Indigenous Housing and Outreach Worker

About this position

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

The Indigenous Housing and Outreach Worker will be responsible to provide case management services to house community homeless Indigenous people through municipal programs in the City of Toronto. The Indigenous Housing and Outreach Worker will report to Wigwamen’s Program Manager and will work independently throughout the area.

The preferred candidate will have: 

• Post-secondary education in Social Work, or an acceptable combination of education, training, and/or job experience
• Minimum three years’ experience working with Indigenous peoples or those who are homeless in the GTA 
• 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, culture and experience working with the urban Indigenous community is a definite asset
• A valid Ontario G Driver’s License, own vehicle and the willingness to travel is an asset
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, while also managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends, as required

Responsibilities will include: 

• Provide comprehensive support to homeless Indigenous individuals and families seeking housing, including assisting with rental applications, navigating housing policies, and advocating for their rights within the housing system complete outreach to find Indigenous homeless community members that are eligible for programs under the City of Toronto’s Coordinated Access system
• Meet deadlines for housing opportunities by compiling and submitting client files
• Act as a liaison and client advocate among those involved with the client’s care, including family, other caregivers, medical and other multi-disciplinary providers
• Work with the Program Manager to identify and meet professional development needs
• Participate in agency and other meetings and initiatives as appropriate
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with key supports and resources in the community
• Develop and maintain open and effective working relationships with leading partner agencies
• Perform all necessary clerical duties for client documentation, including rent café documentation, ID clinic coordination, computer entries, and logbook entries
• Create a waiting list for CofT supportive and rapid rehousing programs for Indigenous people experiencing homelessness