Job Description

Social Housing Program Advisor

Application Posting Date: April 23rd, 2021

Application Closing Date:  May 16th, 2021

Friends of Ruby 

Friends of Ruby is dedicated to the journey and well-being of LGBTQI2S youth through a unique combination of integrated and tailored services in mental health, social support, and housing. We are committed to creating welcoming and safer spaces uniquely designed to help build community, emotional well-being, and confidence.

We distinguish ourselves by delivering an integrated transitional housing model to support youth towards independent living, impactful counselling modalities and therapeutical groups, social activities and practical supports that address multiple aspects of a youth’s life (e.g., health, education, employment).

Our services and programs are informed by LGBTQI2S youth, grounded in evidence and research, and led and facilitated by LGBTQI2S individuals. Our staff reflects the diversity of the youth we serve and are skilled in supporting youth towards independence and well-being. Ultimately, we want to help create a Canada where all LGBTQI2S youth are validated, included, and empowered to lead healthier lives.

Position Summary

The Social Housing Program Advisor works under the direction of the Director of Strategic Initiatives and provides insight and advice on social housing alternatives to meet LGBTQI2S youth needs, establishing key relationships, participating in meaningful sectorial discussions, reporting on strategic opportunities, and supporting effective decision making and the development of new programs and services in connection with Friends of Ruby’s strategic goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Gain expert insight into social housing strategies and trends to support LGBTQI2S youth needs from existing approaches, research, best-practices, consultations with stakeholders, participation in relevant tables and networks, and others.
• Write regular and user-friendly summaries, briefings, reports, presentations to support strategic decision making by the leadership team and the Board.
• Analyze opportunities and identify gaps in existing housing processes, programs and services for Friends of Ruby and propose improvement or new solutions and/or advise on strengths and opportunities for replication and knowledge sharing.
• Develop integrated housing programs and services in collaboration with Youth Services & Housing, writing comprehensive charters that incorporate gained insights and evidence, high quality and innovative solutions to address opportunities and gaps, and a clear understanding of resources needed.
• Support fund and resource acquisition by collaborating with Fund Development in the writing of proposals to support new and existing housing programs and services.
• Maintain a close relationship with the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario to gather early insights into trends and changes in housing standards, requirements, systems, policies and other sectorial activities.
• Identify, engage with and lead discussions key stakeholders in the Social Housing Sector and maintain constant and collaborative relationships to facilitate the development of partnerships for programs and services.
• Structure, implement and manage consultations and other forms of stakeholder engagement to inform the development of programs and services.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Strategic Initiatives.

We’re Passionate About Finding Someone Who…

• Has 5-7 years of demonstrated knowledge and experience in the social housing, including ties in the sector and a strong understanding of existing standards (e.g., Toronto Shelter Standards) and trends (e.g., Housing First Approach) and its applicability to LGBTQI2S youth.
• Is an expert in the development and implementation of critical programs and services needed to support youth experiencing homelessness.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including proven ability to steer relationships to help achieve organizational goals, and ability to synthesize and interpret complex data for the purposes of producing reports and other materials.
• Is a high performer that thrives in a fast pace environment and growing organization, takes initiative to make change happen, and can quickly adapt when needed.
• Is excited by the prospect of and skilled at collaborating and harnessing the knowledge from different internal & external stakeholders (e.g., staff, community organizations and youth).
• Understanding relevant approaches: trauma-informed, harm -reduction, anti-racism, anti-oppression and others to housing services is an asset.
• Educational background in Non-Profit Management, Public Health/Administration, Social Sciences, Research, Community Development is an asset.
• Professional and/or personal experience within the LGBTQI2S youth well-being sector is desirable.

Additional requirements

• Satisfactory clearance under the Vulnerable Sector Police Check Program.
• Must be qualified to legally work in Canada.
• Ability to both work from home and at our offices located in Downtown Toronto.
• Ability to travel to other community-based settings as needed.

Hiring Policy / Statement on Employment Equity and Diversity 

Friends of Ruby recognizes that a diverse work force is critical to accomplishing our mission. Our goal is to attract, develop, and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives.

We are committed to ensuring that members of traditionally marginalized groups, from a broad range of communities, feel empowered to apply for positions within the organization. We strongly encourage applications from the LGBTQI2S and BIPOC communities, and diverse backgrounds that meet the requirements of the job posting. We suggest applicants introduce themselves, their stories and lived experiences in their cover letter to their level of comfort.

How to Apply

Job Categories: LGBT. Job Types: Full-Time. Job Tags: Housing, LGBTQI2S, and social services. Salaries: Not Disclosed.

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