Culturally Aligned Integrated Support Program (CAIS) Housing Navigator

Are you a motivated, caring individual interested in working with an Indigenous-led non-profit organization committed to supporting Indigenous peoples experiencing homelessness?  The Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society (ACEH) is in search of a dedicated Housing Navigator, in a program called the Culturally Aligned Integrated Support Program (CAIS). This role primarily involves building strong relationships with Indigenous CAIS program members, assisting them throughout their transition into independent housing.  The overall objectives of CAIS are to prevent homelessness while providing holistic wrap-around services. 

JOB DETAILS: 

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Position Type: Full-time, 40 hours per week.

Wage: $29 per hour.

Location: 736 Broughton Street, Victoria, B.C.; and other ACEH sites as required.

Application Submission: You are required to submit a resume and cover letter that highlights Indigenous ancestry, Indigenous community/organization involvements, education, certification, demonstrated contract experience, and how your knowledge, skills, and abilities will support and contribute to the ACEH and our community through a cultural lens.

Applications missing this will be automatically screened out of the selection process

Responsibilities: 

• Building meaningful relationships with members of the Indigenous CAIS program.
• Assisting CAIS program members during their moving process, ensuring they receive essential items like furniture, food, and clothing.
• Supporting individuals in setting up necessary accounts such as Hydro and Fortis BC.
• Providing transportation for individuals to attend programs and scheduled outings when required.
• Actively participating in all CAIS team meetings.
• Generating and providing weekly reports on CAIS individuals' progress to the CAIS Manager.
• Accurately and promptly completing intake forms and collecting supporting documents for program intake.
• Reporting and referring individuals to ACEH programs and services, including land-based healing camps, ACEH Housing, and the Indigenous Alcohol Harm Reduction (IAHR) Program.
• Offering continuous follow-up and support to CAIS program members.
• Serving to facilitate a seamless transition into housing.
• Providing advocacy and liaison support on behalf of CAIS program individuals with landlords and tenancy knowledge and rights.
• Taking actions to address individuals' emergent and basic needs.
• Working in collaboration with other community care providers.
• Supporting the CAIS program by participating in surveys and data collection.
• Assisting CAIS team members when required to ensure the program's success.
• Collaborate and support other staff on CAIS team to create cultural events for program participants.
• Maintain client confidentiality.

Required Qualifications:

• Community Support Services Diploma, Social Work, or a related field.
• 1-2 years of experience in community support services or frontline support services.

• Experience in individual case management is an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience working within the housing sector and familiarity with available community wrap-around supports.
• Knowledge of the BC healthcare system, with preference for experience in a primary healthcare setting or working with physicians and/or allied healthcare providers.
• Experience working with the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Disability Services, and BC Housing—Rental Assistance Program is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge and ability in working with Indigenous individuals in a good way. 

• Ability to work respectfully, knowledgeably, and effectively with partners and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people, adapting to cultural uniqueness to create a sense of safety for all. 
• Ability to work in a holistic, professional, and non-judgmental manner is a must. 
• Knowledge of providing culturally and trauma-informed care; Understanding the intergenerational trauma and the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada. 
• Ability to multi-task and balance priorities within tight timelines.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and decision-making skills, with strong attention to detail and proficient computer literacy skills (Microsoft Office and Google Drive). 

• Demonstrated experience in systems improvement and change management.
• Knowledge of health-related issues affecting Indigenous peoples.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a broad range of medical, clinical, and administrative professionals and understanding of local, regional, and provincial Primary Care, and housing sector professionals relating to Indigenous support services.
• Knowledge of Tenancy Agreements and system navigation in the housing sector is an asset.
• Knowledge or experience working in other rental supplement programs or BC Housing resources and programs.

Required:

• Willing and able to complete a Criminal Record Check through the Ministry of Justice for working with vulnerable adults

• Valid BC Driver's License

• Dependable vehicle
• Two work related references (no more than three years old)

Preference will be given to qualified candidates with Indigenous ancestry. The ACEH values strength in diversity. As an inclusive employer that celebrates the gifts of all its employees, we encourage members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community to apply.