Housing Counsellor

This is a full time Union position scheduled to work 35 hours per week on site. 

(Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm).

DUTIES

• Conducts housing search in and outside of Toronto for newcomer individuals and families.
• If needed escorts clients to housing appointments and advocates on their behalf.
• Secures appropriate and affordable housing for clients. 
• Provides support to clients in negotiating and finalizing housing leases.
• Recruits housing providers and maintains a housing data bank/registry of housing providers.
• Provides crisis support and intervention as required.
• Mentoring volunteers to assist with housing search and escorting of clients.
• Maintains program and statistical information in COSTI’s database and prepares reports.
• Conducts housing orientation sessions to ensure that client understands rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords.
• Liaises and consults with other professionals and organizations.
• Refers clients to community & social service agencies for additional support.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Community college diploma in community work/human services or equivalent.
• Minimum six (6) months fulltime work experience working in a shelters or respite setting.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Understanding of issues facing refugees and populations experiencing homelessness.
• The ability to speak a second language is mandatory. Preference will be given to those who speak, Swahili
• Demonstrated experience responding to crises and providing supportive counselling.
• Preference will be given to those who speak a second language 
• Experience working with refugees is an asset. 
• Ability to work independently.
• Required to provide a valid Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) Police check. The VSS must have been completed within the past 6 months.
• Must have valid first aid/ CPR certificate.
• Must be fully vaccinated or be exempt from vaccination on human rights grounds. COSTI reserves the right to require information establishing the validity of the exemption.