Supervisor of Housing and Homelessness Programs

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Department: Human Services
Reports to: Manager of Housing & Homelessness
Effective Date: April 2024
Positions Supervised: 6
Revised Date: August 2026

POSITION SUMMARY:

Oversees and ensures the effective delivery of housing and homelessness programs and services within Oxford County. This role centers on developing and implementing various housing and homelessness services and programs, such as the housing waitlist, rent supplement program, housing subsidies, housing with related supports, and community housing. Additionally, the provision homelessness services and supports through the County’s By-Name list and coordinated access system. As a part of an integrated work environment, the incumbent must have an understanding of all programs within Human Services.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Effectively monitor and supervise the administration and operation of community (social) housing, including the following tenant management activities:
- Maximizing revenue through leasing, annual reviews, rent arrears collection and reporting, calculations, adjustments, and evictions, per policies, procedures, and prescribed timeframes.
- Liaising with collection agencies as necessary to pursue former tenant account arrears.
- Liaises with Finance regarding status on former tenant arrears and collection efforts.
- Development and implementation of strategic tenant management practices, eviction prevention, and tenant support, including integration with internal resources and partners.
- Development of tenant engagement strategies. Reports on tenant and community initiatives.
- Investigation and resolution of tenancy matters with applicants, clients, tenants, landlords, and community agencies. Resolves escalated tenancy matters. Represents Oxford County in court/hearings, as required.
- Works with private landlords on rental agreements, including service and use of space agreements. Meets with tenants, tenant groups, and community agencies to coordinate tenant services, as required.
- Provides support to staff who aid tenants with the goal of stabilizing tenancies and maintaining housing.
- Liaise with Facilities in relation to building maintenance, security, safety, contractual infractions, agreement compliance, and capital asset management of the County’s Housing portfolio.
- Audits service standard levels, documentation, policies, procedures, and financials (e.g., tenant files, ledgers).
Effectively monitor and supervise administration of the Provincial mandated By-Name List and Coordinated Access System for those experiencing homelessness, to ensure effective delivery and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Effectively work with community partners throughout the County’s Coordinated Access System and Emergency Shelter System.
Effectively monitor and supervise the administration of housing and homelessness programs such as the county’s rent supplement program, Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) and Canada Ontario Housing Benefit Program (COHB).
Oversee and monitor the housing waitlist, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and local policies and liaises with community agencies on referrals, information on available services/supports.
Effectively monitor and supervise the administration of housing with supports programs.
Seek out opportunities to plan and work with different sectors and partners to provide efficient services and programs.
Participate in monthly expenditure reconciliation, in-year budgets and advises of potential expenditure fluctuations.
Participate in the development of annual budgets and business plans for the Human Services Department; prepare Council reports, briefing notes and correspondence, as required.
Contribute to policy development, business processes/procedures to ensure compliance with applicable federal/provincial legislation, Service Agreements, Regional policies, local by-laws, and standards.
Provide input on housing initiatives created through new funding, in collaboration with the Supervisor of Housing Projects.
Directly supervise unionized and non-unionized employees, including performance and attendance management, coaching, mentorship, and professional development, employee and/or labour relations.
Delivery of high-quality services to clients, applicants, and tenants.
Assist in the development, review and promotion of an integrated philosophy, objectives, policies, and procedures in compliance with various Acts for the delivery of Ontario Works, Community Housing, and Family & Children’s Services by working collaboratively with the leadership team.
Understand health and safety responsibilities, and ensure compliance with internal and external safety policies, procedures, and legislation, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
May be required to act as a back-up for the Manager of Housing and Homelessness in their absence.
Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Post-secondary education in Social Sciences, Public Administration, or related discipline.
Minimum of 5 years relevant experience in the Social Services and/or Housing/Property Management field, with 1 year supervisory experience, preferably in a unionized environment. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Demonstrated experience planning, organizing, and implementing Ministry-funded programs.
Knowledge of community housing and related legislation including the Housing Services Act, Residential Tenancies Act, Ontario Corporations and Cooperative Corporations Acts, Ontario Building & Fire Codes, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Human Resources/Labour Relations legislation.
Demonstrated knowledge of building maintenance and property management systems (Voyager and Rent Café).
Excellent communication, interpersonal, facilitation, and presentation skills with demonstrated proficiency in handling politically sensitive matters, diverse clientele, and internal and external stakeholders.
Strong analytical skills with a focus on interpreting legislation, policies/procedures and developing/implementing effective responses/solutions.
Knowledge of relevant legislation, statutes and regulations related to Ontario Works Act, Child Care, and Early Years Act in addition to general knowledge of legislation for other Human Services program areas.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with internal and external partners to deliver programs, services, and outcomes.
Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork, lead and empower teams and guide effective project development, delivery, and evaluation.
Proven organizational skills with the ability to deal effectively with sensitive and confidential information.
Valid Ontario driver’s licence is required.
Vulnerable Sector Check is required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS:

Ability to demonstrate the required core and leadership competencies for this position in alignment with Oxford County’s competency framework.
Core competencies include teamwork, communication, innovation, service excellence, accountability and integrity, and inclusivity.
Leadership competencies include strategic thinking, leading people, achieving results, project/process management, and fostering change

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works in an office environment with flexibility to work in a variety of work locations as needed.
Occasional driving to different work locations.
Occasional attendance at meetings after normal working hours.