Supportive Housing Innovation Lead - 1 year contract

PARC Overview

Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre (PARC) has been supporting people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges, homelessness and poverty in Parkdale for over 45 years. PARC supports people through a daily drop-in centre, including twice daily community meals, case management, social and recreation programming, financial trusteeship, and advocacy. PARC also operates 109 units of supportive housing with a Housing First approach that is trauma-informed and focused on stabilization.

PARC is preparing for the opening of 11 Brock Avenue, a new 42-unit supportive housing development in Fall 2026. This is a significant expansion of PARC’s housing portfolio and presents an opportunity to strengthen housing stability, community integration, and partnerships across PARC’s existing and future housing sites.

Project Summary and Overview

PARC is seeking a Supportive Housing Innovation Lead to guide the research, development, and evaluation of a tenant-centered supportive housing model in advance of the opening of 11 Brock Avenue. This role will ensure that PARC’s housing model reflects best practices in supportive housing while remaining responsive to the lived experience, needs, and strengths of PARC tenants. This position offers a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping PARC’s growing housing portfolio and supporting successful tenant onboarding, stabilization, and community connection.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Research & Coordination (February – April 2026)

Collaborate with Key Stakeholders: Work alongside partner organizations (Niiwin Wendaanimak, CAMH, Breakaway Services) to co-develop a partnership model for 11 Brock. Define roles and responsibilities, establish communication strategies, and create shared policies for service delivery.

Research Best Practices: Conduct a brief review of current supportive housing research to inform the development of a tailored model for 11 Brock.

Tenant Engagement: Design and implement a tenant-centered research plan, including a plain-language survey and structured interviews to gather input from existing PARC tenants.

2. Development of Supportive Housing Model (May – August 2026)

Create Partnership Framework: Develop a formal partnership model for 11 Brock that integrates the findings from the research phase and outlines operational guidelines.

Design Supportive Housing Model: Using research data, craft a best-practices supportive housing framework, including:

Tailored programming options

Communication strategies

Resource materials and “toolboxes” for tenants and staff

Intake and Assessment: Design and implement an intake survey to establish baseline information on all PARC tenants, with particular emphasis on 11 Brock.

Programming Planning: Develop a plan to leverage 11 Brock as a hub for all PARC housing supports. Explore how communal spaces can be used for inclusive programming that serves tenants across the entire PARC portfolio.

3. Implementation & Evaluation (September – January 2027)

Facilitate Implementation: Support partner organizations and internal teams in implementing the housing model and new tenant onboarding processes. Provide training and resources for staff.

Coordinate Tenant Onboarding: Assist with the move-in process for new tenants, ensuring they receive necessary materials and information regarding their tenancy.

Monitor and Evaluate Progress: Administer the intake survey and create a follow-up survey to be distributed six months into tenancy. Collect and analyze feedback to evaluate the success of the housing model, programming, and tenant satisfaction.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in social work, Public Health, Community Development, or related field.

Experience with community-based organizations.

Experience with supportive or affordable housing is a requirement.

Experience working with individuals facing housing insecurity, mental health, or addiction issues a requirement.

Skills & Abilities:

Strong project management skills, including the ability to plan, execute, and evaluate complex initiatives.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Knowledge of supportive housing models, trauma-informed care, and best practices in community engagement.

Ability to analyze and apply research findings to practical solutions.

Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.

Ability to navigate sensitive and confidential information with professionalism.

Personal Attributes:

Passionate about social justice and improving housing outcomes for marginalized communities.

A proactive, self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Empathetic and culturally competent, with a strong understanding of the diverse needs of tenants.

PARC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people who are reflective of the diverse communities we serve. We strongly encourage applicants with lived experiences, from First Nations communities, people of all races, colours, ethnic origins, religions, disabilities, and sexual orientations to apply. We recognize that equitable access to employment is an agent in social change.

We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

If you have any requirements for accommodation due to disability, please advise Human Resources during the recruitment and selection process. We will work with you to best meet your needs as per resources available to us.