Emergency Housing Officer in St. John's

The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NL Housing) is a crown corporation whose mandate is to develop and administer housing assistance policy and programs for the benefit of low to moderate income households throughout the province. As the largest landlord in the Province, NL Housing manages a portfolio of over 5,500 units province-wide. The services provided by NL Housing provide clients with access to safe, stable and affordable housing, which is essential to the social, financial, and physical well-being of individuals, families and communities.

The Community Partnerships and Homelessness Department provides research and analysis of best practices in social and transitional housing, homelessness prevention; and supports the development of the Provincial Housing & Homelessness Plan. The Department supports the CEO and the Minister Responsible for Housing through the development of position papers and briefing materials to support engagement and partnership across the housing continuum.

The incumbent will act as a resource person for the general public, clients, community agencies and other government departments to provide general information, guidance, support, and advice regarding policies, procedures and processes relating to the Emergency Housing Program. The Emergency Housing Officer determines eligibility for services by conducting preliminary investigations and/or gathering of information from external/internal sources; this may include, but is not limited to: assessing/verifying financial information, assessing complex needs and determining housing status, by consulting with homeless shelters, conducting in-person and telephone interviews with clients, and securing declarations to obtain information of a highly confidential nature.

The incumbent provides information and refers clients to programs and services offered by NL Housing and other government departments/agencies. The Emergency Housing Officer maintains a caseload of clients in shelters, private accommodations and other living arrangements and coordinates with Social Work resources to ensure they are progressing through the housing continuum. The incumbent inputs daily call statistics and prepares service authorizations.

The incumbent maintains regular contact with participants and organizations via phone, in person, appointments or on-site visits, and attends case conferences. The EHO also works as a part of the wider collaborative team to conduct shelter inspections. Work also includes representing NL Housing on various internal/external committees, reviewing and providing input on corporate policy, and contributing to the development of briefing notes. The incumbent must be able to organize and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment. This position is part of the after-hours on-call rotation. Other related work may be required.

Screening Criteria

• Completion of a Bachelor's degree in the social sciences (psychology, sociology) or business. (Equivalencies may be considered)
• Experience working in a case/client service environment
• Experience working with individuals with complex needs

Assessment Criteria

• Knowledge of social/government programs (including those offered by NL Housing) and the process for accessing these programs
• Knowledge of complex social behaviours
• Knowledge of client management and business application software
• Crisis management and dispute resolution skills
• Ability to effectively exchange information
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to think critically
• Ability to work independently
• Relationship building

Conditions of Employment

• Acceptable Certificate of Conduct
• Proof of a valid class 5 driver's license

Conditions of Acceptance

• Acknowledges the requirement for primary use of a private vehicle (with business insurance)
• Acknowledges requirement to work alternate shift schedules
• Acknowledges requirement to participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation
• Acknowledges requirement for an appropriate remote workstation (subject to risk assessment approval)

This is a CUPE Local 1860 bargaining unit position and as per the Collective Agreement, applicants internal to the bargaining unit will be processed prior to other candidates. Newfoundland Labrador Housing values diversity in the workforce and is an equal opportunity employer. Newfoundland and Labrador Housing recognizes the need for work life balance and offers flexible work arrangements. Disability related accommodations are available upon request at any stage of the recruitment process by contacting recruitmentaccommodations@nlhc.nl.ca or by calling (709) 724-3002. Preference will be given to applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. This competition may be used to fill future similar vacancies with NL Housing.