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Executive Director

Position: Executive Director

Location: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

Deadline: February 13, 2023

The Central Ontario Co-Operative Housing Federation (COCHF) was founded in 1992 as a democratic non-profit with a corporate structure guided by the International Co-operative Principles. COCHF supports the development and operations of member-controlled co-operative communities; it is a resource and a collective voice for its over 40 members. COCHF provides services and activities which benefit housing co-operatives individually and collectively within the Region of Waterloo, Wellington and Brant County, and, when opportune, in partnership with other co-operative organizations. COCHF is governed by a 9-member volunteer Board of Directors and includes representation from the local co-operative staff association and co-operative housing management agencies.

Who are we looking for?

You are an inspired and thoughtful leader with experiential knowledge of the co-operative housing sector, co-operative principles and relevant provincial and federal legislation governing the co-operative sector. You have experience in supporting initiatives, partnership building in all sectors of the community and have a proven track record of success. You have strong leadership skills and are familiar with the policies, procedures, and legislation governing the activities of non-profit organizations. You are familiar working with a volunteer Board of Directors.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the federation and is the sole staff person. Responsibilities of the Executive Director falls into seven key areas:

  1. Member Services and Program Development: Identify and design member services and programs that align with current issues in the sector and support the strategic direction of the Federation. Promote and support successful services for members.
  2. Member and Sector Relations: Participate in and support the co-operative sector, looking for opportunities to build and strengthen partnerships that will enhance the services of the federation. Maintain regular communications with members and use web-based tools to enhance existing communication channels.
  3. Governance Support: support the work of the Board as they govern and plan for the strategic direction of the federation.
  4. Strategic Planning: Participate in the strategic planning process for COCHF, taking steps to implement operational aspects of the plan and regularly reporting progress to the Board.
  5. Operations: Ensure administrative and operational activities are completed in a timely manner and within given parameters.
  6. Finance: Oversee the implementation of COCHF’s financial controls and systems, ensuring compliance with necessary governing legislation and internal policies.
  7. Human Resources: Oversee the work of Federation staff and consultants, ensuring consistent services are provided to COCHF members

Qualifications:

  • Excellent relationship building (community capacity building) skills and good ability to identify, build and maintain formal and informal networks and partnerships, within the local and broader co-operative community
  • Some experience developing and managing programs and organizing events is highly desirable
  • Proven ability to plan, organize and manage multiple tasks within established deadlines
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and to work effectively within diverse teams and communities
  • Demonstrated ability to problem solve, think strategically and effectively, in difficult situations
  • Excellent organizational, analytical, communication (written and verbal) skills
  • Familiarity with budget planning & monitoring, financial statements and general bookkeeping
  • Demonstrated familiarity with the housing co-operative sector
  • Post-secondary university/college education in a related field or equivalent experience
  • Computer literacy with Microsoft Office products; Comfort with web-based tools, websites; email and social media
  • Some evening and weekend work will be required

COCHF has been operating with an Interim Executive Director in place since May 1, 2022. This recruitment is an open recruitment process whereby interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and with a cover letter to [email protected]. This role offers flexibility in location with an expectation of in-office work, on-location work and travel within the catchment area.

The deadline for applications is February 13, 2023 with an anticipated employment start date of May 1, 2023. We thank all applicants for their submissions, but only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

COCHF is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace; we welcome applications from women, racially visible individuals, people with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and LGBTQ2S+ persons.  COCHF is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. If contacted for this employment opportunity, please advise if you require any accommodation.

