The Manager for the Housing Plus program will be responsible for establishing and overseeing the procurement of affordable rental housing for participants in Winnipeg’s Housing First initiative.  The Manager will be responsible for program development of a centralized procurement process that will be accessed by up to 8 direct service agencies in the Housing First program.  Outreach and negotiation with landlords and property management firms is the primary responsibility.  However, the provision of additional program supports to Housing First workers as well as facilitation with other service agencies places the Housing Plus component in a crucial position for the overall success of the Housing First initiative.  The Manager reports to the Coordinator of the Winnipeg Rental Network and will oversee one assistant (yet to be hired) and will have access to a part-time Tenant and Landlord Advisor.

Major Responsibilities

• Will take the lead in landlord outreach, negotiating with landlords to set aside apartments or rooms for individuals who will be supported by housing support workers
• Oversee an assistant manager
• Ensure the full utilization of the Tenant and Landlord Advisor by Housing First (HF) workers
• Resolve conflict situations involving tenant/landlord complaints and disputes only when called upon by HF workers. Listens, mediates, negotiates and provides support and guidance to resolve issues and document outcomes
• Assist new HF workers to access the housing database
• In conjunction with other HF managers, establish policies and procedures regarding communications between HF workers and Housing Plus, as well as procedures for the full implementation of housing and financial supports
• When called upon, respond to and investigates enquiries, complaints and emergency situations involving clients.  And, as part of responding, assesses the situation with HF workers and present and implement short-term solutions within the Housing Plus mandate, and document outcomes
• Assists with client re-housing efforts, including coordination of furniture storage
• Coordinate regular meetings with HF workers to prioritize clients; Participate in case conferences where necessary and appropriate
• In addition to outreach to private sector landlords and property managers, also liaise with Manitoba Housing and other non-profit housing agencies regarding available units
• Establish policies and procedures for determining who is responsible for unit repair work
• Manage budget for rental repairs and emergency rental supplements
• Manage budget for emergency utility payments
• Pre-inspect units and record unit observations for HF workers and clients
• Oversee the establishment of workshops for HF workers regarding landlord relations and Residential Tenancies rules and procedures
• Participates on internal and external committees as requested by the Coordinator

Key Qualifications:

• Experience with program development.
• Degree or Diploma in Social Services, Project Management or related field or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Advanced knowledge of issues relating to activities of street involved people.
• Experience addressing the needs of homeless clients or clients at risk of homelessness including making referrals to community agencies.
• Working knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act and other applicable legislation, such as the Employment and Income Assistance Regulation and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
• Extensive knowledge of resources and services available within the community and various government entitlement programs.
• Demonstrated experience with MS Office.
• Ability to work as a team member in a dynamic, complex environment and organize time and workload effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all levels of staff, the public and clients while maintaining objectivity.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff, service agencies and the public.
• Ability to develop and nurture these relationships within a community development philosophy.
• Ability to appropriately assess and respond to situations based on available information and past experience.
• Ability to prepare and write reports/records and maintain same.
• Ability to effectively perform job duties with minimum supervision.
• Ability to de-escalate interpersonal conflicts in an effective fashion through conflict resolution techniques.
• Demonstrated problem solving ability.
• Familiarity with government legislation in the area of occupational health and safety.
• A valid Driver’s License is an asset.

Salary: This is a one year contact, with the potential to renew after first year.  Salary range: $42,000 to $44,000 per annum, with a full range of benefits, based on a 37.5 hour work week.  The work is located in the North End of Winnipeg.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, members of visible minority groups and women.  Applications must have an accompanying covering letter and be submitted to the address below no later than March 17, 2015 at 5pm. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Mail to Gordon McIntyre, Coordinator for the Winnipeg Rental Network, contact at winnipegrentnet.ca
509 Selkirk Avenue, Winnipeg MB   R2W 2M6