The M’Wikwedong IFC is currently accepting applications for the position of Indigenous Supportive Housing Worker. This is a 6-month full-time contract position.  

M’Wikwedong IFC is an Indigenous not for profit organization. We are culturally based and community focused, and committed to driving positive change for the community. As a staff member of M’Wikwedong IFC you will have opportunity for professional growth, access to Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers, and a generous benefit package. Salary for this position is $60,000 (pro-rated).

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Indigenous Housing Worker to join our Indigenous Supportive Housing Program team. Rooted in the understanding of the Twelve Dimensions of Indigenous Homelessness as defined by Jesse Thistle, the IHW will support Indigenous individuals and families who are unhoused or living precariously housed. The goal is to bring long-term stability and wellness by walking alongside participants through culturally safe, strengths based, trauma-informed, and harm reduction approaches responsive to the individualized needs of vulnerable peoples marginalized by society. Collaboration with community agencies and frontline partners is essential to ensure wraparound supports are available to those we serve.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support Indigenous individuals experiencing homelessness or precarious housing situations to achieve and sustain stable housing focused on overall wellness.
• Provide emergency accommodation placement and transitional planning through partnerships with motels and local shelters.
• Provide emergency supports for those experiencing human trafficking, including Special Priority Housing Applications.
• Connect participants to long-term stable housing solutions, including rent supplement programs, private housing and supportive housing placements such as those through the By-Names List.
• Advocate for participants through housing applications, legal navigation, and access to supportive services.
• Recognize risks and signs of human trafficking and domestic violence and intervene using trauma-informed, culturally safe practices.
• Recognize risks and signs of hoarding and the ability to intervene using trauma-informed, culturally safe practices.
• Collaborate with local agencies, frontline workers, and community supports to ensure participants receive holistic and culturally appropriate services.
• Maintain supportive, strengths-based relationships that center participants' dignity, self-determination, and cultural identity.
• Complete respectful and confidential documentation to meet organizational and community reporting requirements.
• Must have access to a reliable vehicle to assist participants throughout the community, including rural regions.
• Conduct outreach in encampments alongside community partners, building trust, provide essential support, assist individuals in accessing safer housing pathways as desired

Qualifications:

• Lived experience and/or deep understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and supporting is a strong asset.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations facing homelessness, systemic discrimination, trauma, and substance misuse challenges.
• Knowledge of the Twelve Dimensions of Indigenous Homelessness, Systems Navigation, and Coordinated Access Systems is an asset.
• Ability to respond swiftly and calmly to crisis situations.
• Familiarity with recognizing and supporting individuals at risk of or impacted by human trafficking.
• Ability to work respectfully and collaboratively with community agencies and frontline teams.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed, harm reduction, and strength-based approaches.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle required.
• Clear vulnerable sector police check required upon hire.

M’WIKWEDONG IFC is a highly flexible organization offering additional compensation including paid cultural days, 4 paid holidays beyond mandatory Employment Standards, paid shutdown over the Christmas holiday week, and health benefits. M’WIKWEDONG IFC health benefits are offered to full time permanent employees, employees will be able to enroll upon the successful completion of their (3) three-month probationary period.

M’WIKWEDONG IFC is committed to providing a barrier-free work environment in concert with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. As such, M’Wikwedong IFC will make accommodations available to applicants with disabilities upon request during the recruitment process.

M’WIKWEDONG IFC strives to ensure that its employment practices are free from direct and indirect discrimination and is committed to upholding the human rights of those participating in the hiring process. In pursuit of this commitment, M’Wikwedong IFC will not condone or tolerate any acts of discrimination or harassment under any of the grounds protected under human rights legislation. This commitment extends to the hiring process and throughout the course of employment.

Since this position is engaged primarily in serving the interests of Indigenous people, M’WIKWEDONG IFC shall give preference to Indigenous people who possess the requisite skill sets and experience.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not used by MIFC to screen, assess, or select applicants for this role.