Emergency Housing Officer

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. There is a wide range of housing needs across the province, from those facing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, to low income households needing assistance to pay rent or complete much-needed repairs on their homes. For more information on our programs and services, and strategic priorities, please visit our website www.nlhc.nl.ca.

Competition Number: 2024/25-053-203806T
Employment Type: 1 Temporary (March 31, 2025)
Department/Region: Community Partnerships and Homelessness
Location: Head Office, St. John's
Competition Status: Internal/ External
Closing Date: November 18, 2024
Salary Scale: $49,595 to $55,091 per annum (CG-30, $27.25 to $30.27 per hour), 35-hour work week. This position involves an 8:30am - 4:00pm shift Friday - Tuesday shift. Where applicable a shift differential will apply as per the Collective Agreement. Note: The shift schedule and compensation model is currently under review and subject to change.

Position Details

Context:

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 Department also provides oversight of the corporation's eviction prevention framework, tenant and community relations program as well as the delivery of the provincial supportive living program, emergency accommodations (including shelters), as well as transition houses.

Duties: This position will be a dedicated response from Friday to Tuesday (regular business hours) for the Emergency Shelter Line. 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.

Criteria

Screening Criteria:

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

Assessment Criteria:

1. Knowledge of social/government programs (including those offered by NL Housing) and the process for accessing these programs
2. Knowledge of complex social behaviours
3. Knowledge of client management and business application software
4. Crisis management skills
5. Dispute resolution skills
6. Ability to effectively exchange information
7. Ability to maintain confidentiality
8. Ability to think critically
9. Ability to work independently
10. Relationship building

Conditions of Employment

Conditions of Offer:

1. Acceptable Certificate of Conduct
2. Proof of a valid class 5 driver's license

Conditions of Acceptance:

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

Applicant Information

• 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 [email protected] or by calling (709) 724-3002.
• Preference will be given to applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Applications should be received prior to midnight Newfoundland Standard time on the closing day.
• The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application submitted clearly demonstrates the required criteria. Applications that do not clearly demonstrate the required screening criteria will be screened out.
• The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application includes accurate and current contact information, including phone number, mailing and e-mail addresses.
• All information submitted as part of this application must be factual, complete and current to date of submission. Successful applicants will be required to provide proof of stated credentials as part of the selection process.
• This competition may be used to fill future similar vacancies with NL Housing.
• Only successful applicants will be contacted for an interview.

How to apply:

Applications should be submitted on the Online Job Portal: https://www.nlhc.nl.ca/career-centre/

Please note that applications will not be accepted in-person, by fax, email or mail at this time.