Housing Advisor

About the position

The Alberta Public Service works to build a stronger province for current and future generations. We make a difference in the lives of Albertans through rewarding and diverse career opportunities. The Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services leads housing, assisted living and continuing care, seniors, income, employment and homelessness supports, disability services, and other social-based programs. The Housing Division delivers programs, initiatives, and services through a community-based delivery model that supports Albertans in need of safe, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions. Working with more than 300 housing providers including municipalities, over 140 Housing Management Bodies (HMBs), non-profit organizations, and private sector partners the Division supports over 105,000 low-income families, individuals, seniors, and people with special needs across Alberta. The Division also plays a significant role in supporting gender-based violence initiatives, emergency housing responses, interim housing, and long-term housing recovery efforts for communities impacted by disasters. The Housing Operations Branch provides leadership and oversight for housing programs delivered throughout the province, ensuring housing providers effectively administer government-funded housing programs while meeting legislative, operational, and financial accountability requirements. The Housing Advisor works closely with Housing Management Body Chief Administrative Officers, Boards, municipalities, non-profit organizations, elected officials, and community stakeholders to ensure housing programs are administered effectively and in accordance with legislative, financial, and operational requirements.

Responsibilities

• Act as the central service coordinator for divisional services and provide operational guidance and support to Housing Management Body Chief Administrative Officers and Boards.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with HMBs, municipalities, community organizations, and government stakeholders.
• Provide advice and interpretation regarding housing legislation, regulations, policies, and program requirements.
• Support HMB planning activities through the review and assessment of business plans and strategic initiatives, preparing recommendations for senior management consideration.
• Deliver training related to governance, board responsibilities, housing programs, and the Alberta Housing Act and Regulations.
• Address governance, operational, service delivery, and organizational effectiveness issues affecting housing providers.
• Participate in divisional, ministry, and cross-ministry committees, working groups, and special initiatives.
• Represent the Ministry at stakeholder meetings, conferences, official openings, industry events, and ministry tours.
• Support implementation of Alberta's Affordable Housing Strategy and Stronger Foundations initiatives through operational expertise and stakeholder collaboration.
• Provide expert advice regarding regulatory requirements and ensure compliance with the Alberta Housing Act and applicable regulations.
• Conduct risk-based operational reviews of Housing Management Bodies.
• Perform on-site assessments of governance structures, financial operations, administration practices, maintenance programs, and tenant administration processes.
• Review compliance with legislation, operating agreements, and rent supplement agreements.
• Prepare detailed reports and recommendations outlining findings, compliance concerns, and opportunities for improvement.
• Work collaboratively with HMBs to develop and implement corrective action plans.
• Conduct investigations and special reviews related to allegations of financial mismanagement or operational concerns.
• Promote organizational effectiveness, capacity development, and opportunities for collaboration or consolidation across the housing sector.
• Ensure housing information systems and records remain accurate, complete, and current.
• Reviewing and analyzing annual operating budgets, business plans, quarterly financial reports, audit information, and other submissions received from Housing Management Bodies.
• Assessing financial performance against approved budget targets and identifying emerging risks and issues.
• Evaluating funding requests, budget amendments, loans, advances, and business cases submitted by housing providers.
• Developing recommendations regarding operating budgets, funding allocations, financial accountability requirements, and financial sustainability.
• Providing advice to senior leadership regarding discrepancies, trends, concerns, and recommended courses of action.
• Contributing to improvements in financial reporting, accountability processes, and reporting tools.
• Reviewing information related to housing impacts arising from emergencies and disasters, including financial implications and housing needs.
• Respond to complex inquiries from tenants, stakeholders, housing providers, elected officials, and members of the public.
• Prepare Ministerial Action Requests, Briefing Notes, correspondence, issue management materials, and recommendations for senior management.
• Analyze complex issues and develop strategic responses in high-pressure environments.
• Research and assess emerging housing issues, trends, and stakeholder concerns.
• Contribute operational expertise to policy development, legislative reviews, strategic planning, housing initiatives, and program improvements.
• Identify opportunities to improve policies, procedures, and service delivery outcomes.
• Lead and participate in special projects related to compliance, housing operations, organizational capacity development, and housing program effectiveness.

Requirements

• University graduation in a field related to Social Sciences, Political Science, Public Policy, Human Ecology, Housing Studies, Housing Administration, Law and Society, Criminology, Social Work and Economics, supplemented by four years related experience.
• Interpreting, applying, and providing recommendations related to legislation, regulations, policies, and program directives.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, analytical and organizational skills
• Managing complex housing, property management, compliance, or program administration issues.
• Conducting investigations, assessments, and reviews to support accountability and the protection of public assets.
• Analyzing complex information and developing recommendations to support decision-making.
• Researching and evaluating policy, legislative, and operational issues to identify risks and opportunities.
• Consulting, negotiating, and building collaborative relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Assessing housing needs and community capacity to support planning, service delivery, and program outcomes.
• Leading or supporting multiple projects and initiatives with competing priorities and deadlines.
• Delivering presentations, facilitating discussions, and communicating complex information to diverse audiences.
• Some in-province travel and a valid driver’s license is required for this position.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with housing management bodies, municipalities, non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, or other housing sector partners.
• Experience conducting compliance reviews, investigations, audits, or risk assessments.
• Experience interpreting and applying housing legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Experience developing or implementing housing policies, programs, or strategic initiatives.
• Experience facilitating negotiations, resolving disputes, and building consensus among stakeholders.
• Experience conducting community housing needs assessments and developing recommendations to address service gaps.
• Experience working in a government, public sector, or regulated environment.

Benefits

• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information
• Professional learning and development
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.