Friends of Ruby  

Friends of Ruby is dedicated to the journey and well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth through a unique combination of integrated and tailored services in mental health, social support, and housing. We are committed to creating welcoming and safe spaces uniquely designed to help build community, emotional well-being, and confidence.

We distinguish ourselves by delivering an integrated transitional housing and mental health support model to support youth towards independent living. We use impactful counselling modalities, therapeutic groups, social activities and practical supports that address multiple aspects of a youth’s life (e.g., health, education, employment).

Our services and programs are informed by 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, grounded in evidence and research, and led and facilitated by 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. Our staff reflects the diversity of the youth we serve and are skilled in supporting youth towards independence and well-being. Ultimately, we want to help create a Canada where all 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are validated, included, and empowered to lead healthier lives.

Position Summary 

The Housing Navigator is responsible for working with residents at Friends of Ruby House to help them with re/settlement services, focusing on securing safe, affordable, permanent accommodation and facilitate their movement from transitional housing to long term permanent housing. The Housing Navigator is responsible for working with clients directly to provide orientation to the local rental market, rental process, and provincial landlord and tenant law to ensure their successful transition to independent living.

The Housing Navigator is responsible for information provision and community development functions with a focus on housing. This Service includes the championing of innovative solutions, collection of housing related resources, establishing connections to agencies providing this service, liaison functions, and presentations regarding housing and creative options/solutions.

The Housing Navigator will support clients and engage service providers in the development of a service plan that includes all possible and appropriate community-based housing options. The Housing Navigator provides service in the geographic area of GTA.

Duties and Responsibilities  

• Work collaboratively with Community Navigators, Case Workers, and Residential Housing Workers to assess and identify client’s housing needs 
• Provide thorough information to clients about housing systems in Canada, including rental options and the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants 
• Work alongside clients to source safe housing that is within the client’s budget using Friends of Ruby procedures 
• Coordinate rental viewings and accompany clients as needed  
• Assist clients with the preparation, submission, and follow up on rental applications 
• Assist clients in signing their lease agreement, ensuring they are fully aware of the contents of the contract they are signing
• Assist clients in maintaining housing and provide support to clients who are facing issues of poverty, mental health, addictions, abuse, social isolation and more.
• Build relationships with current housing and support agency providers appropriate to our residents
• Understand and assess suitability of potential landlords and/or residences
• Provide support including work readiness, basic life management skills, assertive communication, setting goals, giving and receiving feedback, self-esteem, conflict resolution, problem solving and managing change
• Coordinate aspects of moving clients to their permanent accommodation, including holding settlement conferences, assisting the client with inspecting their new home, and moving out of temporary accommodation, as specified in Friends of Ruby procedures 
• Attend a home visit one week after the client has moved to ensure repairs are completed and clients have a full understanding of their housing responsibilities 
• Attend a home visit to conduct a Resettlement Assistance Program exit interview assessment, in conjunction with the Community Engagement Coordinator.
• Provide basic ongoing housing supports for duration of client's stay at FoR transitional housing program
• Consistently develop relationships with existing and new landlords
• Accurately and promptly maintain case notes and complete required reports and forms 
• Provide feedback and assist with ongoing improvements to Resettlement Assistance Program 
• Attend staff meetings, mandatory training programs, and actively participate as a team member 
• Perform other related duties as assigned 

Qualifications and Skills

• Post-secondary degree or diploma a diploma in Social Work or an acceptable Human Service discipline will be an asset
• Knowledge of current housing and support agency providers appropriate to our residents
• Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office products, particularly Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, and the ability to pick up new technology quickly, including databases and web content management systems 
• Knowledge of the local housing rental market and the Residential Tenancies Act 
• Knowledge of housing resources municipal, provincial, and federal and working knowledge of applicable legislation
• Strong knowledge of the community and its resources and services 
• Previous experience working with community members is an asset
• Detail oriented with excellent organization and time management skills  
• Strong written and verbal communication and documentation skills 
• Ability to work with a high degree of dexterity, tact, and confidentiality 
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills, the ability to work with all levels of staff and various external stakeholders 
• Demonstrated capacity-building approach to community engagement and partnerships 
• Ability to accept and perform additional duties as needed to meet the mission of the organization 
• Strong facilitation, consultation, and network building skills to foster effective partnerships and integrated networks with stakeholders

Additional Requirements 

• Satisfactory clearance under the Police Background Check
• Must be qualified to legally work in Canada
• Willing to work at a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of the organization, working evenings on occasions
• Ability to travel to other community-based settings as needed
• Valid Driver’s License and clean driver’s abstract required   

COVID-19 Protocol

Friends of Ruby believes that immunization against COVID-19 is an individual and societal responsibility and that we must do everything possible to protect our clients, families, employees, students, volunteers, and contractors against the spread of COVID-19. As a condition of employment, proof of full vaccination or exemption under the Ontario Human Rights Code must be submitted to Human Resources seven (7) calendar days prior to start date. 

Hiring Policy / Statement on Employment Equity and Diversity

Friends of Ruby recognizes that a diverse work force is critical to accomplishing our mission. Our goal is to attract, develop, and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives.

We are committed to ensuring that members of traditionally marginalized groups, from a broad range of communities, feel empowered to apply for positions within the organization. We strongly encourage applications from the 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, and diverse backgrounds that meet the requirements of the job posting. We suggest applicants introduce themselves, their stories and lived experiences in their cover letter to their level of comfort.