The Program Lead 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 Lead 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 Lead reports to the Coordinator of the Winnipeg Rental Network and will have access to a part-time assistant.

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
• 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, review 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
• Assists with client re-housing efforts, including coordination of furniture storage
• Coordinate regular meetings with HF workers; 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
• Execute policies and procedures for determining who is responsible for unit repair work
• Manage budget for rental repairs
• 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.
• Combination of education and/or experience related to Social Services, Property Management or related field.
• Advanced knowledge or experience addressing the needs relating to activities of street involved people.
• 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).
• 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.
• Familiarity with government legislation in the area of occupational health and safety.
• A valid Driver’s License and access to a vehicle is required.

This is a term position with possibility of renewal
Salary range: $39,000 to 44,000 depending on experience

Please submit a résumé and a cover letter to:

WRN Hiring Committee
509 Selkirk Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R2W 2M6
Or email to: contact at winnipegrentnet.ca

Application deadline: October 14, 2016 at 5pm

SOURCE: The Winnipeg Rental Network