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 The agency) 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 permanent Service Navigator position available starting on June 16, 2025, working 37.5 hours per week.

Your Role:
As part of the PATHS2Home Housing First Team, ensures seamless, flexible service for individuals and couples throughout the Prioritized Access to Housing and Supports (PATHS) process, while utilizing a progressive engagement, person-centered, trauma-informed approach, for those experiencing homelessness with a greater depth of need. Works in alignment with the agencys commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression values.

Tasks:

Client Service:

1. Accepts PATHS referrals from the agency programs, community partners and participants.
2. Determines eligibility for PATHS service while following PATHS eligibility criteria.
3. Utilizes local assessment tool to determine level of complexity and acuity to meet eligibility.
4. Works from a trauma informed approach using progressive engagement, crisis intervention, harm reduction and motivational interviewing skills to engage and provide services.
5. Offers and provides services of PATHS2Home program to high acuity individuals with complex mental health, addiction, and physical health issues.
6. Works alongside participants on the PATHS list to navigate homeless system supports.
7. Works with participants to complete applications for income, ID, housing, and prepares documents to be able to accept offers of housing.
8. Meets people in community settings, shelters, day programs and interim housing programs to deliver services.
9. Develop and implement individualized housing plans for obtaining permanent housing.
10. Works alongside other P2H team members to support the matching of participants to housing in both fixed site and scattered site units.
11. Works in community settings to provide services to support individuals to access housing and support as needed.
12. Coordinates regular case conferences between participants, community agencies and significant others to ensure effective service provision.
13. Engages in creative problem-solving to address service gaps.

Landlord and Community Development:

14. Ability to develop and strengthen relationships with landlords and community partners.
15. Maintain a high level of diplomacy in communicating with landlords and community partners.
16. Works collaboratively with community partners to ensure a coordinated approach to services.
17. Works as a part of the PATHS2Home team to generate housing units for scattered site supportive housing model and to assist with matching for units.
18. Works with the Region of Waterloo and the Fixed Site Supportive Housing Providers to help facilitate the Matching Table to fill vacancies from PATHS list.

Community Development:

19. Provides information regarding the agency Housing Services to the community.
20. Represents the Housing Services on local housing committees.
21. Works collaboratively with community partners to establish referral and application process.
22. Collaborates with community partners to establish support for eligibility and offer readiness.
23. Maintains communication with regional staff related to program delivery issues.
24. Works with community partners to develop a viable sustainability plan for the program.

Administration:

25. Responsible for allocating flex funds and using discretion in spending.
26. Develop a common data collection system and tracks progress.
27. Collects and maintains accurate statistical information and completes monthly, quarterly and yearly funder reports and other internal and external reports as required.
28. In conjunction with the Manager or Director, assists to identify gaps in housing services and contributes to the development of funding proposals and community and/or funder presentations.
29. Assists in the compilation of information to assist with research and development.

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 the K-W community. Demonstrated passion and understanding of anti-racism and anti-oppression. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Reliable transportation is essential for this position. Required to hold a G class license and a two-million-dollar liability policy as part of personal car insurance.

Whats in it for you?

Job Band H (hourly wages): Min - $29.51, Mid - $32.04, Max - $36.32
A positive work culture, inclusive workplace policies, and employee wellness initiatives.
Enrollment in a defined pension plan with the Heath Care of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).
Enrollment in our Modular Health and Dental Benefits plan with Sun Life.
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 (pro-rated to start date and hours for position; accumulated monthly) to a maximum of 300 hours.
11 paid holiday benefits per year plus a floater day.
Discounted GRT passes through membership with Travel Wise.
Employee Referral Incentive Program.
Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
Staff appreciation events.

If you are community-focused and share our values and antiracism commitment, we want you to grow with us. Please submit your application through BambooHR, in confidence, no later than 4 pm on May 22, 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.

Commitment to Equity

As a community agency delivering mental health, employment, and housing services, Starling Community Services acknowledges Canadas history of systemic racism, oppression, and the need for structural and institutional change. We are committed to continuously improving so that we may deliver equitable and accessible services to our entire community.

We are dedicated to embedding equity practices into the fabric of our organization, recognizing that this requires ongoing effort, education, and dialogue. Guided by our equity strategy, we are committed to providing equal opportunities for career advancement, professional development, and success for all staff, regardless of their identity or background.