Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

The Shelter to Housing Navigator provides comprehensive support to individuals accessing the shelter, with a focus on serving members of the urban Indigenous community in a culturally safe, respectful, and empowering manner. This role is responsible for building trusting relationships with residents, conducting needs assessments, developing individualized case plans, and connecting individuals to culturally relevant services, programs, and resources that support their goals for housing stability, wellness, employment and education. The Shelter to Housing Navigator works collaboratively with various internal departments and external resources to advocate for residents’ needs, uphold harm reduction and trauma-informed practices, and promote an environment that honors Indigenous identities, cultures, and ways of being.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Manage a designated caseload of residents, providing consistent and individualized support through regular meetings and check-ins.
• Build trusting, respectful relationships with residents through ongoing supportive engagement.
• Conduct ongoing assessments to identify individual’s strengths, needs, and goals.
• Create and maintain individualized case plans in collaboration with residents, supporting their self-identified goals, and addressing their assessed needs.
• Provide advocacy and referrals to relevant community services.
• Create and present workshops and activities geared towards residents’ needs and goals.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation and case notes in accordance with organizational policies and confidentiality standards.
• Uphold harm reduction, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive practices in all interactions.
• Support and maintain a culturally grounded, community-oriented environment that respects and reflects the identities of those served.
• Participate in regular team meetings, conferences and training as required.
• Performs other related duties

Qualifications / Required Skills

• Diploma in Social Work, Indigenous Studies, Psychology, or a related human services field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum 3 years of related experience.
• Experience working frontline with the indigenous community, with demonstrated understanding of the impacts of colonization, intergenerational trauma, and systemic barriers is required.
• 2+ years of case management experience is preferred.
• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness, mental health concerns, substance use and aggressive behaviors is required.
• Strong knowledge of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and approaches to wellness, and the ability to integrate this into daily practice.
• Knowledge of local Indigenous agencies, services, and community resources.
• Demonstrated assessment, planning, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to establish rapport and build trust with diverse individuals in a respectful, non-judgmental manner.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for documentation and collaboration with internal teams and external partners.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to deal with crisis and emergency situations in a calm and effective manner.
• Commitment to anti-oppressive and culturally safe practices.
• Commitment to holding positive regards for residents and guests, recognizing their strengths, autonomy, and inherent dignity.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building meaningful client relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to handle crisis and emergency situations calmly and effectively.
• Reliable, compassionate, and motivated to support individuals in achieving their goals.
• Criminal record check with vulnerable sector clearance.
• First Nations, Metis, Inuit or Aboriginal ancestry is preferred Individuals with lived experience are an asset.
• Certificates, or willingness to participate in the following trainings is required:
o Crisis Prevention training or de-escalation training.
o Standard first aid and CPR o Indigenous awareness training
o Mental health first aid training
o Domestic violence safety planning
o Substance use awareness and safety training-including naloxone training
o LGBT2Q+ awareness training
o Trauma-informed practice training
o Staff self-care training
o Vulnerability Assessment Tool training
o AHMA or BC housing database training

Additional Information

Please submit your resume and cover letter to jobs@vafcs.org.

The Vancouver aboriginal Friendship Centre encourages members of equity-seeking groups to apply. Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants in accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code.

Salary: $30.44 per hour

Contact Information

Kim Simms
Human Resources Manager
604-251-4844 ext. 319
hr@vafcs.org

Employer Profile

The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) is a non-profit charitable organization serving the Urban Aboriginal community with a mandate to provide programs and services that will contribute to the cultural, educational, social, economic, and recreational development of Urban Aboriginal people. The Society manages twenty-three programs and services through three locations in Vancouver. The Friendship Centre at 1607 East Hastings is a community-led organization creating meaningful change for the Urban Aboriginal Population that we serve. VAFCS is currently seeking an individual connected with Indigenous community, highly organized, and self-motivated to work with us!