Reports To: Manager of Operations or Executive Director
Location: Choices Shelter and Support Services / Community-Based throughout Dufferin County
Hours: Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)
Employment Status: 1 year Full-Time Contract (subject to funding)
Salary: $30.67
Position Summary
The Housing Stability Specialist plays a critical role in preventing homelessness and promoting long-term housing stability by providing proactive, client-centred supports to individuals and families who are at imminent risk of losing their housing, as well as individuals who have recently secured housing and require short-term stabilization supports to maintain their tenancy.
Using a Housing First, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach, the Housing Stability Specialist identifies housing risks early and delivers targeted interventions, including tenancy stabilization, landlord engagement, mediation, advocacy, and connection to community resources, to prevent housing loss and promote successful housing outcomes.
Working collaboratively within the Coordinated Access System, the By-Name List (BNL), and alongside community partners, the Landlord Liaison, and housing providers, the Housing Stability Specialist provides intensive, time-limited support to help prevent avoidable entries into homelessness, improve housing retention, and reduce returns to homelessness. This role complements existing Housing Support Worker services by focusing on prevention, early intervention, and housing stabilization for individuals at elevated risk of housing loss.
Key Responsibilities
Homelessness Prevention
- Conduct comprehensive housing stability assessments with individuals and families identified as being at imminent risk of homelessness.
- Identify barriers that may result in housing loss and develop individualized prevention plans.
- Work proactively to resolve issues before they escalate into a housing crisis.
- Assist clients in maintaining existing housing through advocacy, problem-solving, mediation, and connection to appropriate supports.
- Collaborate with landlords, where appropriate, to support tenancy preservation and positive housing outcomes.
- Educate clients on tenancy rights, responsibilities, budgeting, and housing sustainability.
Housing Stabilization
- Provide intensive, short-term case management to individuals and households experiencing housing instability or who have recently secured housing.
- Develop individualized housing stability plans focused on long-term housing retention.
- Conduct regular follow-up visits and ongoing support to promote successful tenancy and reduce returns to homelessness.
- Support clients in developing positive relationships with landlords and addressing tenancy concerns before they result in housing loss.
- Connect participants to income supports, food security programs, healthcare, mental health services, addictions treatment, employment supports, life skills programming, and other community resources.
Coordinated Access & Community Collaboration
- Participate actively in Coordinated Access meetings and By-Name List case conferencing.
- Collaborate with Housing Support Workers, the Landlord Liaison, shelter staff, outreach teams, healthcare providers, and community agencies to ensure coordinated, client-centred service delivery.
- Coordinate referrals internally and externally to ensure seamless access to supports.
- Participate in community initiatives focused on homelessness prevention and housing stability.
Flexible Financial Supports
- Administer approved housing prevention funding and flexible financial supports to address barriers that threaten housing stability, including rental arrears, utility arrears, identification replacement, transportation, moving expenses, essential household items, and other approved prevention-related expenses.
- Maintain accurate financial documentation and accountability for all expenditures.
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain accurate, timely, and professional documentation using HIFIS and other organizational databases.
- Collect program statistics and outcome measures required by funders.
- Participate in program evaluation, continuous quality improvement initiatives, and reporting requirements.
- Maintain confidentiality in accordance with applicable legislation and organizational policies.
Core Competencies
- Strong understanding of Housing First and homelessness prevention practices.
- Knowledge of housing stability strategies, eviction prevention, poverty, mental health, addictions, trauma, and domestic violence.
- Excellent crisis intervention, de-escalation, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong conflict resolution and mediation abilities.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to build trusting relationships with diverse populations.
- Strong organizational, documentation, and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Qualifications
- Diploma or Degree in Social Service Work, Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Community Development, or a related field.
- Minimum two years of experience working in homelessness services, housing stability, case management, eviction prevention, or related community services.
- Experience working within Housing First, Coordinated Access, or homelessness prevention initiatives is considered an asset.
- Knowledge of housing resources and community services throughout Dufferin County.
- Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and HIFIS (or comparable case management software).
- Valid Ontario Driver's License and reliable vehicle required.
- Current First Aid & CPR certification.
- Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check.
Working Conditions
- Combination of office-based work, community outreach, home visits, and partner agency locations.
- Frequent travel throughout Dufferin County.
- Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.
- Exposure to crisis situations requiring sound judgment, professionalism, and strong boundaries.
Guiding Principles
The Housing Stability Specialist is expected to embody the values of Choices Shelter and Support Services by delivering services that are:
- Housing First focused
- Trauma-informed
- Prevention-oriented
- Strengths-based
- Harm reduction informed
- Person-centred
- Inclusive, respectful, and culturally responsive
Pay: $30.67 per hour
Expected hours: 37.5 per week
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Orangeville, ON
