Housing & Homelessness Coordinator at Halifax… · Halifax

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the temporary, full-time position of Housing & Homelessness Coordinator in the Housing & Homelessness division of Community Safety.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Reporting to the Director, Housing & Homelessness, the Housing & Homelessness Coordinator will provide support to the emergency response to homelessness for the municipality. This includes building and fostering relationships with the community through street outreach, as well as engaging HRM business units and other organizations to address issues of homelessness.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide expert advice to HRM staff regarding issues and appropriate response to issues of homelessness and housing.

Street Outreach (Service Delivery):

• Proactively engage and build trust with people with a street presence, who may or may not be homeless, throughout HRM with priority on encampments on HRM lands.
• Work closely with community partners and other service providers/case managers to ensure continuity of care as required (e.g., medical treatment, mental health and substance abuse treatment, shelter, housing and employment).
• Actively work with organizations to advance efforts around addressing issues of homelessness, while supporting individuals in finding suitable and appropriate housing.
• Provide regular access, encouragement and advocacy with individuals as they progress through the process of leaving homelessness.
• Provide a daily visible street presence /check-ins and immediate needs support for those living on HRM property.
• Provide short-term problem-solving opportunities, identifying and assessing supports and completing appropriate referrals.
• Advocate on behalf of clients for support, services and benefits with internal and external resources, and engage in active problem solving around each client’s difficulties.
• Maintain current knowledge of legislation, community services, resources, policies, programs, procedures and issues affecting client population.
• Liaise with staff from other programs and community agencies (e.g., hospitals, social workers, doctors, immigration, shelters, drop-ins, health clinics, legal programs, other City Programs, etc.) to provide program information or in advocating for transfers/placements of clients.
• Respond to questions from the general public, businesses, etc. when encountered on the street.
• Accompany clients to service, employment and/or housing appointments.
• Work in partnership with both the private and non-profit sector of the housing market to ensure appropriate placement of clients.

Administration:

• Complete paperwork on each individual while adhering to privacy act requirements.
• Supervise students and/or volunteers.
• Assist with the development of public relations and communications strategies to support program goals and increase community awareness.
• Compile and maintain records and related statistics, with bi-weekly updates provided to HRM supervisor.
• Submit monthly activity and other reports to partners and funders, as needed.
• Give annual presentation to HRM including Council reports.
• Represent HRM in a positive and professional manner.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:

• Minimum of Bachelor of Social Work with crisis management experience (Master of Social work considered an asset).
• Demonstrated experience in street outreach with highly vulnerable populations, particularly those with health, mental health, and substance abuse issues. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Nova Scotia Class 5 Driver’s License with a responsible driving record and access to a reliable personal vehicle (position requires driving long distances to remote areas).

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and familiarity with workplace safety policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with advanced and evidenced based intervention: Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Critical Time Intervention, and Housing First principles.
• Engagement and rapport building skills with hard-to-reach clients.
• Knowledgeable about non-violent crisis intervention techniques.
• Ability to work independently and as part the team.
• Ability to exercise mature and professional judgment.
• Strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• A highly motivated self-starter with the ability to coordinate multiple projects and tasks.
• Knowledge of and adherence to HRM confidentiality requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software.
• Flexible, adaptable and capable of working in a fast paced, professional environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.

COMPETENCIES: Valuing Diversity, Communication, Conflict Management, Decision Making, Networking/Relationship Building, Organization & Planning, Values & Ethics.

WORK STATUS: Temporary one year, full-time

HOURS OF WORK: Schedule is based on a 35-hour work week. Requirement to regularly work evenings and weekends (including occasional overnight stays) based on the operational needs of the Street Outreach program.

SALARY: NU07 on the non-union salary scale; $76,490-$105,170. Salary to be commensurate with education and experience.

WORK LOCATION: 6th Floor 40 Alderney Drive; frequent travel throughout the municipality (including to remote areas) required.

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59pm on Tuesday September 1, 2026.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) and who require accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process, please click on the link; Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax

(Position 78639712)