International Education Housing Specialist

About Durham College :

Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution that supports students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market.

With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the ever-changing workforce.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Durham College offers a wide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinary management, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction and trades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and community services, media, art and design.

Our modern campuses in Oshawa and Whitby offer 145 programs including six honours bachelor’s degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs to more than 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students.

In addition, more than 14,600 students participate in professional and part-time learning. More than 110,500 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world.

A forward-looking organization committed to collaboration, innovation and sustainability, Durham College is ranked annually as one of the GTA’s Top 100 employers and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers and has been recognized as a Top 50 Research College in Canada, 10 times.

DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region and is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve by contributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-being through partnerships, investments and collaboration.

POSITION INFORMATION :

Full-time Support Staff Position Opportunity

Department : International Education

Hours : 35 hours per week (1) one hour lunch; Mon Fri (8 : 30 am 4 : 30 pm; one evening shift)

Reporting To : Janine Knight-Grofe; Director, International Education

Campus Location : Oshawa

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Working closely with the International Arrivals and Engagement Coordinator (IAEC) and reporting to the Director, International Education, the International Education Housing Specialist will assist international students with locating and securing safe housing in the Durham Region and surrounding areas.

This role involves collaborating with community partners to address the specific housing requirements of international students and establishing partnerships with campus and community entities to enhance housing solutions.

Additionally, the incumbent will collaborate closely with the Student Development team to coordinate the provision of housing support to all students, international and domestic.

The Housing Specialist will deliver comprehensive housing services tailored to Durham College (DC) international students, acting as the main point of contact for housing-related information and resources.

Housing information

• Work closely with the Student Development team and other campus partners to engage with students to navigate the rental housing market in communities surrounding Durham College.
• Develop resources and materials to distribute information to students, parents, agents, landlords, DC faculty and staff, and community stakeholders.
• Responsible for the housing digital presence, including the housing webpage, DC Connect orientation course modules related to housing, international student arrival guide, and social media regarding housing.
• Organize and deliver in-person and online housing workshops, webinars and events to help students understand housing availability, costs, lease agreements, rights and responsibilities.
• Actively participate in local, regional or national peer groups in support of developing a better understanding of international student challenges as they relate to housing in Canada.
• Maintain excellent records of student addresses and seek to improve systems to collect current home addresses.

Housing advice and events

• Collaborate with campus partners to develop an integrated approach to supporting students in finding and securing housing and acting as a referral point.
• Advising students, through proactive and reactive means, on how to address concerns or conflicts as they relate to their housing.
• Advise students with housing concerns and refer them to campus and community resources, as needed.
• Provide comprehensive support, coordinating campus services for at-risk students in both residence and off-campus housing.

Alert the supervisor to high-risk situations.

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with external community stakeholders (e.g., neighbourhood groups, Durham Region representatives, police, fire departments) to foster positive community relations.
• Attend housing-related events and committees to build connections with housing partners, landlords, developers, municipal staff, community partners, and real estate agents.
• Support students in emergency housing situations through sessions and one-on-one advising and employing emergency protocols;

maintain a database of emergency housing supports on campus and in the community.

• Plan and execute events that are aimed at fostering community and student engagement.
• Research best practices, participate in professional associations / organization.

Reporting

• Provide regular reports on housing successes and challenges, and adjust supports based on evaluations.
• Keep the college informed about concerns and issues raised by external community stakeholders through preparing reports and actively participating in relevant community groups and agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• A minimum of a 3-year diploma or degree in Humanities, Social Sciences, Business, Project Management, International Studies, Education, Social Work and / or Psychology.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience related to the delivery of community housing programs and services, including responding to emergent issues and crises.
• The incumbent will have working knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and tribunal process required.
• The incumbent will have the ability to work effectively with a culturally diverse clientele and communicate effectively across cultures.
• The incumbent will have thorough knowledge of Microsoft 365.
• The incumbent will have excellent oral and written communication skills. Fluency in another language is an asset.
• The incumbent will have knowledge of the college and college programs, and strong interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, communication and project-management skills.
• The incumbent will have the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Occasional evening and weekend availability needed, such as responding to urgent student housing emergencies.

Required Skills

Payband : E; Starting Rate : $28.78; Four Year Rate : $33.37

Required Experience

Hours : 35 hours per week (1) one hour lunch; Mon Fri (8 : 30 am 4 : 30 pm; one evening shift)

Please apply below by submitting your cover letter and resume to the online portal. Job Competition closes on September 17, 2024.

Competition number SS24-106.

Payband : E; Starting Rate : $28.78; Four Year Rate : $33.37