Director of Tenant Service
No agencies please
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Ecuhome is committed to providing equal access to employment opportunities, promoting equal access to our programs, supports and services and identifying and removing any internal, systemic barriers to inclusion in all Ecuhome operations.
