Position Summary
The Housing Officer will play a vital role in helping refugees and newcomers navigate Quebec’s housing landscape. The role includes delivering workshops, providing one-on-one support, mediating landlord-tenant disputes, coordinating emergency shelter options, and working closely with legal staff, outreach teams, and external partners to ensure safe and stable housing for clients.
Key Responsibilities
Housing Search Support & Tenant Rights Education
Assist clients in understanding lease agreements, tenant rights, and available housing options.
Provide one-on-one support to help newcomers navigate the rental market and avoid exploitative practices.
Organize workshops on tenant rights, housing responsibilities, and eviction prevention.
Case Management & Housing Legal Support
Conduct consultations on urgent housing issues (e.g., eviction threats, rent increases, landlord disputes).
Coordinate with housing lawyers to support clients facing tenancy-related legal challenges.
Provide landlord mediation and accompaniment to ensure fair resolutions in housing disputes.
Organize emergency shelter support for clients facing housing instability or homelessness.
Resource Development & Team Collaboration
Maintain and update a housing resource bank, including housing listings, emergency contacts, and landlord networks.
Collaborate with the Housing Director and outreach staff to keep resources and strategies current.
Participate in team meetings to share updates, discuss cases, and coordinate advocacy efforts.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education
Bachelor’s degree or certification in Social Work, Housing & Urban Studies, Public Policy, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Experience
Minimum 2 years of experience in housing advocacy, tenant support, or social services.
Experience working with refugees, asylum seekers, or vulnerable populations is a strong asset.
Skills
Strong knowledge of tenant rights and housing policies in Quebec.
Ability to mediate landlord-tenant disputes effectively.
Excellent organizational and coordination abilities.
Strong public speaking and facilitation skills for both workshops and individual consultations.
Languages
Fluency in English and French (spoken and written) is required.
Additional languages such as Arabic or Spanish are an asset.
Proficiency in English or another language is required in order to communicate with a predominantly English-speaking or allophone clientele.
Other Requirements
Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
The Refugee Centre is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience as refugees or newcomers, as well as from members of underrepresented communities.
Hours:
Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday: Closed