Tenancy Liaison Specialist

Career Opportunity 

Date of Posting:  December 29, 2022

Title:  Tenancy Liaison Specialist

Position: R01792

Posting:  2022-2211

Length:  Full Time

Department/Division:  Community Services/ Housing Services

Hours of Work:  35 hours per week

Union:  C.U.P.E. Local 1883

Grade:  13

Salary: $38.11 – $43.31 per hour

Location:  99 Regina St. S., Waterloo

Description of Duties:

Provides consultation, information, and support regarding landlord and tenant relationship management to Community Housing landlords and their tenants, including facilitating meetings to resolve tenancy issues, providing materials/resources, and making referrals to community/social supports to build tenant/landlord capacities and support successful tenancies.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Acts as a resource for Community Housing landlords and tenants regarding policies, roles and responsibilities of housing providers to support ongoing tenancy and positive landlord and tenant relationships.
  • Leads/facilitates resolution of tenancy issues with landlords and tenants (e.g., complaints, rent geared-to-income eligibility, asset management and property standards, neighborly disputes).
  • Develops case plans and action items agreed to/in collaboration with parties, and follows up to record outcomes or provide additional supports and meetings.
  • Provides individual support to tenants to achieve housing stability and help to improve health outcomes, reduce reliance on emergency services, and promote social inclusion. Contacts other corporate/departmental/divisional staff and community agencies to make referrals, and exchange program and tenant information (e.g., rent payments, adjustments, placement issues, income support).
  • Administers an annual portfolio operating budget with supervisor. Assists in budget forecasting by providing estimates. Has signing authority and a purchasing card for incidentals and emergencies.
  • Maintains records of interactions, activities, and outcomes. Provides reports for management, and for Community Housing Review System cases.
  • Develops materials for tenants and landlords to support eviction prevention, foster good landlord and tenant relationships, support overall positive tenancies, and access to other supports. Delivers information and training sessions to build landlord and tenant capacities.
  • Facilitates and promotes community engagement strategies to landlords. Works one-on-one with landlords to develop strategies/initiatives in response to issues. Leads meetings with landlords to exchange information, best practices, and trends related to community engagement. Facilitates service agreements and partnerships with community agencies.
  • Works with other staff to develop and implement strategies to facilitate community and individual behaviour changes to improve the overall health within the community for clients.
  • Participates on committees, task forces, and working groups with community partners and other corporate staff to contribute to community capacity building and support tenant health and well-being.
  • Testifies in court when subpoenaed/requested by landlords/ tenants for Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal hearings.
  • Performs related duties, as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

  • Knowledge of landlord-tenant relationship management principles and practices, community development/engagement strategies, and social and behavioural sciences, acquired through a 3-year college diploma/university degree in a related field (e.g. Social Work, Social Services), plus 3 years of related experience (or equivalent combination of higher education and lower experience).
  • Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, and related legislation (e.g., Residential Tenancy Act, Housing Services Act, Landlord Tenant Board, privacy).
  • Knowledge of social and community agencies and resources to provide referrals. Familiarity with property standards, Building and Fire Codes to report building deficiencies to other staff.
  • Analytical, problem solving, research, and organizational skills to work independently and maintain a portfolio of clients; identify obstacles, opportunities, and develop solutions/recommendations to resolve tenancy issues; identify trends and develop resources and materials.
  • Leadership, human relations, communication, facilitation, and conflict resolution/mediation skills to explain and respond to inquiries from housing providers and tenants; maintain relationships and provide support, coaching, and guidance to housing providers; facilitate conflict resolution meetings (including motivation skills to encourage participation and behavior change); facilitate community engagement initiatives; support tenants, including by providing referrals to community/social agencies; and participate as an effective team member.
  • Ability to research and compile information regarding tenant needs and social issues to develop and implement strategies to educate tenants and encourage community and encourage community development.
  • Ability to write letters, case notes, forms, reports, resource materials, and communications; and draft policies and protocols for management review. Ability to read and interpret reports, legislation, guidelines, and policies.
  • Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office and program databases.
  • Must provide an acceptable Police Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3).
  • Ability to travel within Waterloo Region.
  • Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

We invite external applicants to APPLY ONLINE through the Region of Waterloo Website: Career Opportunities – Region of Waterloo

We thank all applicants in advance; however, we will be corresponding only with those selected for an interview.

The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. At the Region, we respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity. The Region of Waterloo is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number (519) 575-4400, TTY number (519-575-4608) to request an alternate format.

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