Indigenous Homelessness Systems Pathfinder
- Job Type
- Contract / Full Time
- Job Level
- Other
- Location
- Ottawa, ON
- Impact Area
- Other
- Impact Category
- Other
- Company Type
- Other
About this position
Indigenous Homelessness Systems Pathfinder
(Full-time contract ending March 31, 2022)
Background
When Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy launched on April 1, 2019, it introduced a new federal requirement for the implementation of Coordinated Access, a systems levels approach to service delivery in the homelessness sector. Coordinated access systems are designed to streamline the process for people experiencing homelessness to access the housing and support services needed to permanently end their homelessness.
By standardizing the intake and assessment process, sharing information in real-time within a community, adopting uniform prioritization policies and coordinating referral processes, coordinated access systems connect people to the right housing and supports as efficiently as possible based on their preferences and level of need.
The need for a national framework for an Indigenous-specific process to engage with Indigenous peoples experiencing or at risk of homelessness to determine both their immediate needs and broader goals and aspirations has continuously been raised by Indigenous service providers in the homelessness sector. This process will be culturally relevant with a strong emphasis on relationship building and trust, utilize a wholistic, trauma-informed, strengths- and rights-based approach, and be adaptable to meet different communities’ local needs, cultures, and traditions while still meeting federal requirements.
Purpose of the Position
The Indigenous Homelessness Systems Pathfinder will work with Reaching Home Indigenous Community Entities and Indigenous Community Advisory Boards across Canada to facilitate the development of a framework that will serve as a model for those providing services to Indigenous peoples who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness to determine their immediate needs and what kind of supports they could access on their path to wellness.
The Indigenous Homelessness Systems Pathfinder’s role will include, but not be limited to, conducting a literature review of existing assessment tools and processes, organizing and facilitating focus groups, engagement sessions and information sessions with Indigenous service providers and frontline staff in the homelessness sector, and working on the development and design of a framework for an Indigenous-specific process that will be able to be shared, adapted and integrated into Coordinated Access systems and service delivery across Canada.
This position is funded through a grant from Employment and Social Development Canada under Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy.
Start Date: March 2021
End Date: 1-year contract ending March 31, 2022 (Contingent on funding)
Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000
Location: Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health (Ottawa, ON); Ability to work remotely from anywhere in Canada
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- Post-secondary education: Degree in social work, social sciences, and/or a related field or the equivalent combination of education, training, and life experience;
- Exhibits the foundational principles of Humility, Truth, Honesty, Bravery, Wisdom, Love, Patience, and Respect;
- Demonstrated experience developing an assessment tool and/or administering assessments with clients;
- Demonstrated experience doing community engagement, facilitating focus groups, and collecting and analyzing data;
- Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous communities, groups and organizations;
- Research experience and ability to conduct a literature review;
- Knowledge of the Federal Governments’ Reaching Home strategy;
- In-depth knowledge of local, provincial and national issues related to Indigenous homelessness and community-based service systems;
- Knowledge of social, economic and health issues relevant to the urban Indigenous community;
- Knowledge of and respect for a diverse national community of Indigenous peoples’ cultures, languages, arts, worldviews and ways of being;
- Plan, lead, coordinate and complete projects within deadlines and achieve desired outcomes;
- Outstanding writing and interpersonal skills;
- Ability to write clear and concise reports, presentations and correspondence;
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, Excel, Word and PowerPoint and social platform literacy (e.g., Zoom, Teams)
- Knowledge of Indigenous language(s) and/or bilingualism an asset;
- Ability to travel throughout the country on a regular basis (within public health guidelines for each region) and;
- Valid driver’s license.
First Nations, Inuit or Métis candidates will be given priority, please self-identify.
To pursue this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@wabano.com.
This opportunity will remain open until filled. Tell us your story early!
We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Wabano is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If contacted for an employment opportunity or interviewing, please advise if you require accommodation.