Indigenous Housing Outreach Officer

About this position

Wigwamen Incorporated is seeking an innovative, self-motivated and highly organized applicant to fill a new Indigenous Housing Outreach Officer position in Ottawa, Ontario.

The Indigenous Housing Outreach Officer will help grow and enrich Wigwamen’s connections within the Indigenous community in Ottawa and the region, identify and engage with specific Indigenous community members in need of affordable housing, specifically adults (59+), to create an Indigenous housing waiting list for a 50 unit building that Wigwamen is developing.  This position requires flexibility, and the applicant may need to work some evenings and weekends, as required.

The preferred candidate will have:

• Post-secondary education in Indigenous Studies, Social Work, or an acceptable combination of education, training, and/or job experience
• Minimum two years’ experience in working with Indigenous peoples in Ottawa and region
• Comprehensive knowledge of community resources, housing issues and supportive services
• Experience designing and printing promotional materials and obtaining the relevant supplies
• Experience organizing and maintaining records, files, and applicant databases
• Experience engaging with, and building relationships with, local Indigenous peoples and local organizations
• Excellent interpersonal, planning, verbal communication, presentation, report writing, facilitation and liaison skills
• Computer literacy, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva, Zoom and Microsoft Teams
• Experience working with vulnerable and marginalized sectors, and with clients with mental health issues and/or addictions
• Knowledge of historical issues impacting Indigenous communities, language, traditions and culture is a definite asset
• A valid Ontario G Driver’s License, own vehicle and the willingness to travel

Responsibilities will include:

• Identify Indigenous organizations throughout the City of Ottawa and region
• Engage with identified organizations and provide them with information about Wigwamen and its new 2040 Arrowsmith project
• Develop materials to promote awareness within the Indigenous community of affordable housing options, including 2040 Arrowsmith Drive
• Build a waiting list of Indigenous adult applicants (59+) for affordable housing to be provided at 2040 Arrowsmith and other projects
• Communicate regularly with applicants on the waiting list about the progress of the development
• Engage with local Indigenous organizations to start building connections and relationships between organizations, ensure a broader reach in the Indigenous community to identify those in need of affordable housing, inform them of this housing opportunity, as well as to build connections with support service agencies that could help potential tenants.
• Safely store and punctually update waiting list and applicant files

This is a full-time contract position with the potential for renewal, and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Please submit your resume and cover letter by April 30, 2024.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those to be interviewed will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

Wigwamen Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environments. We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please advise us in advance to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated throughout this process.