LOFT Community Services·Newmarket, Ontario
The Housing Navigator identifies housing options, builds relationships with landlords, and supports clients in securing and maintaining stable housing. They also collaborate with community agencies to coordinate referrals and contribute to program evaluation and reporting.
August 16, 2026 Location: Newmarket, ON – York Region Street Outreach and Services Network Compensation: $52,022 - $61,821 Annually Prorated Contract Duration: until March 31, 2028 Work Hours: 24hrs/week Work Type: Onsite (travel between multiple program sites throughout the York Region) Job ID: 10945282 Existing or New Position: New
LOFT Community Services is a unique and dynamic charitable organization that supports people living with complicated issues such as mental and physical health challenges, substance use challenges, poverty and homelessness. Serving approximately 19,534 annually and providing 1,839 units of supportive housing last year, LOFT is one of Ontario’s largest mental health service providers of its kind. LOFT is also recognized as a Nonprofit Employer of Choice™ Award (NEOC) recipient.
York Region Street Outreach and Services Network is a comprehensive and coordinated network of services for people who are unhoused (homeless), precariously housed or living in poverty in York Region. The Street Outreach Van is the only mobile outreach service that operates seven days per week (excluding statutory holidays) to provide support, information and emergency basic supplies to those in need. The mobile van offers mental health, housing information, community outreach, and substance use support through specialists that staff the van. The van has emergency and basic supplies such as food, tarps, sleeping bags, harm reduction kits and clothing on it. The program staff provide an opportunity to help individuals who are ready to get off the streets and to connect with other support or community services.
The Housing Navigator reporting to the Program Manager, the primary focus of the Housing Locator role will be to identify appropriate housing options, build relationships with landlords, support clients in searching for, obtaining housing and supporting healthy landlord-tenant dynamics. In conjunction with the staff team the Housing Locator will work with the clients in setting realistic parameters for their housing to support their journey towards safe and stable housing.
Develop and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing providers etc. to secure housing opportunities for clients across York Region. Conduct outreach and implement engagement strategies to expand access to private-market housing options. Support clients throughout the housing search process and promote successful tenancy retention. Build positive landlord relationships through regular communication, issue resolution, and ongoing support. Mediate and resolve conflicts between tenants, landlords, and neighbors using effective conflict-resolution practices. Collaborate with community agencies and service providers to coordinate referrals and access to support services. Contribute to program planning, service improvement, reporting, data tracking, and program evaluation initiatives. Foster positive, professional relationships with clients, colleagues, landlords, and community partners. Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and other program-related activities. Perform other duties as assigned by Program Manager and/or designated.
What
You
Bring: Post-secondary education in Social Services or a related field, or equivalent experience. Minimum 1 year of experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or complex housing barriers. Knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act and housing support services. Understanding of clients’ challenges in mental health, addictions, and barriers to housing stability etc. Strong communication, conflict resolution, advocacy, and client engagement skills. Experience working with landlords, housing providers, and community partners. Strong organizational, computer applications, documentation, data management, analytical, and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Commitment to culturally responsive, client-centered service delivery. Valid CPR/First Aid certification. Valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle as required.
Work
Environment: Staff will be required to work in clients’ rooms and may therefore be exposed to secondhand smoke. Frequent travel will be required using own vehicle. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.
24/7 Employee Assistance Program E-learning program available all year round Corporate Gym membership rate with GoodLife Fitness Access to Perkopolis, a comprehensive corporate discount program Access to unlimited DEI trainings through partnership Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: LOFT Community Services is a values-driven organization with a deep belief that each person has the ability to grow and change. We value compassion, collaboration, and community delivered with dignity, innovation, and excellence. LOFT’s vision is that together, we can all live successfully in our community. Our client population reflects Ontario’s diverse community and it is LOFT’s goal to build a workforce who also reflects that diversity. LOFT believes there are many ways to develop skills and build experience and expertise. So even if you don’t “tick all the boxes” but think you’d thrive in this role, you are encouraged to apply.
Candidates must have post-secondary education in Social Services or equivalent experience and at least one year of experience supporting individuals with housing instability. A valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and CPR/First Aid certification are required.
Market context
In Ontario, behavioral-health roles are typically driven by ongoing need in community, outpatient, and support settings serving people with mental health or substance use challenges. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for experience with diverse populations plus a high school diploma or GED, with a bachelor’s in social work or a related field preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show relevant client-facing experience and readiness to work with varied needs.
