Housing Stability Caseworker - Nine Month

BASIC FUNCTION

This position reports to the Housing Stabilization and Interim Supports Manager and is responsible for assisting with the coordination and oversight of activities within the homeless serving system. This includes supporting the Guelph-Wellington Coordinated Entry System, assessing eligibility and issuing benefits for housing stability related benefits, ensuring service provider compliance with service agreements, operating standards, data collection and reporting, and working with individuals that are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness, to obtain and maintain housing.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assess initial and ongoing eligibility for housing stability related benefits (e.g. Housing Stability Programmes, Emergency Ontario Works Assistance, Low-Income Energy Program, Rent Support Programmes, Emergency Shelter, Supportive Housing Programmes, and Discretionary Benefits) by completing necessary intake documentation. 
• Communicate closely with housing and social assistance staff, vendors, landlords and community agencies in the delivery of services and benefits to the client.
• Maintain accurate electronic records and generate applicable payments and correspondence.
• Actively refer clients to other available financial resources and services at the local, provincial and federal level in an effort to help them meet their financial needs.
• Provide support to the Guelph-Wellington Coordinated Entry System by updating information, monitor status updates, and assist other Door Agencies with removing system barriers to obtain or maintain housing.
• Provide assistance to individuals that are homeless or at risk of homelessness to obtain and maintain housing.
• Provide advice and guidance to homeless system providers, on legislation, policy and other requirements under their service agreement and applicable local standards (significant issues/ policy to be reviewed by the Manager).
• Provide operational programme support to the Housing Stabilization and Interim Supports Manager in developing homeless system policies, standards, and monitoring tools.
• Analyze and monitor programme performance of homeless system providers: Service Agreement compliance, Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS) reporting, Federal (e.g. Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy), Provincial (e.g. Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative) and Municipal reporting, Audited Financial Statements, and reconciliation of subsidy payments. Make recommendations to homeless system providers, as required, to ensure viability and compliance with service agreements and local standards.
• Coordinate and conduct operational reviews, as required, with homeless serving providers to monitor compliance with legislation, service agreements and local standards. Prepare Operational Review Reports for tthe Housing Stabilization and Interim Supports Manager's approval. Monitor follow-up for compliance with Operational Review Report directions and recommendations.
• Develop and employ intervention strategies for homeless system providers that may be in non-compliance with service agreement requirements or local standards. Monitor performance, develop action plans and provide updates to the Housing Stabilization and Interim Supports Manager. Intervention issues involving litigation or policy changes are directed to the the Housing Stabilization and Interim Supports Manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school graduation plus an additional programme of over one and up to two years or equivalent in Social Services, Business Administration or a related area.
• Over one year experience in the Human Services field or community development field, with well-developed interview skills and the ability to conduct in-depth assessments.
• Knowledge of homelessness services and supports, including the challenges and barriers that individuals and families experiencing homelessness encounter.
• Ability to recommend changes to established methods or procedures, such as providing recommendations for changes to systems and policies for homeless serving providers.
• Ability to adapt established procedures such as Ontario Works directives and relevant Housing legislation to determine and maintain client eligibility. Work involves a choice of methods such as what community resources to utilize to best serve clients.
• Working knowledge of data management systems as well as evaluation methods, with the ability to analyze information from many sources.
• Ability to prioritize projects and organize time between competing work projects.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and presentation skills.
• Excellent computer skills and experience operating database software.
• Excellent problem solving skills with a proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• A valid driver’s licence (minimum G2 Class) and access to a reliable vehicle.