Location

Location: Thorold, ON

Temporary Duration

Approximate Duration: 18 months

Division

Housing Services

Important Notices & Amendments

As an employer of choice, Niagara Region offers competitive salaries and benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, a corporate wellness centre, access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), mentorship and training programs, employee recognition programs, and more. In addition, the Region recognizes the value of having flexible work arrangements to support better work-life balance for our employees.

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for receiving and processing applications for affordable housing and providing eligibility assessments in a manner that is effective, timely, and compliant. Also administers the affordable housing application process and waitlist.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

- 2-year post-secondary diploma in Social Services or another related field

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

- At least 1 year in social housing environment or another related field
- Understanding of the Housing Continuum in Niagara as well as Community Resources
- Working knowledge of the Housing Services Act and other related legislation
- Basic knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act is preferred

SKILLS

- Solid interpersonal and communications skills
- Excellent evaluation and judgement skills
- Working knowledge of Lotus Notes application or related waitlist management system
- Bilingual English and French preferred

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

- In accordance with the Corporate Criminal Record Check Policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records Check and submit a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate

RESPONSIBILITIES

Administer the affordable housing application process, including but not limited to: (50% of the time)

- Conducting the new application intake (approx. 1,000 new clients each, annually)
- Receives, processes, and reviews all incoming social housing applications to verify basic eligibility.
- Identify the ability of individuals to live independently with or without community support.
- Notifies applicants unable to live independently of options available within the community to make arrangements for support services.
- Check all new applications for social housing tenant arrears and misrepresentation of income.
- Prepare and send appropriate correspondence related to applications including, but not limited to missing information, acknowledgment, eligibility review, or ineligible letters.
- Ensure circumstances of the household are well documented to allow for the most appropriate bedroom assignment within the occupancy standards,



modifications required, and supports required
- Maintain a pending file of ineligible applicants for follow-through and ensures continued eligibility of individuals who may have time-sensitive Refugee status and homeless individuals.
- Liaise with a network of community service agencies and housing providers to facilitate appropriate assessments of housing options.
- Verifying continued eligibility, family composition, disadvantaged categories, and income and income sources.
- Maintain confidential filling systems and centralized waitlist.
- Process applications through the collection of data, interviews with applicants, inputting of data, verification, and analysis of data, and determination of eligibility
- Manage the data in the current software system and files in the waitlist management system maintaining impartiality and confidentiality
- Addressing complaints from clients
- Provide front line information services by phone, email, and in-person
- Gathering the necessary documentation through frequent contact with the applicant to assess eligibility
- Entering information in the management waitlist system (Lotus Notes)

Administers and maintains the affordable housing waitlist, including but not limited to: (30% of the time)

- Assess applicant continued eligibility annually through annual verification and review of household information (over 2,000+ files each, annually)
- Support non-profit and co-operative housing providers by analyzing annual tenant data as well as consulting the provincial arrears database for existing tenant and applicant arrears
- Manage client files from initial inquiry and application to cancellation, ineligible or housed status (entire lifespan of file)
- Completing the cancellation process if the applicant is deemed ineligible
- Conducting follow-ups for new documentation and ensuring the documentation accurately reflects the demographic of the household
- Conducting eligibility review processes on an annual basis for existing tenants
- Directing applicants to the appropriate external group for support requested
- Making referrals based on specific client needs
- Following up with client repayment agreements to ensure continued eligibility
- Processing housed files,



including the transfer of files to housing providers

Providing an assessment of eligibility for affordable housing for new applicants, including but not limited to: (20% of the time)

- Conducting thorough analyses of the information provided against legislated eligibility requirements
- Notifying applicants of eligibility and/or cancellation decisions
- Ensuring occupancy standards are met
- Review complex cases for eligibility

Additional duties as assigned

Shift Information

Currently scheduled Monday to Friday, 8:30a.m. - 4:30p.m.

About Us

Niagara Region serves a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000 and is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and community partners, the Region delivers high-quality programs and services that support the well-being of individuals, families and communities. Nestled between Lakes Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula is home to fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls, vibrant modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, and communities rich in history, recreation and culture. With a temperate climate, breathtaking countryside and easy access to neighbouring New York State, Niagara attracts more than 14 million visitors each year, along with new residents and businesses. Niagara Region values diversity in background and experience and is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the community it serves, strengthening programs and services across Niagara. While specific qualifications are important for certain roles, we invite individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. Our recruiters will evaluate your suitability for the role.

Closing Statement

Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!

Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.

We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

We confirm that we do not use AI in screening of applicants, and this position is an existing vacancy.

If you require an accommodation for the application process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the alternate formats for contacting us are as follows:

- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (phone hidden) or 1-(phone hidden)
- Bell Relay: 1-(phone hidden)
- In-person: Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 – Human Resources Department

📌 Eligibility Assessment Representative (Canada)
🏢 Niagara Region
📍 Canada