Housing Support Worker
Essex, ON, Canada
Full Time
Legislative and Legal Services
Experienced
Housing Support Worker
Department: Community ServicesPosition Type: Full-time (35 hrs./week)
Location: Essex, Ontario (Hybrid)
Posting #: COE-24-25
Opening Date: September 11, 2025
Internal Closing Date: September 19, 2025
Closing Date: September 28, 2025
Role Snapshot (Our Elevator Pitch!)
Do you have a passion for helping vulnerable individuals access housing and supports?, The County of Essex is seeking a Housing Support Worker to deliver vital services throughout our region. In this role, you’ll assist clients with applications, coordinate subsidies, advocate for residents, and ensure facilities meet County standards. If you’re compassionate, resourceful, and eager to make a difference in the lives of others, this opportunity is for you.Why Work With Us?
The County, as we like to call ourselves, is an upper-tier municipal government organization, providing programs and services to approximately 193,000 residents within the Essex County region and some shared services to approximately 422,000 within the Windsor-Essex region.We operate in Canada’s warmest and southernmost County, surrounded on three sides by water and blessed with unrivalled opportunities for boating, fishing, cycling, golfing and other recreational pursuits. One of Ontario’s best-kept secrets, the County offers an affordable mix of urban and rural living with easy access to world-class amenities and schools. We are located next to the urban center of Windsor and just minutes from downtown Detroit. With comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a culture built on respect and inclusivity, we are proud to support our people in achieving their goals.
What You’ll Do
In this role, you will be responsible for:
- Client Eligibility and Case Management
- Assemble, verify, and record financial and other client information to determine eligibility and appropriateness of placement within Residential Services Homes facilities.
- Refer exceptional circumstances to the Manager for review and temporary support approval.
- Conduct annual (or as-needed) reviews of client eligibility and placement appropriateness.
- Assist clients in applying for ODSP, Ontario Works, OAS, CPP-Disability, WSIB, Trillium, and other entitlement programs.
- Maintain and update confidential client files, review schedules, and database systems.
- Client Engagement and Support
- Initiate outreach and build positive rapport with clients and service providers.
- Conduct satisfaction surveys, address relocation requests, and ensure placement needs are met.
- Coordinate discretionary supports (e.g., dental, vision, mobility aids, transportation) with Social Services and the Manager.
- Liaise with service providers, community agencies, and professionals to address client needs, making referrals as required.
- Advocate for clients and represent their interests with the Public Guardian and Trustee or other trusteeship services.
- Program Monitoring and Administration
- Review monthly invoices from service providers for accuracy and compliance with program standards; prepare payment vouchers for Manager approval.
- Investigate and resolve complaints from clients, families, or providers; document and follow up on serious occurrences.
- Conduct unannounced visits and annual compliance reviews; develop and implement remediation plans and track follow-up.
- Collect, review, and analyze statistical data for County budgets, Ministry reporting, and program tools (e.g., HIFIS, SPDAT).
- Provide clerical and administrative support, including file maintenance, correspondence, and responding to inquiries.
- Community Representation and Partnerships
- Represent the County of Essex at Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative committees, inter-agency meetings, and community forums.
- Supervisory and Other Duties
- Provide functional supervision to summer students supporting clerical program needs.
- Perform other departmental duties as assigned.
What You Bring
Education and Commitment to Growth:
- Four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field; a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is strongly preferred.
Experience and Expertise:
- 3–5 years of recent, relevant experience working with vulnerable populations, including seniors, unsheltered individuals and those living with mental health and addictions challenges.
- Experience collaborating with various social and health services in Windsor-Essex.
- Knowledge of housing and homelessness systems in Windsor-Essex is an asset.
- Knowledge of income support programs such as Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Ontario Works (OW), Old Age Security (OAS) and Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) is an asset.
- Experience in case management with vulnerable population.
- French language proficiency considered an asset.
Skills and Abilities:
- Exceptional communication, problem-solving, organizational, and customer service skills.
- Proficient with MS Office and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Strong advocacy skills and ability to collaborate with professionals, families, and community agencies.
- Address compliance issues while maintaining a supportive and professional approach.
Other Requirements:
- Valid Class “G” Ontario driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle (regular county-wide travel required).
- Ability to provide a Ministry of Transportation Driver Abstract and Police Information Check.
- Must provide a Vulnerable Sector Check, and sign a confidentiality agreement.
- Ability to perform light physical activity (stairs, light lifting, walking, desk work).
What We Are Offering
As a CUPE 2974.1 position, this role is on Band 13 with a step progression which includes: Low - $38.00, Mid-Low - $39.60, Mid - $41.21, Mid-High - $42.85 and High - $44.45 is just the beginning. The benefit package is second to none and the defined benefit plan of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (O.M.E.R.S) is a pension system sought by many.
The Application Journey
Your journey starts here. Submit your application online at the Career Opportunities section of our website at www.countyofessex.ca by September 28, 2025. If selected, you will be contacted by our HR team to participate in our hiring process.
We believe in a thoughtful and transparent hiring process designed to identify the best candidate for the role while allowing you to learn about us. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Application Submission
Submit your application, including a tailored resume and cover letter, through our online portal by September 28, 2025. Be sure to highlight your experience in communications and employee engagement and your passion for enhancing workplace culture.
2. Initial Screening
Our hiring team will review applications to shortlist candidates whose skills, qualifications, and experience closely match the role’s requirements.
3. Phone Interview
Shortlisted candidates will participate in a 15-minute phone interview to discuss their background, interest in the role, and alignment with our organizational culture.
4. Comprehensive Interview Panel
Selected candidates will be invited to a panel interview. This stage will focus on your experience with:
We believe in a thoughtful and transparent hiring process designed to identify the best candidate for the role while allowing you to learn about us. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Application Submission
Submit your application, including a tailored resume and cover letter, through our online portal by September 28, 2025. Be sure to highlight your experience in communications and employee engagement and your passion for enhancing workplace culture.
2. Initial Screening
Our hiring team will review applications to shortlist candidates whose skills, qualifications, and experience closely match the role’s requirements.
3. Phone Interview
Shortlisted candidates will participate in a 15-minute phone interview to discuss their background, interest in the role, and alignment with our organizational culture.
4. Comprehensive Interview Panel
Selected candidates will be invited to a panel interview. This stage will focus on your experience with:
- Client eligibility and case management
- Community partnerships and client advocacy
- Program monitoring and problem resolution
5. Assessment
You may be asked to present a brief communication or engagement plan to showcase your creativity and organizational understanding.
6. Offer and Onboarding
If selected, you’ll receive a formal offer outlining the terms of employment. Upon acceptance, our onboarding team will work with you to ensure a smooth transition, including introductions to your team, access to tools and systems, and a comprehensive overview of your first 90 days.
The County of Essex embraces diversity and inclusion in our workforce and workplace. We are committed to building inclusive teams and an equitable environment for people to be themselves. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate needs under human rights legislation throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please let us know of any accommodations through [email protected]. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. This information can be made available in alternate formats upon request.
Personal information is collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for employment opportunities only.
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