BASIC FUNCTION:
The Housing Initiatives Coordinator will support the implementation of the goals, objectives, priorities and housing initiatives recommended in West Broadway’s community planning documents and as directed by the strategic priorities of WBCO’s Board of Directors. The Housing Initiatives Coordinator works with residents and local housing stakeholders to support housing activities in the West Broadway neighbourhood.
CORE ACTIVITIES:
- Support the implementation of the West Broadway Housing Plan 2014-2019 in association with local residents and housing stakeholders, and to coordinate retrospective evaluations of the implementation of these plans
- Establish and maintain working relationships with local housing providers on behalf of the community and WBCO
- Populate and maintain a housing database for West Broadway with particular attention to vacant/surface lots, single-use/single story buildings and rental properties. Maintain contact with owners, property management companies, caretakers and tenants (to whatever extent is possible)
- Provide educational opportunities for housing providers, caretakers, and tenants on rights, responsibilities and relevant issues (minimum one each per year)
- Resource and provide logistic support to the West Broadway Housing Stakeholders Committee
- Develop and disseminate to residents a list of relevant programs/grants for home maintenance and repairs
- Provide funding application support and workshops for residents and small landlords
- Represent WBCO on relevant committees and at housing specific events
- Participate in fund raising and grant writing efforts in keeping with community housing objectives
DELIVERY OF THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS:
- Coordinate the Bricks and Mortar component of the Rooming House Outreach Program (RHOP): instigating and building relationships with rooming house landlords, securing participating houses, liaising with funding agencies to maintain a catalogue of program options for structural improvements. Work with the Rooming House Organizing Committee and all levels of government to advocate for expanded programming options for rooming house revitalization
- Coordinate the WBCO Property Improvement Program (PIP): hire and manage a project Inspector, design and distribute program information (poster, brochure, advertisement, etc), implement PIP 2 with local property owners, report on program results, prepare and submit annual funding applications for this program
- Coordinate the WBCO Rooming House Interior Improvement Fund (RHIIF): hire and manage Inspector, target interior rooming house improvements and building upgrades that enhance the health and safety of rooming house tenants, as well as extending the life of aging housing stock, report on program results, prepare and submit annual funding applications for this program
SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY/ORGANIZATIONAL OBJECTIVES:
Affordable Housing
- Work to create new low-income and affordable housing including building and maintaining relationships with developers working in the neighbourhood and providing them with a simple guide on what the WBCO would like to see in new housing
- Develop a volunteer pool of rooming house landlords who will mentor new landlords
- Develop explicit supports and expectations for good practices when working with rooming house landlords
- Offer educational workshops and resources on effective crisis intervention and on mental health awareness for tenants and landlords who live and work with people in crisis or with mental health disabilities
- Gather and map housing cost and demographic data to inform future housing needs
Housing Stock Revitalization
- Coordinate resources to improve existing housing
- Carefully explore opportunities to improve rooming houses, including supports for upgrades and renovations, landlords, and tenants
- Explore why renovations are not being done in places where they could or should be taking place
- Encourage landlords to green their buildings through insulation and conservation changes
- Work with program providers in order to track neighbourhood use of grants and home improvement programs
- Coordinate access to home repair and maintenance workshops for residents
- Provide educational opportunities to support newcomers, residents, owners and landlords about rights, responsibilities and cultural expectations
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
Education
Suggested Bachelor of Arts and/or Master of Urban Planning or Community Development Worker Diploma and/or equivalent education and experience
Experience
Three to five years of related work experience in community-based housing delivery, community planning, housing development and research
Knowledge
A background in not-for-profit housing development, community-based planning and community initiatives implementation would be an asset
Commitment
It is essential that candidates have a clear understanding of local housing issues and approach problem solving with a sense of urgency and inclusivity
Skills in the following areas are essential to the position
- Relationship building
- Public speaking
- Time management
- Working respectfully and inclusively with diverse populations
- Project Management
- Community development approaches and practices
- Public consultation methods
- Writing reports and applications for funding
WAGE, BENEFITS, AND HOURS
- $18 - 21/hr commensurate with experience
- 35 hours / week (occasional evening and weekend work required)
- Comprehensive health and dental benefits package through the Chamber of Commerce
- Pension plan of 2.5% gross earnings after six months of service
START DATE
As soon as possible
HOW TO APPLY
Please EMAIL a resume and cover letter by Wednesday, August 28 to:
Greg MacPherson
Executive Director
West Broadway Development Corporation
608 Broadway
Winnipeg, MB R3C 0W8
director @ westbroadway.mb.ca
Thank you to all those who apply, only those selected for an interview will be contacted
