•         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.