JOB POSTING – Indigenous Liaison Worker / Elder Support

Hours: Mon – Fri | Full-Time
Location: 316 Spruce Street South, Timmins ON

Living Space is a low-barrier, co-ed emergency homelessness shelter offering 24/7 supports for those experiencing or at-risk of experiencing homelessness. Living Space is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending homelessness by acting as a hub, ensuring that wrap-around services are available to our clients while they transition into sustainable housing. Living Space acts as a community partner, advocating for the removal of systemic barriers which keep people stuck in homelessness and poverty.

Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Housing Manager, the Indigenous Liaison Worker provides front-line, person-centered services in a non-judgmental, compassionate and culturally competent manner. The Indigenous Liaison Worker engages clients proactively by identifying and removing roadblocks to housing, including legal, financial, and social issues. This position works alongside Team Leads, Volunteers, and Community Partners, advocating low-barrier access to internal and external programs and reconnection with family, land, and community.

Requirements:

·         Ability to speak multiple languages; including Anishinaabe and/or Cree languages.

·         Familiarity with local Indigenous communities and organizations.

·         Paid or unpaid experience working with marginalized individuals.

·         Post-Secondary Education in a related field (i.e. Indigenous studies, social work, law, public policy) or equivalent education/experience.

·         Proven ability to uphold professional/ethical boundaries and confidentiality.

·         Demonstrated critical thinking skills including strong clinical judgement and conflict resolution skills. Any additional training certificates are considered an asset: Cross-Cultural Awareness, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, CPI(Crisis Prevention Institute De-Escalation Skills), ASIST(Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)

·         Knowledge and understanding of the complex issues related to addictions, mental illness, poverty, and homelessness, as well as the impact of social/cultural/economic factors on the determinants of health will be considered an asset.

·         Experience with e-reporting and case notes, shift logs and other documentation.

·         Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records Check is required.

·         Living Space has a Vaccination Policy that requires employees to take part in COVID-19 vaccination programs recommended by Public Health.

Core Competencies:

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport.

· Knowledge of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and issues particularly as they relate to systemic barriers and homelessness.

· Experience working in a cross-cultural environment with a trauma-informed focus.

· Experience advocating for marginalized and complex clients.

· Strong understanding of legal issues affecting homeless populations, including local laws and resources related to financial support, legal-aid, and housing rights.

· Experienced Case Management through strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

· Demonstrated ability to work independently in community settings with minimal supervision.

· Demonstrated strong sense of initiative, personal accountability, and dependability.

Specific Duties:

· Prioritize engagement and support of Elders seeking services.

· Assist Indigenous clients in navigating shelter system and accessing necessary resources, providing culturally appropriate support, respecting traditions, and values. Advocate for unique needs of Indigenous clients within the shelter and broader community.

· Facilitate client access to Indigenous-specific services including health care, social services, and legal assistance.

· Engage one-on-one with Clients and writing Case Notes, Incident Reports and Bulletins.

· Build and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities, leaders and organizations connecting clients with culture and services. This may include offering support during off-site visits to community and cultural events, lawyer, court, banking, appointments, etc.

· Work with Housing Manager to promote cultural competency within the shelter’s services and processes. Identify, access and implement training and resources for shelter staff relating to Indigenous cultures, histories, and issues related to homelessness.

· Control keyed access to washrooms/showers and perform regular safety checks (knock/speak/listen) to ensure the safety of Clients.

· Maintaining awareness of your surroundings inside and outside the building, watching for high-tension situations by paying attention to body language, verbal cues.

· Ensure the safety of Living Space property by notifying Team Leads and Joint Health & Safety committee of any damages or safety concerns in a timely manner.

· Enforce site rules and policies following established Best Practices.

· Teamwork focused, assisting in workplace tasks at the discretion of Housing Manager.

· Must be willing to attend paid site-specific training during days off to ensure compliance.

Applications must contain a cover letter and resume, and will be received in confidence by the Human Resources Department via jobs@livingspacehub.org

Disclaimer:

This job posting indicates the general nature and level of work expected. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required by the incumbent. The incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Living Space is committed to equitable recruitment practices and to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from historically marginalized and/or underserved/underrepresented communities, especially individuals who identify with diverse gender and sexual identities (including LGBTQ2+); women; Indigenous/Black/people of colour; people living with disability, HIV and/or other chronic/long-term health conditions; and people with lived experience of mental illness, substance use, trauma, and poverty.

Job Type: Permanent Full-Time

Pay: From $29.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 hours per week with a daily schedule to be determined in partnership with the Housing Manager.