Job Description
Specialist, Housing Supply
Human Services - Housing Services
Status: Contract Full Time - Up to 12 months
Salary Range: $89,469 - $$111,834 per annum (plus comprehensive benefits, where applicable)
Work mode: Hybrid* see below for more details about this work mode.
Location: 10 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton, ON
Hours of work: 35 hours per week
Who we are: Housing Services leads service system planning and management of housing and homelessness programs and services with a view to policy and service integration. Helps improve these services through effective planning, based on local information and research about the needs of Peel’s many different communities.
“Housing Services is passionately committed to ensuring stable, affordable, appropriate housing and supports in Peel. We manage a collaborative system of care focused on delivering services with compassion and respect in a way that preserves dignity.”
The Role: This position is specific to providing oversight and support to Housing Providers under the Housing Services Act (HSA) and other applicable legislations. It includes carrying out the duties of the Service Manager, as set out in the Act.
The Specialist will be responsible for the administration of affordable, public, non-profit and co-operative (co-op), transitional and supportive housing within the Region of Peel to ensure that existing and new housing providers meet their obligations in compliance with the Provincial Housing legislation and regulations, Regional policies and standards, various housing program operating agreements and other applicable legislation. Also, will be required to implement new housing supply initiatives to increase new and optimize existing stock in the system. They will lead monitoring processes, operational reviews, the implementation of intervention actions, and management agreements between the Region of Peel and the providers as required (including shelters, supportive and transitional housing) for programs along the housing continuum.
What you will do in this role:
- Leads and administers the implementation of affordable and social housing legislation, policies, guidelines, standards and operating agreements with non-profit and co-op housing providers and landlords assuring legal and financial Regional interests are protected.
- Responsible for operational contracts, related to facilities management, for shelters, supportive and transitional housing providers.
- Provides advice and guidance on property management and building maintenance issues to ensure effective day to day management of housing programs (e.g. recommendations on best practices and obligations under the Provincial Housing legislation and other relevant legislation).
- Assesses the governance and operational management of housing providers in Peel.
- Responsible for the ongoing viability of the housing inventory in the Region of Peel.
- Provides planning advice into program development and operational aspects of new affordable housing developments.
- Conducts program/operational reviews with housing providers to ensure compliance with program requirements and to promote best practices
- Identifies opportunities for enhanced programs, services or new supply in concert with various Region of Peel departments and housing providers with a focus on system level solutions for opportunities within the housing system.
- Collaborates and strategizes with our partners (i.e., housing providers, sector organizations, service agencies, Board of Directors, government agencies, municipal staff, senior management staff etc.) to ensure viable and ongoing business partnerships and successful tenancies.
- Provides information to landlords and providers on legislation, governance issues, rent calculations, maintenance and eviction prevention strategies and eviction procedures.
- Addresses housing issues raised by clients via phone, in person or in attendance at Board meetings.
- Applies win-win conflict resolution skills in resolving complex and contentious matters with Boards of Directors, property managers, tenants (through their Housing Support Worker or Housing Representative) and neighbours.
- Supports providers in the development and implementation of programs and new initiatives in order to ensure compliance with legislation and successful tenancies.
- Liaises with auditors, internal and external legal representatives, and property management companies on specific provider issues.
- Supports the management of stakeholder groups and related work groups by coordinating agendas and training that meets provider needs.
- Liaises and actively seeks engagement of stakeholders and community partners on upcoming initiatives, and the implementation of programs, process and policies.
- Prepares business cases/reports/briefing notes with options and recommendations to inform senior management decision making and drafts correspondence as required for senior management signatures.
- Writes submissions to Provincial, Federal, and Area Municipal governments, as required to meet program needs.
- Writes Council and Committee reports as required.
- Ensures compliance with Provincial and Regional occupational health and safety legislation, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Ensures confidentiality is maintained in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act or other related and applicable legislation.
- Develops and manages intervention and risk management strategies for providers/operators who may be in non-compliance with legislative or policy requirements or who are encountering operational and/or financial difficulties.
- Identifies issues that are controversial, or increase risk in such areas as governance, financial, operational and building issues, and in consultation with internal partners (e.g. legal and finance staff), develops and implements strategies to address the issues.
- Recommends, implements and monitors the risk management strategies regarding controversial and sensitive issues.
- Works with the Finance Division to analyze and monitor financial performance of housing providers/operators by reviewing budgets, in-year requests for subsidy/funding, impact of funding model and annual reconciliations.
- Works with the Finance Division to review, negotiate and recommends approval for housing provider/operator operating and capital budget subsidies.
- Provides advice and guidance to housing providers and property managers on budget and year-end reporting processes and day-to-day financial and administrative procedures to ensure the effective and efficient use of funds.
- Review various funding sources to identify opportunities to increase housing supplys.
- Participates in external and internal related housing committees and networks as required.
