As the Housing Navigator, you will be responsible for providing support, referrals, and advocacy to residents of YW Calgary's Crisis Shelter. In this role, you will provide support to residents through housing searches, completing, and submitting housing applications, booking house viewing appointments, coordination of financial assistance, assisting with lease signing and the facilitation of positive resolution of tenancy issues between residents and landlords. Working side-by-side with clients using a strengths-based, trauma informed lens you will help women and their children build assets that allow them to achieve the transition to permanent, stable, and safe housing. The Housing Navigator will also work in the community to develop relationships within the public and private housing sectors as well as to support the team with knowledge and resources related to housing at YW and in the community.

This is a full-time position working 37.5 hours per week, Occasional weekends and evening hours will be required.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Truly rewarding work; contribute to lasting, positive change for individuals and our community
• Flexible schedules and a hybrid work arrangement to help our employees manage work and life
• A supportive team environment and opportunities for professional development
• Comprehensive benefits, onsite fitness, and childcare facilities

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Assists shelter residents and their children in finding safe, affordable and appropriate housing
• Completes Needs and Services Questionnaire (NSQ) Assessments as needed
• Provides housing listings based on needs and preferences
• Assists residents with issues like rent arrears, damage deposits, and landlord references
• Supports housing search by helping with applications, negotiating, referring to other supports, and attending viewings
• Assists residents with housing applications, preparing, and obtaining any needed documentation and assisting with tracking applications
• Advocates on behalf of residents to expedite their access to housing
• Assist residents with locating affordable moving companies, locating storage units, acquiring furniture and other basic needs
• Coach residents on engaging with property owners, tenant rights and other housing related skills and knowledge
• Makes referrals to Outreach program for residents who may need assistance past shelter stay with retaining secure housing
• Conducts research and community outreach activities to expand access to housing by cultivating relationships with property owners and management companies
• Develops expertise in available affordable housing options and housing subsidies
• Maintains and reports complete and accurate documentation in accordance with program and organizational standards and requirements
• Partners with residents to complete housing applications, processes and/or submits applications and ensures all required information regarding income verification is complete prior to submitting to community organizations
• Assist supervisor with data collection and record keeping as requested
• Maintains and updates program literature and materials and ensures residents receive regular communications of program changes
• Demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office, database and other technology needed to deliver effective program administration
• Develops and implements an annual professional development plan that focuses on building relevant skills and competencies, as well as subject matter expertise
• Comes prepared for and participates actively in regularly scheduled supervision meetings with the supervisor
• Regularly attends team meetings, contributes to the non-judgmental sharing of ideas and opinions, and encourages colleagues to do the same
• Contributes to innovative program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation activities
• Ongoing evaluation of current program materials with the development and implementation of new program components as required
• Role models professional behaviors that are congruent with the YW culture statement and principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Engage in and actively adhere to the YW Calgary Practice Framework
• Respects professional and personal boundaries while developing strong working relationships with the team and other colleagues across the organization
• Foster and contribute to a culture of inclusion and equity in a diverse work environment; understand and recognize that individual differences significantly contribute to YW Calgary's success in its programs and workplace
• Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into one's role, work, and engagement with others, as aligned with YW Calgary's values and Practice Framework.
• Share individual accountability to create and maintain inclusive and safe spaces and practices (physically and psychologically) that are open, transparent, and encourage accountability, advocacy, and mentorship
• Understand and remain current with YW Calgary Health, Safety and Wellness policies, practices and protocols and ensure work is performed in alignment with YW's culture
• Report any hazards or incidents immediately to your leader in accordance with YW Calgary's incident reporting requirements to help ensure pro-active risk mitigation and management in compliance with legislative requirements (Occupational Health & Safety, Workers' Compensation Board, etc.)
• Share individual accountability to create and maintain an inclusive environment the fosters a physical and psychologically safe workplace. Actively participate in the implementation of the National Standard for Psychological Health & Safety and integrate into all work practices and interactions with colleagues.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field with minimum two years' experience.
• A combination of education and experience will be considered
• An understanding of the “Housing First” philosophy and housing models
• Understanding of Calgary occupancy bylaws and Public Health Act including minimum housing and health standards
• Knowledge of social and community agencies and resources as well as issues specific to women with, and without children experiencing homelessness poverty, domestic violence, mental health challenges and addictions
• Demonstrated cultural competency and ability to work with diverse individuals of varying ages, skills, and backgrounds
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as part of a multi-disciplinary organization and team
• Ability to manage crisis; Nonviolent Crisis Intervention certification is an asset
• Proficient in the use of computers and software including Microsoft Word and Excel
• A clear Police Information Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Search, and an Intervention Record Check is required upon commencement of employment
• Valid driver's license

If you want to change lives, we want to hear from you.Deadline: October 25, 2024Apply today by submitting your resume, cover letter, and salary expectations.Check out our website for more information about YW Calgary: www.ywcalgary.ca

YW Calgary is committed to providing an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace where all employees, volunteers and clients feel valued and respected, whatever their race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, ancestry, or place of origin.