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HOUSING LEGAL ADVOCATE

If you are looking for a career working with amazing people while helping your community thrive, then this opportunity is for you and we want to hear from you. We urge individuals that have retired, semi-retired, are returning to the workforce, those that are new to Canada, and recent graduates to also apply. At Good Shepherd, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, equal and authentic workplace.

Get to Know Us

The work of Good Shepherd is based on a fundamental belief in providing hope and restoring dignity to the most vulnerable members of our community. Our services include emergency food and clothing; daily hot meals; emergency shelters for men, youth, families, women and children; transitional housing and education for homeless and street-involved youth; hospice palliative care; community mental health programs; and supportive housing programs. This opportunity is with our Good Shepherd - Reaching Home Program.

Culture and Values

We see the good in people, not only the challenge. We hear the warmth in their voices. We recognize that we all have potential and promise. Our programs help to tear down the barriers that have impeded our community's most vulnerable citizens and help them to establish a path to a stable and healthy life.

Hospitality, as inspired by St. John of God is at the heart of Good Shepherd's mission. This means that we welcome all people with compassion, acceptance and a spirit of generosity; creating opportunities for transformation. Hospitality embodies our Values, Responsibility, Availability, Adaptability, Quality and Dignity.

Why work with us?

• Be a part of a caring TEAM THAT SUPPORTS OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
• Support for continuing EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Staff recognition programs along with access to self-care supports and EMPLOYEE / FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
• POSITIVE and ENCOURAGING atmosphere
• Make a difference and provide HOPE

Role Description

Work takes place in the community and in the office. The Housing Legal Advocate will visit apartment buildings, meet with landlords in their offices, attend appointments at the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic, and will attend Landlord Tenant Board Hearings. Must be willing and able to assist in a hands-on capacity with a family's housing plan. Must be comfortable with advocacy and building partnerships with community landlords.

• Work collaboratively with case managers to identify individuals and families at risk of eviction or housing loss
• Provide direct accompaniment, guidance, advocacy, and emotional support to service users attending Landlord Tenant Board Hearings
• Help service users prepare for hearings, access legal services, and create a plan to avoid eviction
• Build and maintain partnerships with local private and non-profit housing providers
• Liaise and collaborate with the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic to ensure service users have access to legal advice & services and follow through on lawyer's requests
• Debrief and discuss court outcomes, lawyer appointments, consultations with duty counsel and next steps
• Resolve issues with landlords and tenants as they arise in the tenancy with advocacy, education, mediation including rights and responsibilities
• Attend community events related to housing and stay up to date with community housing resources
• Facilitate educational groups for program staff and service users
• Remain current on issues related but not limited to the Residential Tenancies Act, Landlord and Tenant Board, Ontario Human Rights Code, Family Law Act, Federal Divorce Act, Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and other aspects of the legal system as it relates to housing barriers and challenges
• Attend weekly case conferences to share housing information and resources with case managers

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-year related experience or equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• A Bachelor's Degree in a related field or diploma in paralegal practice is required
• A solid understanding and utilization of person-directed, anti-oppression/anti-racism, and feminist frameworks with a thorough understanding of a range of issues impacting families and women including homelessness, woman abuse, child witnessing, poverty, mental health and substance use/abuse
• Candidate will understand the housing tribunal court system and particularly to have working familiarity with housing related legislation/proceedings such as the Residential Tenancies Act, Landlord and Tenant Board, and the Ontario Human Rights Code
• Fluency in a 2nd language is an asset
• CPR certification or willingness to be certified is required
• Valid G license required
• Committed to anti-racist/anti-oppressive practice and to the mission and values of Good Shepherd

Hours of work: Shifts are Day shifts (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and one evening shift (11 a.m. - 7 p.m.) per week. Shifts are scheduled Monday to Friday. Some flexibility in work hours may be required.

Good Shepherd, a ministry of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, is an equal opportunity employer operating within an anti-racist and anti-oppression framework. We strive to establish workplaces that reflect and are enhanced by the rich diversity of the community we serve.

Good Shepherd welcomes and encourages applications from all people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you need accommodations, please contact Human Resources at 905-528-5877.

At Good Shepherd, we recognize the inherent value of people living with addiction and their right to quality care and services. Good Shepherd is committed to integrating Harm Reduction practices into our programs and to prioritizing the rights, dignity, and choices of those who use substances. By integrating a Harm Reduction framework at Good Shepherd, we can decrease barriers to service and better support some of our community's most marginalized members.

Good Shepherd has a mandatory verification of COVID-19 vaccination policy. More information on the full policy requirements and accommodation allowances will be provided to those selected for an interview.