Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

The Indigenous Women’s Project Coordinator will work with Indigenous women and Elders who access the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre facilitating their engagement in pursuing the
recommendations contained within Red Women Rising, Calls for Justice, and Getting to the Roots.
Working closely with the Director of Advocacy for Indigenous Women, reporting directly to the Program Development Manager, the Indigenous Women’s Project Coordinator will work in
collaboration with other DEWC staff to promote integrated services to women. She will work from a feminist perspective and within an anti-oppression framework.

Community Advocacy
• Facilitating the engagement of Indigenous Women and Elder’s to identify and develop strategic actions to pursue the recommendations contained within Red Women Rising:
Indigenous Women Survivors in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside; Reclaiming Power & Place: the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and Getting to the Roots: Exploring Systemic Violence against Women in the Downtown Eastside.
• Develop a comprehensive and culturally responsive engagement plan to involve women of the community, community agencies, and all levels of government in response to the identified recommendations.
• Coordinate and facilitate groups for Indigenous women and Elder’s to organize around the recommendations as prioritized by the participants.
• Facilitate opportunities for Indigenous Women and Elders to build on their organizing skills through workshops, learning exchanges, and talking circles.

Outreach and Liaison
• Works with community, Indigenous, and social service organizations to support the project goals and activities.
• Develops partnerships and act as liaison with community groups in the development and support of the Indigenous Women’s project

Administration/Organization:
• Maintains and up-dates resources relevant to the Indigenous Women’s Project ie events, activities, training, and opportunities.
• Contributes to the DEWC Newsletter, ensuring calendar and contributions specific to the program
• Ensures funder reports accurately reflect contract requirements
• Supports the operational needs of the organization by attending staff meetings and staff development training opportunities, sitting on various committees as needed, covering for front line staff when needed.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Must have a strong working knowledge and analysis of the issues impacting Indigenous Women in the DTES, including gender based violence, homelessness, child apprehension, and addiction.
• Considerable understanding and knowledge of historical and present day impacts of colonialization on Indigenous women and girls
• Candidate must work from strong feminist analysis and within an anti-oppression framework
• Experience developing and facilitating social justice initiatives, programs, and groups including assessing and evaluating
• Extensive experience in the development and facilitation of educational workshops and activities
• Efficient organizational skills including record keeping, scheduling, and problem-solving abilities
• Demonstrated administrative skills, including report writing
• Understanding and practice trauma informed response when working with women
• Strong conflict resolution skills and practice
• Must have strong computer skills and IT aptitude
• Excellent communication skills required, including the ability to work in a respectful and cooperative manner with co-workers, and centre members
• Ability to work within a chaotic environment and with a diverse community of women
• A First Aid certificate is required
• Candidate must undergo and pass a criminal record check
• Women with addiction issues are required to have at least 2 years of recovery time

Additional Information

Benefits of Joining the DEWC Team

Healthcare: Our extended health program includes, dental, vision, prescription medications, select alternative therapies, life insurance and long-term disability. We also have an Employee and Family Assistance program.
Vacation & Leave: You accumulate vacation at 6% in the first year and then 8% with the ability to carry over one week into the next year. We offer sick leave credit which can accumulate up to 30 weeks. Access to other special leaves to handle family or personal situations.
For your Retirement: Enrolled in the Municipal Pension Plan with a matching contribution from DEWC.
Other perks: An employee loan program; Regular staff development days; DEWC employees are considered first for any open positions; Training and facilitation opportunities.

POSITION DETAILS:

Start Date: ASAP / Permanent / Full Time biweekly/ Sunday-Thursday, Flex Sunday, 9-day Fortnight Schedule
Union Positions: BCGEU/ $24.23 per hour+ generous health and wellness benefits
Location- DEWC Drop-In Centre, 302 Columbia St. Vancouver
Application Closing Date: Open until the position is filled

Please send your resume and cover letter to careers@dewc.ca
For full job description visit: www.dewc.ca/careers

For Bona Fide position requirements Indigenous women only will be considered / Additional languages spoken an asset

**While we thank all applicants for their interest, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted**

Salary: $24.23 per hour

Contact Information

Please send your resume and cover letter to careers@dewc.ca

For full job description visit: www.dewc.ca/careers

Employer Profile

The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre has existed since 1978 to support and empower women and children living in extreme poverty in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. High levels of violence, homelessness, addictions and poverty characterize this community where women and children are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, injustice and injury. Through the Drop-In Centre and Emergency Night Shelter, we provide practical support to over 500 women and children daily to survive the conditions of ill health and violence that surround them. We work to provide security, basic needs and support to encourage women to make long-term changes by identifying and removing barriers to full participation in the larger community.