Housing Advisor

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, South Housing Operations, the Housing Advisor serves as the primary liaison between the Government of Alberta and Housing Management Bodies (HMBs) across the province. The position provides strategic operational support, compliance oversight, financial analysis, stakeholder engagement, and advisory services to ensure housing programs are administered effectively and in accordance with housing legislation, operating agreements, and government policy.

As a Housing Advisor, you will play a key role in supporting housing providers, strengthening governance and accountability, and advancing Alberta's housing priorities.

Build and Maintain Strategic Relationships

• As the primary contact for assigned Housing Management Bodies, you will:
• 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 Compliance Oversight and Legislative Advice

In this role, you will:

• 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.

Role Responsibilities Continuted

Deliver Financial Analysis and Accountability Oversight

You will provide strategic financial analysis and monitoring by:

• 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.
  
  

Resolve Complex Issues and Support Strategic Initiatives

• The Housing Advisor is frequently called upon to address sensitive, high-profile, and politically sensitive issues. You will:
• 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.
  
  

Please click on this Job Description to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

Creative Problem Solving
You excel at addressing complex challenges by bringing people together, encouraging innovation, and identifying practical solutions. You foster an open environment where ideas are welcomed and diverse perspectives are valued. Using a broad range of approaches, you analyze issues, engage the right stakeholders, and develop effective solutions that support organizational priorities.

Agility
You embrace change and continuously seek opportunities to improve processes, services, and outcomes. You adapt quickly to shifting priorities, remain composed in high-pressure situations, and support others through uncertainty. By effectively communicating the impact of change and integrating new approaches into existing work, you help advance organizational goals and maintain operational effectiveness.

Develop Networks
You build and sustain trusted relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders to achieve common objectives. Through credibility, collaboration, and strategic engagement, you identify opportunities, represent varying perspectives, and foster partnerships that support informed decision-making and successful outcomes.

Build Collaborative Environments
You create inclusive and productive working relationships by engaging stakeholders, sharing knowledge and resources, and encouraging participation. You demonstrate strong interpersonal skills by resolving conflicts constructively, motivating others, and leveraging diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals and deliver results.

Develop Self and Others
You are committed to continuous learning and professional growth, both for yourself and those around you. You foster a culture of learning by encouraging innovation, supporting development opportunities, and helping individuals create meaningful development plans. You promote knowledge sharing and the integration of emerging methods to strengthen team performance and organizational success.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards

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.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.
  
  

The following experience is required:

• 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.
  
  

The following experience is considered as assets:

• 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.
  
  

The following experience will be given preference:

• Experience working in a government, public sector, or regulated environment.
  
  

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Notes

Hours of work are 08:15 AM to 04:30 PM, Monday to Friday. This is a full-time permanent position, working 36.25 hours per week.   

If a security screening is required:

• Final candidates will be required to undergo a criminal records check (CRC). 
  
  

A cover letter outlining how your experience relates to the qualifications of this role is required to assess your writing skills.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

Some in-province travel and a valid driver’s license is required for this position.

Links and information on what we have to offer:   

• Working for the Alberta Public Service  
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information  
• Professional learning and development
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool  
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.