POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE
Housing First Worker
DEPARTMENT
Housing Services
BARGAINING UNIT
CUPE 2936.13
SALARY GRADE
5B
POSTING DATE
October 20, 2026
CLOSING DATE
October 25, 2026 (Internal Candidates)
BENEFITS
Extended Health, Dental, LTD, Life, Accident, RRSP, Pension (after waiting period)
VACANCY
(1)Full Time 35hrs/wk
START DATE
As soon as possible
POSITION SUMMARY
The Housing First Worker supports individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability in the Clarington area to obtain and maintain safe, stable, and permanent housing. Clients are identified and referred through the Region of Durham By-Name List (BNL), with services grounded in Housing First principles, client choice, self-determination, strengths-based practice and trauma-informed approaches.
The position provides housing-focused case management and community-based support, including assessment, individualized service planning, housing search and placement, housing stabilization, tenancy support, advocacy, referrals, and coordination with community services.
Working collaboratively with clients, landlords, housing providers, community agencies and internal Housing Services staff, the Housing First Worker promotes housing stability, supports successful tenancies and contributes to coordinated Housing First service delivery within Clarington and Durham Region.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Client Assessment and Housing-Focused Case Management
- Conduct intake, assessment and ongoing reassessment and develop individualized service plans based on client strengths, needs, goals and housing priorities.
- Provide individualized, housing-focused case management to support clients in obtaining, establishing and maintaining permanent housing.
- Support clients in identifying and addressing barriers to housing stability and developing practical skills that contribute to successful tenancy and increased independence.
- Provide community-based and in-home support in accordance with agency-approved practices and safety procedures.
Housing Stabilization, Advocacy and Service Coordination
- Advocate with landlords, housing providers and community service systems to address barriers to housing access and stability.
- Support clients in understanding tenant rights and responsibilities and in addressing tenancy concerns that may place housing at risk.
- Facilitate referrals and coordinate access to appropriate community, health, mental health, addictions, income, employment, legal and social supports based on client needs.
- Respond appropriately to emerging client needs and crisis situations using approved safety, de-escalation and crisis-response practices.
Landlord and Community Relationships
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with landlords, housing providers and community partners to strengthen housing opportunities and client supports.
- Participate in case conferencing, community networks and collaborative service planning to support coordinated service delivery.
- Maintain current knowledge of housing resources, rental opportunities, community services and systems affecting individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Documentation and Reporting
- Maintain accurate, timely and complete client records, assessments, service plans, case notes, referrals, housing outcomes and other required information in HIFIS and approved systems.
- Monitor and document client progress and housing stability and complete required statistical and narrative reporting.
- Work collaboratively with the Housing Program Data & Information Worker and Housing Services team to support data quality and reporting requirements.
- Identify relevant client trends, emerging needs and service gaps and contribute to program evaluation and continuous improvement.
Privacy and Professional Practice
- Maintain confidentiality and protect client information in accordance with agency policies, privacy legislation, program requirements and professional standards.
- Deliver services using client-centred, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, strengths-based and anti-oppressive approaches.
Other
- Participate in Housing Services and agency meetings, training and community initiatives as required.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Education and Experience
- Post-secondary education in Social Services, Social Work, Addictions, Community Development, Mental Health or a related field.
- Experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, poverty, mental health concerns, addictions or other complex barriers.
- Experience in case management, client assessment, individualized service planning, advocacy and community-based support.
- Experience supporting individuals to obtain or maintain permanent housing and/or providing tenancy stabilization services.
- Experience working collaboratively with landlords, housing providers, community organizations and service systems.
- Experience with HIFIS or a similar case management or client information system is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated understanding of Housing First principles and barriers experienced by individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
- Ability to engage clients using trauma-informed, culturally responsive, strengths-based, anti-oppressive and client-centred approaches.
- Strong assessment, case management, problem-solving, advocacy, crisis intervention and conflict-resolution skills.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to establish effective relationships with clients, landlords, housing providers and community partners.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage an active caseload, maintain accurate documentation and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency with Office 365, electronic documentation systems and computerized databases.
- Ability to exercise sound judgement, maintain confidentiality and work both independently and collaboratively.
- Knowledge of housing resources, community services and social service systems within Clarington and Durham Region.
- Valid driver's licence and access to a reliable vehicle are required.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Community-based work in a fast-paced environment involving changing client needs and competing priorities.
- Regular travel to client homes, housing locations, community organizations, agency locations and itinerant service sites throughout Clarington; travel elsewhere in Durham Region may also be required.
- Direct work with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability and other complex circumstances, including occasional crisis or unpredictable situations.
- Work may involve exposure to environmental hazards associated with community-based service delivery and requires adherence to agency safety procedures.
- Regular use of computers and mobile devices and periods of walking, standing, sitting and driving.
- Flexible work hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, may be required based on program and client needs.
