Housing Support Worker (2025 - 496 - hhs)

Housing Support Worker (2025-496-HHS)

WoodGreen is a team of diverse and innovative change makers working together to make a difference in our communities. A United Way Anchor Agency with a proven track record and an entrepreneurial mindset, we continuously seek to develop solutions to critical social needs while striving to become a Centre for Equity.

The Housing & Homelessness Services Unit's primary goal is to help street involved people and/or those with low income to find and maintain appropriate housing and work within an eviction prevention model. The philosophy of this work is in keeping with WoodGreen's commitment to community building and development, anti-discrimination, and harm reduction.

The Housing Access program's goal is to support participants to increase their independent living skills within a variety of housing options, including program clients living in private rental housing. Within a client-first or centric approach the following services are provided: behaviour modeling, crisis intervention, informal counselling, mediation with landlords and other tenants, referrals to appropriate community support services, assistance with maintaining access to rent supplement and income supports and moving/retaining suitable independent housing.

As a Housing Support Worker with WoodGreen, you will play a vital role in helping individuals who are unhoused or living on low-income access, obtain, and maintain safe, stable housing while preventing evictions whenever possible. Reporting to the Manager of Housing Access, Partnerships & Tenant Supports, you will provide case management and referral supports—particularly for former residents of the Emergency Homelessness Project (EHP), Tent City (TC), and Portable Pilot Project (PPP).

Guided by WoodGreen's values of community development, anti-discrimination, and supportive engagement, you will work one-on-one with clients to develop personalized housing and support plans that set them up for long-term success. You will also collaborate with key partners, including the City of Toronto, Ontario Works, the Ontario Disability Support Program, and other community organizations, to connect clients with the resources they need to build stability and achieve their goals.

Individual Support

• Provide individualized support to former Tent City participants through home visits, drop-ins, and scheduled appointments to help them obtain and maintain housing and access community resources.
• Respond to crisis situations and provide referral support to WoodGreen Housing clients and Emergency Homelessness programs such as Tent City and others.
• Engage in tenant/landlord mediation to prevent evictions and relocations for assigned participants.
• Support participants in building problem-solving strategies and accessing housing, income, and community support services.

Facilitate Community and Program Linkages

• Participate in Program Steering and Services Committees, providing updates, identifying issues, and making policy recommendations.
• Collaborate with WoodGreen units and community partners to ensure clients are connected to housing, employment, health, and social services.
• Maintain relationships with agencies such as the City of Toronto, Ontario Works, ODSP, and other Housing Help Services to ensure client eligibility for housing and income support.
• Help participants strengthen skills to access community resources, understand program guidelines, and work toward long-term independence.

Program Development

• Maintain accurate documentation, including client notes, case lists, and budget tracking, and assist with annual RGI reviews.
• Collect and analyze program data and reports to identify trends, challenges, and areas for improvement.
• Support participants in accessing Ontario Works, ODSP, Housing Connections, and other community services.
• Keep the Manager of Housing Access informed on updates, participate in evaluations, and suggest program improvements.

Other

• Collaborate with housing support workers and Unit staff and actively participate in meetings and supervisory sessions.
• Complete required training and professional development as directed by WoodGreen Community Centre.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Manager of Housing Access, Partnerships & Tenant Supports.
• Promote and uphold the organization's anti-racism objectives and community development principles.

What You Bring to the Team

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or related bachelor's degree
• 2 years or more of direct experience in helping street-involved/homeless individuals, and those at risk of losing their housing, to obtain and maintain their housing.
• Proven skills in providing housing help and/or information referral services.
• Working knowledge of the Tenant Protection Act and Residential Tenancy Act.
• Strong intake, assessment, crisis intervention, de-escalation, advocacy and negotiation skills.

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience working with homeless/street involved individuals, tenants, individuals with substance use and landlords.
• Strong landlord/tenant mediation skills.
• Excellent case management skills.
• Supportive counseling and harm reduction skills.
• Experience working with diverse communities.
• Knowledge of resources in Toronto

Why You Will Want to Work with Us

At WoodGreen you will be part of an incredible team that does amazing things for our community. We offer:

• Benefits: Health/dental/wellness benefits and group RRSP/Pension programs, for eligible employees
• Growth: In-house training & development programs and professional development opportunities
• Rewards: Peer and organizational recognition and awards
• Flexibility: Hybrid working models, where applicable
• Diversity: Commitment to creating an inclusive organization that embraces diversity and belonging
• Community: Meaningful work in support of our communities

To apply, go to the WoodGreen Careers page and click on the position(s) that you are interested in to submit your cover letter and resume and to answer a short questionnaire.

WoodGreen is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free selection process and work environment. If contacted in relation to an employment opportunity, please advise our People & Culture representatives at careers@woodgreen.org of the accommodation measures required. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

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