Job Description

About Homeward Trust Homeward Trust Edmonton (HTE) is a not-for-profit organization charged with ending homelessness in Edmonton. Our efforts are guided by community needs and priorities as outlined in A Place to Call Home: Edmonton’s Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. Homeward Trust has a dynamic work environment, filled with high-energy, dedicated, and passionate people. Homeward Trust embraces the Housing First philosophy. This philosophy follows the principles of finding housing accommodations first and then establishing the supports required by the client to remain in a home. Homeward Trust Edmonton’s programs involve both housing (capital project funding, property management, and sourcing access to new or existing units for client use) and supportive services to individuals in or seeking access to housing programs. For further information visit: http://homewardtrust.ca/ Position Summary The Housing Access Coordinator is responsible for screening and referring persons seeking assistance due to homelessness or the risk of losing their homes. Responsibilities include helping to determine individuals’ eligibility for the Housing First program or other appropriate housing/community support programs and then providing liaison and warm referral services to connect people with housing and related supports. This position reports to the Housing Access Team Lead and is a member of the Coordinated Access Team. The successful candidate will demonstrate an energetic and proactive approach in working with individuals experiencing homelessness, supporting the rapid resolution of their housing circumstances. The Housing Access Coordinator works closely with funded agency housing teams, other community agencies, as well as other members Service Delivery Department. Duties & Responsibilities Coordinating referrals for access to housing services. This will include referrals received via telephone, email, and fax as well as walk-in clientele. Assist individuals with establishing their plan for housing, including connecting to resources that will support them to action a housing plan. Provide resources and referrals to individuals or families that assist with problem-solving and address immediate needs. Conduct housing searches and build inventory lists of available housing units for candidates. Liaise with property managers, landlords, realtors, and other sources to identify and secure vacant properties for participant placement. Negotiating a Housing First referral with an appropriate contracted agency based on capacity, expertise, and caseload of the team. Providing presentations for community agencies on Coordinated Access, and training on how to utilize the established processes to support individuals experiencing homelessness. Facilitation of regularly occurring intake and housing meetings between the Coordinated Access team and Housing First Teams Providing a referral to clients who are not appropriate for Housing First to other community resources that are appropriate for the client’s circumstances. Attending meetings and events relevant to primary objectives, as well as providing support to the department manager(s) as required. Establishing professional working relationships with all Housing First Teams to appropriately assist in housing their identified clients. Understand each team’s requirements, and proactively provide housing supports as required. Preparing written reports on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis on the outcomes of assigned activities, as well as the capacity/occupancy within Homeward Trust-funded programs. Preparing materials for use by Homeward Trust administration, as well as contributing to communications and reporting. Utilizing data in Efforts to Outcomes (database) to track successful placement of clients referred by Homeward Trust to contracted agencies. Working in an integrated and supportive manner with all other program areas within Homeward Trust. Participating in and supporting other initiatives within Homeward Trust. Performing other duties related to support services, as required and as time permits. Qualifications Education & Experience Minimum of High School or GED equivalent. Experience working in a not-for-profit organization, property management, customer service, and/or enrollment in relevant University coursework is considered an asset. Due to the changing nature of work in light of COVID-19, individuals are expected to have a strong grasp of current technology including web-based resources and teleconferencing tools. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Sound understanding of available housing, income support and related agency/government assistance programs in the Edmonton community. Demonstrated ability to perform proactive community outreach activities. Excellent interpersonal communication skills to connect with individuals, funded agencies and other stakeholders to meet Homeward Trust reporting requirements and standards. Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, participants, and community agencies. Experience working independently in a fast-paced environment with competing demands and frequently tight timelines. Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions and the ability to work with culturally diverse people. Familiarity with First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities in Alberta and issues and challenges facing those choosing to move to urban centres is an asset. Able to exercise discretion, compassion, and empathy, and maintain confidentiality. Able to work independently and utilize sound judgment to perform all assigned duties with minimal supervision. Results-focused to meet high standards of performance, able to monitor progress towards goals and make adjustments when necessary, including the ability to review and adjust plans as required. Ability to build organizational trust in his or her own professionalism, integrity, and expertise. A confident self-starter, able to meet challenges, and to overcome obstacles. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office software, “Efforts to Outcomes” (ETO) or other related Access and database programs. Possess a valid Class 5 driver’s license is an asset. Working Conditions Must pass criminal record check including vulnerable sector clearance. This is a full-time, contract, on-site position that requires an in-person presence in the office and community locations. While we evaluate all applications based on merit, we especially appreciate and recognize the unique insights that come from personal lived experiences, such as homelessness or houselessness. We are deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Applicants from marginalized groups, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ2S+, women, and newcomers, are encouraged to apply. This competition will close at 4:30 p.m. on January 10, 2024. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.