Social Worker – Coordinator of Tenant Support & Advocacy

Job title

Coordinator of Tenant Advocacy and Support Programs

Reports to

Executive Director

Job purpose

• The Coordinator of Tenant Advocacy and Support Programs (CTASP) is a supervision position requiring the successful candidate to employ not only supervisory skills, but front line work. The CTASP is responsible for developing and overseeing support programs and policies at Windsor Family Homes & Community Partnerships., working with individuals to provide emotional support, develop skills and access resources to increase tenants’ capacity to be successful and satisfied in the living, working, learning and/or social environments of their choice. The CTASP provides these services directly, or facilitates and co-ordinates tenants’ access to services available with WFHCP and within the community. The CTASP focuses on strengths and capacities of individual tenants receiving services and supports.

Duties and responsibilities

• This position oversees the establishment of positive relationships with a diverse tenant population including people who are at risk of homelessness, fleeing abuse, or challenged with medical, mental health or addictions issues. The CTASP helps tenants overcome the various challenges that arise when living in a social housing environment. The position facilitates the development of personal support networks by utilizing supports within communities, family members, peer support initiatives, and self-help groups.

Services provided include crisis intervention, providing information and assistance to meet obligations as tenants and facilitate access or follow through with available site and community resources. The CTASP encourages the tenants’ use of available social, occupational, spiritual, financial, intellectual, residential, recreational and educational resources to meet their goals, ensuring services are culturally relevant to the individual tenant.

The CTASP will supervise students and interns to enhance the development of their skill set in working with the tenants of Windsor Family Homes and Community Partnerships Inc.

The CTASP will facilitate the creation of and overseeing the day to day operations of support programs including but not limited to: Support of clients of WHCI’s Kids First Food Bank, focus groups, support groups, sensitivity training for volunteers, orientation of new tenants, group and individual counseling, harm reduction tools, safety planning, community referrals, attendance and referral to the Situation Table and By Names Prioritized list. The CTASP monitor data collection based on referrals and gaps in the WFHCP tenant support program and assesses the needs of tenants and other agency duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, Certificate in Community Social Service Worker Program, Community Mental Health Worker or in a related discipline; Or College diploma in a relevant discipline.
• 2 years direct supportive counseling or educational experience with individuals or families with multiple barriers to successful housing;
• Or – minimum 3 years directly related work experience;
• Non Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), First Aid and CPR are an asset.
• Must be able to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Screening

An equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable to the employer may be considered.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to apply a high degree of discretion in establishing supportive, trusting relationships with tenants while respecting the role and obligations of property management staff according to the Residential Tenancy Act;
• Demonstrated in program development and delivery;
• Demonstrated experience in a supervisory role;
• A basic understanding of Ontario Housing and social housing programs, and their role in the social service system;
• Knowledge of current social issues such as poverty, homelessness, mental illness, addictions, domestic violence, child protection, et cetera;
• Awareness of Cultural Diversity;
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with internal and external clients;
• Demonstrated skills in crisis intervention, mediation and conflict resolution;
• Demonstrated ability to assist groups to develop and co-ordinate community activities and programs;
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional, confidential relationships with multi-barriered people;
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills;
• Knowledge of community resources and methods of access;
• Proven ability to work effectively across organizational departments and in a team and partnership context;
• Knowledge of the Residential Tenancy Act and applicable Health and Safety regulations;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Strong time management skills; and
• Proficiency in basic computer skills and software such as Microsoft Office.

Working conditions

Expected hours of work are Monday through Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm (35 hours per week)

On occasion the Coordinator of Tenant Advocacy and Support Programs will be required to attend events outside of regular work days/hours.

Direct reports

Bachelor of Social Work Students*, Community College Interns*, Peer Support Workers.

* All academic placements must be directly supervised and evaluated by the Executive Director

Reviews and Evaluation

The successful candidate will be evaluated prior to their 90 days of employment with WFHCP. All employees will be given biannual evaluations. Job description will be reviewed and revised annually, as needed.

Contract Term

The aforementioned is a 3-year – with renewal based on funding.

How to Apply

Please apply with resume & cover letter including salary expectations for the role.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $40,000.00-$45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• On-site gym
• Paid time off
• Wellness program

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Day shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Windsor, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)

Application deadline: 2022-07-12
Expected start date: 2022-07-18