First Case Worker

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The Housing First Case Worker provides and coordinates all services in the Housing First Program. The Housing First Case Worker will have a primary caseload of ten to fifteen clients who have a history of homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, and/or face multiple barriers. The Housing First Case Worker develops positive relationships with landlords and provides connections to community-based services that are designed to promote the stability, recovery and community reintegration of individuals.

Housing First Case Worker

Department: Housing

Reports to: Housing Manager

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

Final date to receive applications: January 16, 2026

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 http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

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• Using client-centered, 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 client
• Promote a high-functioning teamwork environment that is inclusive, harmonious, cooperative, efficient and productive.
• Participate in promoting a positive workplace culture through agency committee membership and departmental activities.
• Ensure the Housing First philosophy is strictly adhered to and applied with all clients
• Using the Vulnerability Index Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT), assess clients’ concerns and needs in order to provide support, information, referrals, skill enhancement, and advocacy for service users
• Using the VI-SPDAT create individualized service plans with specific goals that can be measured
• Using Non-Violent Crisis intervention safely respond to and de-escalate crisis situations
• Provide life skills supports for housing stability such as budgeting, rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords, mental health support, employment etc
• Develop and facilitate workshops based on client needs
• Demonstrate an understanding of oppression and marginalization of the homeless population
• Advocate for individuals at imminent risk of homelessness and work with community partners to promote and encourage a wrap-around approach for more effective support
• Provide supports for social integration, by organizing and leading social or recreational activities for clients
• Provide individuals with community resources and services to assist in sustaining stable housing
• Assist clients with securing housing (first and last month rent, insurance, utility set up and supplies upon move-in etc.)
• Provide individualized support to clients in order to increase self-sufficiency, esteem, awareness, and self-confidence
• Safely meet with clients regularly at agency-approved locations that are throughout the community. Advocate for clients with housing providers, community supports and other community members
• Help to build the Housing team providing support and contributing to a positive work environment
• Attend regular community meetings or events (Ex. DARHN)
• Maintain all client files using the Homelessness Individual and Families Information System (HIFIS) database and Excel spreadsheets
• Develop evaluation tools to assess client progress and effectiveness of the service plan
• Case conference with other service providers as required
• Develop and maintain statistical reports on a monthly, quarterly and yearly basis
• Adhere to all Agency policies, procedures and directives as well as all other applicable legislation (e.g., Personal Health Information Protection Act – PHIPA)

• Completion of a college diploma or undergraduate degree in Social Work or other relevant discipline
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience providing enhanced case management and Housing First in a community-based housing or related agency
• Demonstrated understanding of the Durham Region housing sector and the issues being faced by the populations served
• Extensive knowledge of community-based resources and government agencies for low‑income people, including income through Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, Old Age Security, etc.
• Practical knowledge of the housing sector best practices, Housing First model, Residential Tenancies Act, Housing Services Act, and all other relevant legislation
• Knowledge of gender-based violence, anti-oppression principles and trauma-informed approaches
• Strong mediation and…