COVID-19 Housing Coordinator

Victoria Immigrant & Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS)

1004 North Park Street – Victoria, B.C. V8T 1C6

Telephone: (250) 361-9433, Fax: (250) 361-1914

Job Description: Housing Coordinator

Job title: COVID-19 Housing Coordinator

Reports to: Manager, Immigrant Women’s Project.

Status: Part time, Contract.

Application Deadline: Until Filled.

Start Date: As soon as possible

End Date: September 30th, 2021

The Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society has been dedicated to immigrants and refugees in Greater Victoria for over 30 years, helping clients from all over the world. It serves more than 3,000 newcomers annually with its programs in the areas of employment, settlement, integration of youth, adults, families and seniors as well as many other projects and activities.

Primary Accountability:

VIRCS is seeking an energetic COVID-19 Housing Coordinator to join our Team in Victoria. This is a contract part-time position. The COVID-19 Housing Coordinator assists the VIRCS Immigrant Women’s Project by supporting the housing needs of vulnerable immigrant women. The best-suited candidate will engage one on one with vulnerable women clients to support them and reduce barriers in their search for safe affordable housing.

Responsibilities:

• Main point of contact for high-risk immigrant women seeking housing
• Meet with clients to discuss housing needs
• Facilitate client group information sessions about community resources
• Search for accessible, safe housing and housing supports for clients within non-profit sector and in private rental market
• Present housing options and supports to clients
• Track communications with clients
• Create and maintain up to date contact lists for available housing supports and resources

· Provide settlement support, information, orientation, referrals, in the service areas identified by VIRCS appointments and drop-in emergency cases

· Act as a contact and point of resource for staff and women residents at Oak Bay Welcome House.

· Facilitate outbound referrals and work collaboratively with partner delivery agencies and community support systems to meet client needs

· Provide crisis intervention and safety plan for immigrant women’s project clients in need of safety in situations of IPP.

· Actively promote program to all staff, volunteers, service delivery partners, community networks and agencies

· Network and maintain regular contact and open communication with partner agencies to monitor, discuss and evaluate client cases

• Educate and disseminate information to clients through group sessions and workshops

· Convene meetings to review action plans, track and document progress, evaluate outcomes, and update plans according to individual requests and/or changes required in the supports and services provided

· Write case notes and provide follow-up services to IWP clients

· Complete all reporting requirements

• Identify and promote opportunities for public education about multiculturalism, immigration, anti-xenophobia and human rights issues

· Service as a resource person for VIRCS programs, staff, volunteers, practicum students, government and NGO service providers, and the community at large

Required skills and experience:

• At least 2 years relevant education or work experience with immigrant and refugee families and children; and/or Education in Human and Social Development field; e.g. social work, child and youth program or related field, preferred

· Experience working from a client-centred, strengths-based approach

· Familiarity using case management approach in service provision

· Thorough knowledge of wraparound principles and practices; previous Wraparound experience preferred

· Cross-cultural awareness: able to engage positively with people from diverse ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds

· Empathetic, warm and engaging personality, with strong interpersonal, relationship-building and networking abilities

· Organized and efficient; able to successfully complete multiple tasks in a timely manner

· Strong administrative and computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, database, internet, e-mail)

· Outstanding written and verbal communication and presentation skills

· Good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills

· Team player and able to function in multi-disciplinary team setting

· Strong assessment and problem-solving skills and conflict resolution skills

· Demonstrated professionalism, discretion and confidentiality

· Must be willing to submit criminal record check.

Asset Qualifications:

· Knowledge of available social services and community resources in Greater Victoria

· Knowledge of legislation and policies affecting immigrant and refugee populations in Canada

· Commitment to work ethic premised upon anti-oppression and anti-xenophobia

· Sensitivity to issues of immigration and refugee trauma, mental health and family conflict and knowledge of adjustment and transitional issues specific to newcomers

· Understanding, sensitivity andan awareness of social justice, diversity and anti-oppression issues

· Understanding of the culture of non-profit organizations

· Second language an asset

Salary: Competitive

To apply:

If your credentials meet the above job description, please forward your cover letter and resume, quoting the job title in the subject line.

Application deadline is until the position is filled.

VIRCS is an equal opportunity employer. We especially encourage applications from people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, especially immigrants to Canada who are entitled to work in British Columbia.

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Salary: $22.00-$23.00 per hour

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)

Work remotely:

• No