The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Manitoba office (CCPA – MB) is an independent, non-partisan research institute concerned with issues of social, economic and environmental justice. Founded in 1980, the CCPA is one of Canada’s leading progressive voices in public policy debates. CCPA has a national office in Ottawa, and provincial offices in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Nova Scotia, as well as Manitoba.

The Public Housing Researcher’s principle responsibilities are conduct research for a contract CCPA MB holds with Manitoba Housing and Community Development, Housing Best Practices for Tenants with Multiple Barriers. Public housing can be good-quality low-income rental housing when community-based supports for tenant involvement and capacity building are provided. Manitoba Housing’s goal is to achieve successful tenancies of vulnerable tenants. Vulnerable tenants are people affected by multiple health and socio-economic barriers including poverty, lack of social supports, trauma, poor health, and mental health concerns and/or addictions.

This study will start by documenting the transformation of Lord Selkirk Park, an almost derelict housing complex to a relatively healthy and safe low-income community. Interviews and focus groups will be done with staff and tenants of six other Manitoba Housing complexes to document current and needed resources and supports with tenants. The data will be analyzed and best practices identified. A final report, including summary and recommendations, will be created and presented to Manitoba Housing Renewal Corporation.

Responsibilities

• Project management of the Housing Best Practices for Tenants with Multiple Barriers project, including:
• University of Winnipeg human ethics application and adherence to research ethics protocols
• Implementing research methods using an ethnographic, community-based participatory research methodology
• Training and supervising community researcher(s)
• Analyzing results with emphasis on recommendations for public policy and programming
• Drafting final report
• Reporting to Housing Research Services Committee and principal co-investigators
• Follow appropriate protocols regarding confidential and sensitive information on behalf of CCPA MB and Manitoba Housing Renewal Corporation

Qualifications and Skills

• University degree, preferably at the masters level, in the social sciences or a related field
• Dedication to research toward social and economic justice with an interest in research related to low income housing, urban poverty, community development
• Experience conducting research with an emphasis on community based participatory research and implications for public policy
• Experience with project management, budget and time management
• Expertise in housing and community development policies and programs
• Experience working with community-based organizations and people with multiple barriers to successful tenancy
• Ability to work follow appropriate protocols and exercise a high degree of discretion when dealing with confidential and sensitive information
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Outstanding attention to detail and good conflict mediation skills

The successful candidate should share a commitment to CCPA’s social justice mandate. The person hired for the position will be self-directed and feel comfortable working in a small office team environment. The CCPA is a non-profit organization with a unionized workplace and offers a competitive benefits package. This is a part time term position at 26 hours/ week for one year, salary $39,000. Anticipated start date: January 4, 2016.

Please submit a cover letter, CV/ resume and writing sample by November 23, 2015 at 5pm to:

Molly McCracken, Director
Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Manitoba
ccpamb at policyalternatives.ca

Thank you to all who apply, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

SOURCE: CCPA Manitoba