Coordinator Housing First - Red Deer

Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people! At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.

When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.

About the Role:

The Housing First Coordinator provides direct service delivery to individuals, couples and families who are chronically or episodically homeless with multiple barriers and high needs. The Coordinator completes intake evaluations and documentations, secures housing, and ensures participants are moved in and set up in safe, affordable, suitable, and sustainable housing. The role is responsible for the effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of participant support services within the Housing First Philosophy. As required, the coordinator will support the work of external service providers and community partners who are directly involved in their participants lives.

This position is full-time with 37.5 hours per week and includes benefits.

Responsibilities:

• Take initiative to engage participants to ensure they are receiving housing support services to support housing stability.
• Perform intake and follow up assessments and support of program participants within guidelines and adhere to the contracted performance outcomes.
• Accompany participants in finding housing units, attend viewings, assist with applications and signing of lease forms and any other documentation as required.
• Ensure participants have tenant insurance and utility hook up (where applicable).
• Complete cheque requisitions for damage deposit and monthly rent.
• Complete participant monthly rental supplement requisitions.
• Collect statistical information and outcome data (ie demographic info, follow up and SPDAT assessments).
• Recommend quality improvement ideas and implement approved changes to services.
• Research, develop and/or acquire relevant service materials, manuals and tools to meet group and individual learning need.
• Negotiate and follow up with 3rd Party rental contributions (from Alberta Works & AISH).
• Participate in participant and service record audits as required.

Qualifications:

• Post secondary degree/diploma in Social Work, Human Services, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, addictions, or other barriers to housing.

• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle. Clear driver’s abstract and proof of liability insurance is needed upon hire. Travel in Red Deer and area.
• Excellent organizational, time management skills, communication, interpersonal, and team skills.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends as needed for community events or meetings.

Working knowledge in a variety of social work areas, including:

• Issues/practices related to social determinants of health, individual and family assessment, group work, group facilitation, program promotion, program planning and outcome evaluation.
• supportive counselling skills.
• related community, housing, education, employment, and human services resources.
• Culturally sensitive and trauma-informed practice, and strength-based approach.
• Computer skills (Windows, Microsoft Teams, Office and Outlook).

Certifications:

• Annual registration in a professional organization as required by law
• Standard First Aid and CPR-C, Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search, and Child Intervention Check
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Suicide Intervention Certification preferred.

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine! Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.