CharityVillage

Houses Opening Today Toronto (HOTT) is a charitable non-profit organization. We develop and operate affordable rental housing. Our portfolio includes fourteen small to medium-sized properties in Toronto. HOTT offers eviction prevention and housing stabilization support services to disadvantaged and marginalized individuals and families living in our portfolio.

Job Posting: Tenant Services Worker
HOTT seeks a permanent full-time Tenant Services Worker to support residents in our properties. The position offers a competitive salary and health benefits.

Overview of Position:
Reporting to the Manager of Operations and Tenant Services, the Tenant Services Worker provides excellent, respectful, and non-judgmental support to all of HOTT’s residents consistent with HOTT’s mission and values. The Tenant Services Worker focuses on eviction prevention and housing stabilization across the residential portfolio and works collaboratively with the HOTT staff team. This position offers room for professional growth, including training in Rent-Geared-to-Income Administration after the first six months.

Tasks and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Tenant Services Worker include, but are not limited to, the following:

Tenant Support:

• Maintains close contact with tenants on an individual and group basis to ensure they maintain their housing
• Communicates with tenants regarding rent related issues and develops repayment plans where required
• Ensures timely collection and accurate tracking of rent and arrears and other charges
• Refers tenants to appropriate external services and programs as required
• Facilitates group meetings, and uses conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills to mediate disputes between parties when necessary
• Offers practical, in-home* support for tenants e.g., daily living skills
• Works to ensure that the common areas of the shared houses are home-like, inviting and aesthetically pleasing
• Creates and delivers tenant programing for community building (e.g., gardening)
• Purchases materials and supplies including for tenants in crisis or urgent situations
• Alongside management, follows Landlord & Tenant Board procedures as required

* Staff will be required to work at times in residents’ homes and may be exposed to secondhand smoke and fragrances

Tenant Selection and Vacancy Filling:

• Assists with filling vacancies, answers telephone inquiries, maintains informal interest list system, and refers applicants to other housing where applicable
• Assists with processing and maintaining up to date lease agreements

Administration

• Assists with administering Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) Annual & In-year Reviews
• Collects and maintains RGI documentation
• Maintains tenant files, including lease agreements and other unit-specific records

Other:

• Regular on-call duties, shared with other staff on a rotational basis
• Shares office coverage duties with other staff
• Assists with event planning and implementation, and other duties as required
• Attends Annual General Meeting, Strategy Day, and Board of Directors meetings as required

Requirements:

• Post-secondary qualifications in Human Services Counselling or related field
• Knowledge of community and social services
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while seeking the appropriate level of consultation and approval from management
• Ability to understand and apply principles of Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression frameworks
• Excellent time management and organizational skills - proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet firm deadlines
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in both verbal and written English
• Proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle at all times
• Resides in the GTA due to on-call duties
• Criminal Reference Check
• Some evening/week-end work as necessary
• All newly hired employees will be required to provide proof that they have completed an approved course of vaccination against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to commencing employment or provide documentation to support an exemption based on grounds covered by the Ontario Human Rights Act (i.e., medical exemption)

Helpful to Have:

• Emergency First Aid, CPR, AODA training
• Additional languages
• Working knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act, Landlord and Tenant Board procedure and processes and other relevant housing legislation