Manager, Housing Services (Homeless Prevention)

Job Status: Permanent Full-Time

Union: Non-Union

Number of Positions: 1

Hours of Work: 35

Location: Health & Human Services Building

Closing Date: February 19, 2026, 11:59pm EST. Applications received after this deadline will not be accepted.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has an opening for a permanent full-time Manager, Housing Services (Homeless Prevention) in the Housing division.

 Job description

The Manager, Housing Services is responsible for the oversight of Housing Services program delivery in Chatham-Kent. This includes homelessness programming for Chatham-Kent residents in need.

Essential responsibilities

• Demonstrate Chatham-Kent’s core values and competencies


• Lead a team in a fast-paced and frequently changing environment


• Implement standards and policies for delivery of Housing Services and monitor service delivery to ensure efficient service is provided, in accordance with Provincial Audit standards


• Oversee and report on an annual operating budget


• Effectively work with municipal and community partners that serve and assist people experiencing poverty and homelessness


• Work with an evaluation team to ensure appropriate program evaluation systems are in place and provide updates to Council and the community


• Identify potential new program/service areas based on community input and needs including those with lived experience of poverty and homelessness


• Liaise with various government ministries and social agencies in developing policies to ensure optimum integration and coordination of local social services


• Build and maintain strong relationships with partner agencies and key stakeholders in Chatham-Kent and the Province


• Represent Municipality of Chatham-Kent Housing Services as expert witness in criminal court proceedings


• Work with the senior management team to identify potential new sources of funding and develop a forecast of grants


• Oversee project management including implementation of provincially driven changes to Homeless Prevention programming


• Develop/revise business practices relating to provincial technology changes; provincial audit processes; staff recruitment and training


• Manage municipal and provincial budgets, develop service plans, monitor program spending while monitoring targets and outcomes


• Ensure appropriate change management techniques and other tools for staff success are in place for effective program delivery


• Manage the Transitional Cabin Project (Pathways on Park)


• Manage several service contracts. Responsible for monitoring and addressing performance as outlined in contracts.


• Act as a resource to supervisors on complex human resource related questions and concerns


• Responsible for developing and delivering reports to Council on current programing, outcomes and strategic planning.

Essential qualifications

• University degree in Social Work or Social Sciences, with four (4) to six (6) years of related experience; preference given to a Master of Social Service or Social Sciences and/or professional designation (M.S.W., B.S.W., etc.)


• Experience in social service delivery, preferably Social Services and/or Homeless Prevention services


• Supervisory/management experience, preferably in a social services environment


• Leadership experience in the delivery of social programs


• Experience in designing and implementing service models, client satisfaction initiative and service quality strategies


• Experience with community development; able to integrate service into community development


• Experience in leading teams through change


• Understanding of poverty, equity, homelessness, trauma-informed and client centred approaches as well as local labour market needs and issues


• Strong understanding of best practices in coordinated access; supportive housing; housing trends and barriers; emergency housing and homeless prevention.


• Experience overseeing and reporting on an operating budget


• Working knowledge of the Ontario Works legislation; Ontario Works Act regulations and directives; Homeless Prevention Program; Child Care and Early Years Act; RTA or HSA Legislation


• Experience in project management and or change management training an asset


• Working knowledge of Questica and JD Edwards (or similar financial programs)


• Strong computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) (or similar software programs)

Work environment/hours of work

• This position works weekday hours, with occasional evening and weekend hours.


• The position is required to complete 24/7 on call shifts on a rotation with other Housing Services management team members.


• In the event of emergency this position may be required to work hours outside of what is regularly scheduled.

Working Remotely

This position has been approved for remote working, at the discretion of the supervisor based on the Working Remotely Policy.

This position may be required to attend on-site meetings in order to complete essential responsibilities of the role.  As per the Working Remotely Policy, employees scheduled to work remotely on a certain day may occasionally be called to a municipal onsite work location on short notice.  Employees must remain flexible to accommodate municipal requirements and be prepared to be called in on short notice.

Driver’s licence/vehicle requirements

Because this position would be required to travel, a valid Province of Ontario driver's license with a reliable motor vehicle is necessary.

Background check requirements

Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check prior to commencement of employment. A background check may include the following: education/certification verification and employment reference check. Because of the environment this position will be working in, the successful candidate will be required to furnish an original Police Information Search (criminal reference check) (working with vulnerable persons) prior to commencement of employment; you must be 18 years of age or older to obtain a vulnerable police check.

Essential physical and/or safety requirements

• Sitting: frequent sitting in a chair (desk, meetings, driving/travelling)


• Reaching: occasional reaching above shoulder, below shoulder, forward, backward, handling (files at desk)


• Hands: frequent fine finger dexterity (movement), mousing (writing reports, using computer and mouse for emails, reports, daily correspondence; OW SDMT data entry and notes)

Benefits

This permanent full-time position has an annual salary of $131,609 to $155,183 and will receive benefits including: participation in the OMERS pension plan (mandatory) as well as sick and vacation entitlements. Following successful completion of a 3-month waiting period, candidates will also be entitled to a comprehensive group benefits package.

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The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain talented employees in a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and reflective of the diverse community we serve.

Should you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources & Organizational Development (HROD) at 519-360-1998. Applicant information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation and will be used strictly for the purpose of candidate selection.