What the role requires:
- Post-secondary education in business/public administration, social science or related field with 3-5 years related work experience in housing, policy or property management or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
- Demonstrated experience in developing new approaches or processes as it relates to increasing housing stock options
- Demonstrated knowledge of relevant legislation pertaining to housing and homelessness administration, planning and financial management to identify housing providers’ and operators’ capacity for effective housing management and to ensure compliance with legislation/policies/standards.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Rent Geared to Income administration as prescribed under the Housing Services Act and other Housing Programs.
- Knowledge of property management principles.
- Strong financial and budgeting skills which includes knowledge of business accounting and program administration principles and practices.
- Use of sound judgment and critical thinking is required when strategizing with various audiences.
- Knowledge of multiple computer applications, including MS-Office, EIM and Lotus-Notes.
- Political awareness, sufficient to identify and respond to situations; to understand the various parties and stakeholders involved in decision making processes and to anticipate their likely reaction to statements, proposals, recommendations and situations.
- Working knowledge of methodologies such as project management, change management, corporate process management and improvement.
- Completion and satisfactory results of a Vulnerable Sector Search is required
Skills/Abilities:
- Ability to analyze and synthesize housing information in order to provide sound recommendations on issues influencing policy and process.
- Ability to interpret and evaluate data and information to improve existing programs and develop performance standards as per funding requirements.
- Leadership skills necessary to provide direction to housing provider/operator agency staff and Boards of Directors.
- Strong mediation, negotiation and problem-solving skills that balance compliance role with resource and support role
- Ability to link providers and landlords to tenants to necessary supports provided by the Region of Peel or within the community
- Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external contacts.
- Effective time management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
- Well developed communication and consulting skills with the ability to deliver public presentations and facilitate stakeholder engagement
- Proven ability to resolve conflict while using the ability to respond with tact and diplomacy
- Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and pro-actively managing bias
Nice to Have:
- Experience working with vulnerable and marginalized populations would be considered an asset
Perks @ Peel and why you will love working for us:
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision benefit plan including psychological health, effective start date
- Automatic enrolment into OMERS pension plan (where applicable)
- Accrue Vacation on a monthly basis (where applicable) starting at 3 weeks per annum
- 3 Paid personal days and floating holidays (non-union)
- Flexible hours supporting your wellness and wellbeing (non-union)
- Annual performance review and merit increases based on performance (non-union/ where applicable)
- Supportive leadership and a culture of respect and inclusion
- Access to tuition reimbursement (where applicable) and learning and development resources
Work Mode & Job Location: In this role, you'll enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement. This means you'll have the ability to work off-site and on-site as needed, depending on operational needs at the 10 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton, ON worksite. The frequency of on-site work may vary from week to week, depending on operational demands, which can evolve over time.
It's important to note that your off-site work location must be within the province of Ontario. This ensures that we're compliant with all regulations and policies.The Region of Peel offers job based flexible hours of work that allows employees to manage personal and professional responsibilities while at the same time ensures business operational needs and customer service expectations are achieved.
Interview: Our recruitment process will include video conference technology
Kindly ensure to regularly monitor your spam and junk email folders, as important communications regarding your application may be directed there.
If this opportunity matches your qualifications and experience, please apply on-line.
About Us
Peel Region consists of the cities of Brampton and Mississauga, and the town of Caledon. Peel Region delivers essential services to more than 1.5 million residents and approximately 200,000 businesses.
We’re working to create a community that is safe, inclusive, and accessible. A place where everyone feels they belong and can access the services they need to thrive throughout each stage of life.
Our workforce is 6,700 strong and since 1974, we’ve been delivering a wide range of resident focused services. Our services include paramedic services, health programs, long-term care and services for seniors, child care support, garbage collection and recycling, waste water and water treatment, road maintenance, financial assistance, and housing support.
Recognized by Canada's Healthy Workplace Month® with the Great Employer Award presented by Excellence Canada, Peel Region is a place where everyone feels they belong. We strive to develop a workplace that values and respects diversity, practices inclusion, recognizes the unique contributions and abilities of all people and facilitates innovative thinking. At Peel Region, people come first. Each employee has an important role within our community and when we work together, it’s impactful. We encourage you to join us in delivering essential services and programs to our diverse community. You won't find a better opportunity than Peel Region.
Additional Information
Peel Region is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is respected and valued for their contributions, and where everyone is treated fairly and has opportunity to grow and develop. As one of the most diverse regions in Canada, we are committed to establishing a qualified workforce that is reflective of the population we serve.Peel Region is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process, upon request. If you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. Accessible formats and communication supports are available. Please contact zzg-hrtalentacquisition@peelregion.ca
Please be advised, Peel Region uses email to communicate with applicants for open job competitions and does not use AI technology in any part of the recruitment process. It is the applicant’s responsibility to include an updated email address that is checked daily and accepts emails from unknown users. As we send time sensitive correspondence via email (i.e., testing bookings, interview dates), it is imperative that applicants check their email regularly. If we do not hear back from applicants, we will assume that you are no longer interested in the position and your application will be removed from the competition.