Job title: Housing Intake Worker (Contract)

Department: Housing

Reports to: Housing Manager and Team Lead, LEAP and Admin Services

Hours of work: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Deadline to apply: August 15, 2025

Job purpose

The Housing Intake Worker is a first point of contact for clients who are seeking housing services. The Housing Intake Worker is responsible for assessing and triaging client needs, providing support and guidance, as well as information and referral services. The Housing Intake Worker will work alongside the Case Managers and Opening Doors Durham Program to ensure clients and landlords are supported in a timely manner.

The successful incumbent will also be responsible for adding and updating client and housing information into the HIFIS database and will educate partners and clients about CDCD’s services.

This role is contracted until March 31, 2026, with possibility of extension.

Company Overview

Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) is an independent, not-for-profit social planning organization that has been working to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families and communities in Durham for over 55 years. We organize a variety of research, community development and social planning initiatives as well as administer and deliver front line social service programs. Please visit us at www.cdcd.org for more information.

Duties and responsibilities

• Using a client-centred, anti-oppression, anti-racism, trauma-informed, gender-based analysis plus+ and strength-based approaches, build relationships and establish rapport with existing community partners, vendors, landlords, clients and staff.
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy protection measures for all community partners, landlords, vendors, staff and clients.
• Promote a high-functioning teamwork environment that is inclusive, harmonious, cooperative, efficient and productive.
• Participates in promoting a positive workplace culture through agency committee membership and departmental activities.
• Follow general directions and instructions from Team Leads within the Housing department.
• Provide intake services to clients via: e-mail, video-conferencing the phone and in-person
• Provide intake services to ensure responsive and timely access to CDCD Housing supports and/or other appropriate community services
• Assess the nature and urgency of clients’ request for service where appropriate and set up appointments with Case Managers
• Assist clients with completion of forms and gathering required documents
• Complete and submit applications for the Ontario Electricity Support Program with clients
• Work with clients to complete and submit appropriate forms for ID replacement
• Implement appropriate crisis intervention strategies where appropriate
• Assist clients through the referral process to internal and external services such as housing, landlord tenant board, legal aid, education, etc.
• Provide information to clients on income assistance, housing opportunities, Tenant Rights and Responsibilities, etc.
• Coordinate transportation of items to storage unit and assist with retrieving items from the unit for client needs.
• Manage referrals for the Opening Doors Durham Program.
• Create files for Landlords and update photos of units.
• Provide ongoing support for adding landlords to the Durham Landlord Database.
• Maintain all client files using the Homelessness individual and families information system (HIFIS) database and excel spreadsheets.
• Manage Opening Doors Spreadsheet and distribute landlord and client calls accordingly.
• Lead and support marketing activities for the Housing department, including creating flyers for monthly services and events.
• Facilitates promotion of approved materials by collaborating with marketing and social media teams to increase Housing department’s visibility and engagement.
• Reviews Housing pages on CDCD’s website regularly to identify errors, outdated content, or suggested edits, and communicates these to the appropriate team for action.
• Support Team Lead in coordinating tax clinic operations, including contacting volunteers, scheduling client appointments, and ensuring rooms, supplies, and materials are prepared for each clinic session.
• Assist Team Lead in planning, organizing and delivering youth programs and activities, including setup and cleanup of space.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, program documentation, and reports for youth sessions.
• Provide general support to ensure smooth execution of both tax clinic and youth program initiatives.
• Develop and maintain statistical reports on a monthly, quarterly and yearly basis.
• Attend and participate in weekly team huddles, weekly case conferencing and occasional trainings.
• Demonstrate a solid understanding of trauma-informed approach, and anti-oppression frameworks and principles.
• Provide individuals with community resources and services to assist in sustaining stable housing.
• With approval, attend community meetings or events.
• Adhere to all Agency policies, procedures and directives as well as all other applicable legislation Ex: Personal Health Information Protection Act PHIPA.

The job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Social Services or related area of study
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience providing in a community-based housing or related agency
• Demonstrated understanding of the Durham Region Housing sector and issues faced by the populations we serve
• Knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)
• Strong mediation and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in MS Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc.) and Canva.
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills
• Non-violent crisis intervention (CPI), suicide intervention (ASIST), standard first aid preferred
• Able to work both independently and within a team context
• Capable of effectively managing stressful client situations

Additional Requirements

• The Housing Intake Worker will work out of an office environment and will be required to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Prolonged sitting is required.
• The Housing Intake Worker will need to be flexible in the case of attending evening and/or weekend meetings and events as required.
• A valid Ontario driver’s license (Class G), use of a vehicle and insurance with the ability to work in a variety of settings.
• The successful candidate must provide an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Screening prior to commencing employment. The physical ability to function effectively in an environment that includes both normal office and duties being carried out in an external setting.

APPLICATION PROCESS**:** Applicants are requested to submit their resume and a cover letter stating salary expectation, while outlining their strengths, experience and aptitude to fulfill the position requirements.

Please submit applications to Housing Intake Worker (Contract) at: https://communitydevelopmentcouncildurha.easyapply.co

CDCD thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those asked for additional information and/or selected for an interview will be contacted.

CDCD is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace that represents the cultural mosaic of the Durham Region and the communities we serve. We recognize the value that comes from the different viewpoints, unique experiences and diverse perspectives of our employees, who bring fresh, new ideas to our business. Diversity plays a key role in our ability to deliver our mission.

CDCD is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion within its community and encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQ2S persons, and others who may contribute to fostering innovative ideas and solutions.

As an employer, CDCD has a duty to accommodate potential candidates throughout the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.