Community Relations Worker

Job Reports to: Housing Services, Program Manager
Salary: $29.66 – $35.54

Summary
Under the general direction of the Housing Supervisor, this position provides social support services to the tenants and clients of the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board’s Housing Services Program, property management support to the Housing Supervisor and Program Manager in accordance with established policies and procedures, and development and maintenance of positive public relations and community initiatives with respect to CDSSAB housing properties.

Key Responsibilities of Position

• Visiting tenants upon move in to explain regulations, policies and procedures; providing information about the CRW’s role and support available to them; explaining roles of the property management team and encouraging community involvement.
• Conducting, and documenting tenant visits (i.e., initials, annuals, transfer requests), assessing individual situations, providing immediate follow up to perceived social problems (e.g., arrears, anti-social, violent or abusive behaviour, physical or mental health difficulties, family and child welfare); recommending appropriate actions.
• Assessing and referring tenants to appropriate agencies (e.g., Community Care Access, CAS, police, doctors, legal clinics, homecare, self-help groups, etc.)
• Liaising with members of the Property Management Team and on-site Staff
• Completing reports of visits and investigations, documenting tenant complaints, and information/documentation from third parties and preparing a body of evidence for use in any resulting Tribunal actions
• Participating in Tribunal hearings as required and facilitating mediation in Landlord and Tenant Board anti-social and rental arrears hearings as required.
• Responding to emergency situations (fire, flood, etc.) and providing assistance as required
• Providing maintenance program support by investigating tenant maintenance complaints, tenant maintenance damage and poor housekeeping issues
• Facilitating the creation of partnerships with tenants and community groups
• Providing consultative services to tenant groups/associations re: minute taking, financial reporting, election processes, constitution writing

Core Competencies

• Client Focus: demonstrates an ability to provide excellent and respectful service to clients. 
• Communication: Listens to others and communicates in an effective manner.
• Interpersonal Skills: Interacts positively with co-workers and others; understands and relates to those around them. 
• Teamwork: Provides honest and constructive feedback; demonstrates a willingness to receive feedback from peers. 
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Responds positively to change, embracing and using new practices or values to accomplish goals and provide solutions. 

Skills & Qualifications

• Diploma in Social Service Work with related experience or a combination of education/experience acceptable to the employer. Working knowledge of residential property management practices, including the Housing Services Act, 2011, CDSSAB Housing Services policies, and residential leases.
• High level of proficiency in the use of computers and current related Housing Services software and Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook.
• A valid driver’s license, minimum $1,000,000 third party liability insurance and proof that insurance covers use of personal vehicle for work-related use, and ability to travel regularly.
• Demonstrated experience providing mediation and crisis intervention for a diverse client group in a social services setting.
• Demonstrated experience with needs assessments, exercising proper principles and practices in making referrals to other community agencies and resources.
• Extensive knowledge of community agencies and resources, as well as their respective mandates and information and referral processes.
• Bilingualism in accordance with the French Language Services policy.
• Criminal Record Search.
• Confirmation of full COVID 19 Vaccination.

The Cochrane District Social Service Administration Board is committed to equity in its policies, practices, and programs. The Board supports diversity in the work environment and ensures that applications from members of underrepresented groups are seriously considered. All qualified individuals who would contribute to the diversification of our workplace are encouraged to apply.

CDSSAB welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Personal information provided is collected under the authority of The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER