Job Description

Good Shepherd Centres Hamilton, a ministry of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, strives to enhance the quality of life for all who seek assistance and support in our community.  An opportunity currently exists at the Family Centre in the role of:

Housing Advocate

Responsibilities:

Rooted in Hospitality and guided by Good Shepherd’s Mission Values of Availability, Adaptability, Quality, Dignity, and Responsibility, the Housing Advocate will provide housing support to families enrolled in all of Family Centre’s programs. Work collaboratively with case managers to identify housing opportunities for families experiencing homelessness. Accompany families to apartment viewings, fill out rental applications, write support letters, and offer advocacy to help families secure apartments. Build and maintain partnerships with local private and non-profit housing providers. Make regular calls to determine available apartment units within Hamilton. Provide education to both landlords and tenants on their rights and responsibilities. Resolve issues with landlords and tenants as they arise in the application process. Attend community events related to housing and stay up to date with community housing resources. Facilitate educational groups for program staff and clients. Keep an up to date housing board with information and resources. Maintain a list of all landlord contacts and available units. Attend weekly case conferences to share housing resources with case managers. Maintain statistics on housing outcomes and housing attempts.

Work Conditions:

Most work is done in the community. Visiting apartment buildings and meeting with landlords in their offices. Driving families to apartment viewings, lease signings, and other community agencies. Must be willing and able to assist in a hands-on capacity with a family’s housing search. Time management skills are necessary in a high energy, changing environment. Ability to work independently. Must be comfortable with advocacy and building partnerships with community landlords.

Qualifications:

Post-secondary education in social services or a related field is required. Preferred candidates for the above positions will be knowledgeable of and have experience working with a range of issues impacting families including homelessness, violence against women and children, immigration, poverty, mental illness and substance use. Sound knowledge of the housing system in Hamilton, the Residential Tenancies Act, and the Ontario Human Rights Code required. Candidates will have an understanding of and be comfortable working from a client-centered, housing first perspective. Minimum two years’ experience working in the housing or homelessness sector required. Fluency in a 2^nd language is an asset.  CPR certification or willingness to be certified is required. Valid G license required.

Hours of Work:

Shifts are Day shifts (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Shifts are scheduled Monday to Friday but must also work one Saturday a month. Some flexibility in work hours may be required.

Good Shepherd is an equal opportunity employer operating within an anti-racist and anti-oppression framework. We strive to establish workplaces that reflect and are enhanced by the rich diversity of the community we serve.

Good Shepherd welcomes and encourages applications from all people with disabilities.  Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.  If you are in need of accommodations, please contact Human Resources.