Landlord Relations Specialist

ABOUT HOMEWARD TRUST EDMONTON

Homeward Trust Edmonton (HTE) is a not-for-profit organization charged with ending homelessness in Edmonton. Our efforts are guided by community needs and priorities as outlined in A Place to Call Home: Edmonton's Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. Homeward Trust has a dynamic work environment, filled with high-energy, dedicated, and passionate people.

Homeward Trust embraces the Housing First philosophy. This philosophy follows the principles of finding housing accommodations first and then establishing the supports required by the client to remain in a home. Homeward Trust Edmonton's programs involve both housing (capital project funding, property management, and sourcing access to new or existing units for client use) and supportive services to individuals in or seeking access to housing programs.

For further information visit: http://homewardtrust.ca/

POSITION SUMMARY

The Landlord Relations Specialist (LRS) is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with landlords and property management companies within the city of Edmonton to secure access to housing units for Housing First program participants and other members of the homeless population. This position also plays a liaison and facilitative role between agencies, front line support workers, the landlords to ensure that the client's tenancy is a successful relationship for all parties. In addition, this role assists in managing risks and issues related to tenancy and landlord relationships.

Reporting to the Manager, Landlord Relations, this position has close working relationships with the Support Services department (Housing Access and Outreach programs), Rental Assistant Program Coordinator, the Property Manager and other internal positions involved in the housing process. The LRS works in partnership with the Landlord Relations Manager in delivery of the landlord relations function and services.

The LRS has contact with a variety of external stakeholders to help support tenancy for Housing First clients. This involves creating and sustaining positive working relationships with property owners, residential property management organizations, resident managers, and other diverse stakeholders inside and outside of the housing and homelessness sector. The position ensures projects and services provide optimal housing solutions that maximize outcomes for target clients, property owners, and other vested parties.

Education and Experience

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in residential property management, real estate or housing services.
• Minimum 2 years working knowledge of the Alberta Residential Tenancies Act, Health Act, Social Housing Act, and Alberta Building Codes would be an asset.
• Degree/diploma in business or related discipline is preferred.
• Prior work in low-income or subsidized housing with marginalized populations is preferred.
• Work with clients, community groups or industry associations involving advocacy and relationship building is preferred.
• Experience and/or training in Housing First or sales is an asset.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with landlords, property management organizations, community agencies, coworkers, clients and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work with data systems, analyze outputs and track outcomes as it relates to program delivery.
• Ability to assess and analyze costs and tenancy conditions related to residential rental units.
• Strong writing skills to prepare written reports, emails and develop other communication materials in a timely, concise, and accurate manner, distilling complex issues to salient points.
• Excellent coordination, consultation, interpersonal, negotiation/mediation, facilitation, and creative problem solving skills.
• Able to work independently, and utilize sound judgment to perform all assigned duties with minimal supervision.
• Ability to build organizational trust in his or her own professionalism, integrity, and expertise.
• Experience in working efficiently with MS Word, Excel, and database programs.
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal cultures and tradition and ability to work with culturally diverse people.
• An awareness and sensitivity to the plight of individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as the needs of particular vulnerable sectors is an asset. Able to exercise discretion, compassion, and empathy, and maintain confidentiality.
• Basic working knowledge of the non-profit sector, especially organizations working on homelessness and housing in Edmonton.
  
  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Landlord Relations Specialist is responsible for supporting the promotion of the Housing First program to Edmonton's rental community, building partnerships with property managers and landlords to secure access to units for program clients, providing resource and liaison support between agencies and landlords, deliver training to housing teams, and reporting of activities and outcomes. Risk and issues management related to landlord concerns and tenancy are also responsibilities of this role. Specific duties include:

Promote the Housing First program:

• Build awareness with housing providers of the Housing First philosophy and its ability to address complex issues of homelessness. Promote and inform property managers and landlords of the Housing First program, and its successes.
• Create sustainable, positive working relationships with rental providers by actively networking and participating in relevant associations (Edmonton Apartment Association, BOMA Edmonton, Alberta Landlord Association and others). Participate in Homeward Trust and external committees working towards housing solutions for the homeless population.
  
  

Establish partnerships with Housing Providers to secure client access to units:

• Work with property management companies and independent landlords to garner commitment for units to be used by Housing First program participants. Maintain and enhance existing partnerships.
• Assist with coordinating vacancies and potential housing options for Housing First as required.
  
  

Provide liaison, resource and facilitation services to landlords and housing teams:

• Assist in ensuring Housing First is responsive to landlords in addressing questions or issues.
• Provide facilitation and mediation for landlord/client issues that require escalation or resolution.
• As required, participate in move out inspections, and seek remedies for mitigation of damage costs if appropriate. Ensure due process and documentation for claims and payments made related to damage.
• Assist with landlord engagement and landlord recognition activities.
  
  

Provide training and education:

• Provide information about Housing First programs to possible landlords.
• Support creation of program description, policy and communications materials related to Housing First and in particular the landlord relations component of the program.
• Develop and deliver training to housing teams and other stakeholders on Residential Tenancies Act, related legislation, and topical training (bed bug awareness, housing processes, landlord and tenant relations issues, etc.).
  
  

Report on outcomes, activities and housing market statistics:

• Assist in refining metrics related to Landlord Relations and in ensuring data is collected and analyzed appropriately. Contribute to regular reports regarding activities and outcomes.
• Provide industry statistics on housing costs and vacancies in Edmonton as requested.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Must be able to pass criminal record and vulnerable sector checks.
• Possess a valid driver's license and willing to travel (within the City of Edmonton)
• Proof of a clean drivers abstract will be required, as the position is required to spend time on-site at units leased under the Housing First program.

While we evaluate all applications based on merit, we especially appreciate and recognize the unique insights that come from personal lived experiences, such as homelessness or houselessness. We are deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Applicants from marginalized groups, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ2S+, women, and newcomers, are encouraged to apply.

This competition will close at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2023. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.