Families in Transition Counsellor (FT contract) - Housing Services

Join Our Team:

Imagine being part of an organization that adds value to our community, cares about its staff, and creates a supportive workplace environment. Starling Community Services (formerly Lutherwood) is a progressive, not-for-profit health and social service organization that strengthens people's lives by providing mental health, employment, and housing services to more than 16,000 people annually in Waterloo Region and Wellington County.

We need great people like you to help us realize our mission and support communities where everyone experiences mental wellness, opportunities for employment, a place to call home, and a sense of belonging.

There is one Full-Time contract Families in Transition Counsellor position available starting on July 15, 2025, and ending on January 15, 2026, working 37.5 hours per week.

Your Role:

Assists families who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless to access permanent housing. Works with Housing Services team and community partners to ensure a coordinated approach to housing services and supports. Works in alignment with the Agency’s commitment to equity to further create a sense of belonging at the Agency.  

Tasks:

Client Service:

1. Assesses and provides support to families to minimize barriers to securing and maintaining housing.


2. Assist families to develop and implement action plans to facilitate permanent housing.


3. Assist families to address challenges with housing and to secure permanent accommodation.


4. Works with families to address related needs as they attempt to access and adjust to permanent housing (ie. Procuring furniture, dishes, cooking utensils, employment, education, transportation, etc).


5. Solicits participation of landlords in program and facilitates successful housing matches.


6. Conducts follow-up to ensure mutual satisfaction of both parties and assists in problem solving.


7. Assists families to access self-help resources available through the Agency's Housing Resource Centers.


8. Advocates and provides support for families in their housing-related activities.


9. Provides crisis intervention and makes appropriate referrals to other programs as required.


10. Coordinates regular case conferences between families, community agencies and significant others to ensure effective service provision.

Shelter Intake and Diversion:

1. Engage and partner with Cambridge Shelter and Mary’s Place - YWCA to ensure a coordinated shelter entry system.


2. Support families seeking shelter to access services to defer or limit shelter stays.


3. Provide an intake/central point of access response service to families seeking shelter services in Waterloo Region.


4. Using a screening/assessment tool to determine individual needs and provide families with resources and supports that best match their needs.


5. Utilize the Rapid Re-housing and Prevention Fund (RRAP) fund for families to support diversion from shelters, rapid re-housing and short-term (e.g., 3-6 months) maintenance of housing.


6. Increase understanding of effective local practices to shelter diversion and rapid-re-housing for families.

Landlord and Community Development:

1. Implements marketing and promotion strategies.


2. Represents Housing Services on local housing committees.


3. Develops and maintains relationships with landlords.


4. Maintain a high level of diplomacy in communicating with community partners.


5. Visits and checks properties for safety and screens potential landlords for private registry.


6. Works collaboratively with community partners to ensure a coordinated approach to services.

Administration:

1. Manages allocation of flex funds using discretion in assessing how funds will be distributed.


2. Establishes and maintains participant case files.


3. Ensures the completion of all documentation to assist with accurate statistical collection.


4. Completes program-reporting requirements and documentation.


5. In conjunction with the Supervisor/Manager, assists and contributes to the development of funding proposals and presentations.


6. Assists in the compilation of information to assist with research and development.


7. Works with community partners to develop a viable sustainability plan for the program.


8. Maintains communication with regional staff related to program delivery issues.

Your Talents and Experience:

A degree or diploma in social services with relevant experience working in a community-based setting.  Experience in supportive counseling and case management.  Knowledge of the local housing market and community services within Waterloo Region.  Excellent oral and written communication skills.  Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office; a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are essential for this position.

What’s in it for you?

• Job Band H (hourly wages): Min - $29.51, Mid - $32.04, Max - $36.33


• A positive work culture, inclusive workplace policies, and employee wellness initiatives


• Eligible to join the HOOPP defined pension plan on a voluntary basis.


• Access to our Employee and Family Assistance Program which provides free and confidential counselling, resources and services.


• 3 Weeks paid vacation (accumulated bi-weekly)


• 15 hours of personal time per year.


• Paid sick time (accumulated monthly) to a maximum of 300 hours.


• 11 paid holiday benefits per year plus a floater day.

• Access to our Employee and Family Assistance Program (no cost)


• Discounted GRT passes through membership with Travel Wise.


• Employee Referral Incentive Program.


• Agency Orientation and Training modules.


• Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
  


• Staff appreciation events.

If you are community-focused and share our values and commitment to equity, we want you to grow with us. Please submit your application through BambooHR, in confidence, no later than 4 pm on July 03, 2025.

This is an internal and external posting.

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If you don't have every single requirement and the exact level of experience listed in our description, but the skills and experience needed for the role still resonate with you, please consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and quality; therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require any support submitting your application or during the interview process by contacting Human Resources at [email protected] or by calling 519-707-1958 ext. 1247.

Our Commitment to Equity:

To better serve the diversity of our community, the agency is dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for both clients and staff, with particular attention to supporting BIPOC communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and other historically marginalized and underrepresented groups. We understand that addressing systemic inequities is crucial to fulfilling our mission and promoting the well-being of the communities we serve.

Our equity strategy is guided by core principles that emphasize celebrating diversity, building strong partnerships, prioritizing client service, and recognizing equity is a shared responsibility.