Job Synopsis
JOB SUMMARY
The Fraser Valley Rent Bank is a project of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) BC’s Homelessness Prevention & Outreach Program (HPOP). Its goal is to create housing stability and reduce poverty. The project provides interest-free loans and grants to low-income families and individuals facing eviction or utility disconnection due to a temporary financial crisis and aids clients moving out of homelessness. (See bcrentbank.ca for more information on the provincial rent bank system.)
Reporting to the Homelessness Prevention & Outreach Program Coordinator, the Rent Bank Case Worker position primarily involves managing, assessing, and presenting client applications to be considered for the BC Rent Bank loan program. The Case Worker is responsible for assisting clients with loan applications, one-to-one budget analysis, providing information about tenancy rights, advocacy with landlords and utility companies, and referrals to community services. This position requires living out your faith and positively advancing the mission of MCC as one engages with clients, community partners, churches, and the broader community.
Mennonite Central Committee, a worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches, shares God’s love and compassion for all in the name of Christ by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice. We are a faith-based charitable organization that partners with churches and community organizations to walk with people who are disadvantaged. MCC supports activities that provide emergency assistance, reduce poverty, and promote healthy communities, sustainable living, and alternatives to violence.
MISSIONAL COMMITMENT, HOURS, LOCATION, & WORKING CONDITIONS
- Missional commitment: this role requires a demonstrated commitment to: a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active participation in a Christian church or Christian community; and nonviolent peacemaking. This role commits the employee to working collaboratively to create and maintain an organizational culture that prevents and responds to situations of abuse of power (sexual harassment, child abuse, racism, exploitation, and fraud among other situations). This role participates in devotional and prayer times at MCC BC and/or at local church and faith gatherings, being prepared to answer inquiries about MCC BC’s mission and values. This role contributes to a positive workplace culture based on Christian beliefs and values, while modelling nonviolent peacemaking in the workplace, in the community and the church through respectful interactions with others. This role requires adherence to MCC BC’s Code of Conduct, policies, practices, and procedures, including Workplace Health and Safety.
- How much you work: this position is full-time with some flexibility, depending on successful candidate’s availability. This is a 1-year term position, annually renewed, dependent on external funding.
- When you work: this position operates primarily within general office hours of 8:30 – 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday, but with some flexibility to accommodate program needs.
- Where you work: this position is hybrid (work from home except scheduled days at the Abbotsford office). Work is mostly online (including meetings) with communications by email or by phone. Travel is expected to be less than 10%. On occasion, training and meetings may require travel to other MCC BC locations within British Columbia.
- Pace of work: this position works in a busy office environment, including receiving and responding to unanticipated requests from clients and colleagues. Moderate mental stress may be experienced regarding deadlines and handling delicate and sometimes difficult, sensitive and/or unpleasant situations and phone calls. This position further requires the ability to constantly respond “positively” to the demands/requests from clients and co-workers. Based on the rent cycle, schedule and tasks become busier during certain times of a month.
- Physical conditions & requirements: this position may require up to 75% computer-monitor time. This position may require minimal physical activity. This position may require lifting up to 10 lbs./4.5 kg.
- Interactions with vulnerable populations: this position requires working in an environment often dealing with clients in crisis situations and unhealthy conditions brought about by diverse problems. Employee may hear information about participants’ lives which may be troubling or upsetting and may cause emotional issues including vicarious trauma.
Job Details
Qualifications
SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Excellent financial literacy, computer, and administrative skills
- Ability to relate positively and sensitively with people in varying socio-economic situations, struggling with addictions and/or mental health issues
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to de-escalate clients who are in crisis
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills, while maintaining healthy boundaries
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, & ACCREDITATIONS
- Social Services Worker Diploma or related education preferred
- Two years of relevant experience (preferably case management) with low income/people with lived homeless experience client group
- Knowledge of relevant community service agencies and resources
JOB REQUIREMENTS & LICENSING
- Valid BC Driver’s License along with a satisfactory Driver’s Abstract
- Satisfactory criminal record clearance (required upon hire)
- Legally able to work in Canada
Key Responsibilities
CASE MANAGEMENT
- Pre-screen clients, walk through the application procedure, collect confidential documents and information in a secure manner, enter data and maintain confidential client files
- Accurately enter data, recording all client contact and loan information into the Client Management System
- Provide information to tenants and landlords including resources, education and legislation that contribute to the common goal of sustaining successful tenancies for the long term
- Complete a thorough financial analysis of client budgets; give budgeting feedback to clients
- Present cases weekly to the Loan Approval Panel; arrange loan repayment agreements with clients and Finance Department staff
- Advocate on behalf of clients; promote problem-solving by facilitating a discussion that focuses on clear communication and achievable solutions between clients and landlords
- Maintain relationships with community service providers to promote the program; refer clients to appropriate resources
- Attend Rent Bank network meetings
TEAM PARTICIPATION
- Demonstrate MCC BC’s commitment to Christian mission, values, behaviours and approaches as defined in the qualifications, in all formal and informal interactions with any stakeholder
- Support colleague employees, providing assistance as needed.
- Demonstrate active participation in team meetings, including morning devotions and prayers with volunteers and staff, leading as required
ALL: Other duties as assigned
Challenges
Start Date
Term Length
Salary Details
Additional Information