Housing System and Performance Management Advisor

Niagara Region
Thorold, ON

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Job details

Full-time
10 days ago

Benefits

Employee assistance program

Skills

Bilingual
French
Microsoft Excel
Serving It Right
Post-secondary education
English
Microsoft Office
Public Administration
Computer skills
Business
Class G Licence
Communication skills
Property management

Full job description

Location

Location: Thorold, ON

Division

Niagara Regional Housing

Important Notices & Amendments

This position currently falls within our hybrid model, allowing the employee to work some of the time at the regular work location and the other time at home. The ability for hybrid work will vary within the first few months during the training period.

As an employer of choice, Niagara Region offers competitive salaries and benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, a corporate wellness centre, access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), mentorship and training programs, employee recognition programs, and more. In addition, the Region recognizes the value of having flexible work arrangements to support better work-life balance for our employees. Hybrid work arrangements may vary from one employee to another and may also differ in the number of remote workdays. These opportunities remain subject to the alignment of operational needs, business requirements, and customer service expectations.

Job Description

Job Summary

Reporting to the Housing Provider Unit Supervisor, the Housing System and Performance Management Advisor is responsible for overseeing the administration of the affordable housing program; providing direction, clarification and guidance to all relevant invested parties; ensuring that non-profit and co-operative housing providers are meeting their obligations in compliance with provincial legislation and/or existing operating agreements, Niagara Region Housing Services (NRHS) policies/standards and housing program service agreements with operational audits and risk mitigation strategies.

Education

Post-secondary degree in Public Administration, Social Services, Business, or related discipline.
Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA) Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) certificate program.
Accreditation in property management from a recognized institution such as the Institute of Housing Management (IHM) is preferred.

Knowledge

3 to 5 years of progressive experience in the following areas: Property management, managing government funded programs, administration of risk management and/or compliance, or other property management related environments OR Interpreting and applying legislation, regulations, policies and procedures to identify appropriate solutions OR Budgetary processes, financial analysis, and interpreting audited financial statements.
Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Housing Services Act (HSA), Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), privacy legislation (MFIPPA and PIPEDA), Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), Co-operative Corporations Act, and the Ontario Fire Code.
Significant computer and technology skills, specifically in Microsoft Office and Excel.
Strong investigative, analytical, communication, dispute resolution, and problem-solving skills.
Experience developing and implementing process improvements is preferred.
Bilingual English and French is considered an asset

Responsibilities

Engaging, monitoring and supporting non-profit and co-operative housing providers, acting as a conduit between them and the government to ensure compliance: (40% of time)

Ensuring the services provided are in compliance with current housing program legislation, policies, guidelines and standards through leading in the timely development, implementation, communication, and modification of monitoring processes, Service Manager local rules and notices, and risk mitigation interventions.
Provide oversight, clarification, and direction to housing provider boards, staff and/or management agents, and government officials on legislative requirements, Service Manager local rules, property management methods, policies and good business practices in all areas of property management (governance, funding agreements, rent-geared-to-income calculations, conflict of interest, maintenance issues, eviction procedures and tenant relations).
Working autonomously to cultivate and maintain productive working relationships with housing providers and serve as the primary representative of the Service Manager, escalating contentious issues to management if unable to resolve.
Develop and distribute training materials to housing providers and conduct workshops on various aspects of social housing programs.
Formulate and revise reporting templates, communicate deadlines, and audit submissions.
Support housing providers experiencing tenant/member issues as well as provide referral to the Eligibility Review Officer (ERO), Community Programs Coordinator (CPC), and community partners.

Compliance and Operational Auditing - Plan and conduct moderate to high complexity compliance and risk audits/reviews to ensure compliance with legislative requirements and Service Manager policies and procedures (35% of time)

Lead, coordinate, and monitor multi-disciplinary teams, both internal and external, in conducting operational audits/reviews of housing providers.
Investigate and complete risk-based assessments and analysis of business processes and internal controls related to governance, financial, property management/staffing, tenant/member relations, RGI calculations, preventative maintenance and capital asset management to identify issues and concerns.
Ensure timely submission of findings from the Housing Program Accountant and Asset Administrator, review and compile the information for incorporation into the audit/review reports, and determine if further and/or more detailed investigation is required.
Prepare clear and concise written review reports utilizing category and sub-category rankings, legislative references, comments, recommendations, directions, charts, applicable samples and NRHS Notices, and the creation/modification of business processes to improve operational efficiency.
Communicate review reports and findings to housing provider boards, staff, and property management.

Solution Development and Assessment (25% of time)

Provide expert analysis and direction in the development and implementation of intervention strategies affecting long-term financial effectiveness and viability of housing providers such as: projects in difficulty; housing providers in non-compliance; operational difficulties (conflict of interest, financial management, asset management and/or resident relations).
Analyze outcomes of operational audits/reviews to identify common issues, problems and trends.
Monitor external resources to remain abreast of changing regulations and assess risks and exposures to Niagara Regional Housing and housing provider boards. Collaborate with, and gain the cooperation of, providers and tenants/members to mitigate or eliminate those risks and ensure the protection of the Service Manager’s financial assets.
Review and monitor housing provider responses to reports and implementation status to ensure compliance with directions, persuade and negotiate as needed to ensure desired recommendations are completed, assist in preparing action plans, and determine further audit/review scheduling priorities.
Review, analyze, and approve the housing provider year-end submission documents and financial reconciliation and take action required to ensure timely submissions of Annual Information Returns, financial statements and budgets by housing providers.
Act as Niagara Region Housing Services Appeals Committee. Review and analyze appealable decisions with regards to RGI calculations and eligibility, occupancy standards, and local priority groups, using Local Rules and relevant legislation to decide whether the decisions are upheld or overturned.
Investigate and analyze creative solutions to support housing providers and facilitate partnerships with housing providers that are reaching their End of Mortgages and End of Operating Agreements.

Special Requirements

Regional staff strive to enable the strategic priorities of council and the organization through the completion of their work. Staff carry out their work by demonstrating the corporate values.
Requires valid class G license and use of a vehicle
Occasionally required to attend after-working hours housing provider board meetings

Shift Information

This position may be subject to overtime.

About Us

Niagara Region serves a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000 and is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and community partners, the Region delivers high-quality programs and services that support the well-being of individuals, families and communities. Nestled between Lakes Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula is home to fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls, vibrant modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, and communities rich in history, recreation and culture. With a temperate climate, breathtaking countryside and easy access to neighbouring New York State, Niagara attracts more than 14 million visitors each year, along with new residents and businesses. Niagara Region values diversity in background and experience and is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the community it serves, strengthening programs and services across Niagara. While specific qualifications are important for certain roles, we invite individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. Our recruiters will evaluate your suitability for the role.

Closing Statement

Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!

Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.

We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

We confirm that we do not use AI in screening of applicants, and this position is an existing vacancy.

If you require an accommodation for the application process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the alternate formats for contacting us are as follows:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 905-980-6000 or 1-800-263-7215
Bell Relay: 1-800-855-0511
In-person: Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 – Human Resources Department

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