FT Contract Indigenous Housing Outreach Worker (IHOW)

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) is a diverse, dynamic, multiservice Indigenous health and wellness agency.  We strive to provide quality, wholistic health services by sharing and promoting traditional and western health practices to enable people to live in a more balanced state of well-being. SOAHAC provides services to Indigenous people including those who live on and off reserve, status, non-status, Inuit, and Metis within the Southwest, Waterloo Wellington and Erie St Clair regions. SOAHAC has a mandate of ensuring that health services are accessible, of high quality, and are culturally appropriate. It is SOAHAC’s objective to build health care capacity within Indigenous communities. Currently, we are seeking the services of an Indigenous Housing Outreach Worker (IHOW) to join our interdisciplinary staff team to work with the Guelph and Wellington Indigenous community, working out of Hope House in Guelph.  

Reporting to the Integrated Care Manager, Waterloo Wellington, the IHOW is responsible for providing a range of outreach support services to those experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. Focusing on the safe and successful integration back into the Guelph-Wellington community, the IHOW will work directly with Indigenous clients.

Requirements

· 3-year Diploma or Degree in applied health or social sciences with a focus on counselling and psychosocial rehabilitation and/or Indigenous specific studies relevant to this position.

· Membership in a professional college or association is preferred.

· Minimum of 3 years recent and relevant clinical experience in adult community mental health services.

· Experience counselling clients of the community who may be unsheltered, homeless or at risk of being homeless and experiencing social stigma, mental health & addiction, trauma, and substance use.

· Experience creating and fostering strong partnerships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous housing related supports, community services and resources.

· Experience working with Indigenous people in community-based settings.

· Knowledge of Indigenous values, traditions, language, cultural safety with understanding of local Indigenous populations in Guelph-Wellington area.

· Demonstrated knowledge of supportive housing, housing outreach, crisis support and case management.

· Knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation theory and the impact of mental illness on Indigenous individuals and on their families and community.

· Understanding of mental illness, inter-generational trauma, trauma informed practice, harm reduction principles in making appropriate assessment of housing needs and individualized care plans.

· Training and experience related to concurrent disorders is an asset.

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills; case management skills.  

· Experience in teaching and training adults (Life Skills Coach certificate would be an asset).

· Sound judgement, particularly with respect to intervening high risk or sensitive situations.

· Strong team skills and the ability to take the lead role in organizing and coordinating the delivery of wrap-around services.

· Maturity, sound judgement, a good sense of humour and ability to work well under pressure.

· An understanding and appreciation of rural Indigenous communities.

· Proficiency with computers.

· Proficiency in completing assessments such as SPDAT, GAINS and utilizing case management systems such as HIFIS an asset.

· Willingness to participate in Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, teachings and ceremonies.

· Clean and current vulnerable sector police check as a condition of employment.

· Valid government issued driver’s license, personal auto insurance and access to reliable vehicle.

· Regular travel to surrounding communities within Wellington county.

· Up to date immunizations and records.

Responsibilities

· Provide a range of outreach support services that promote wholistic wellbeing for those experiencing homelessness, at risk of homeless or in a crisis situation.

· Assist and educate clients to conduct housing searches, fill out necessary applications for housing, and coaching on interacting with landlords and neighbours.

· Provide a range of opportunities for clients to learn daily life and living skills, while increasing their sense of community and belonging and connection to culture and traditions as necessary.

· Provide comprehensive culturally appropriate assessment and culturally relevant service plans.

· Educate clients about their tenant rights and responsibilities.

· Contribute to the coordination, planning and enhancement of local services, including those from Indigenous agencies and partners.

· Support the implementation of realistic and culturally relevant goals and objectives through regular community and home visits.

· Coordinate, plan and support SOAHAC workshops and events to enhance community engagement with Guelph-Wellington Indigenous community members.

· Act as an advocate on clients’ behalf.

· Access and utilize community resources for clients such as furniture acquisition, household supplies, food banks, etc. and support for personal services such as prescription medication costs, physiotherapy services, transportation, food vouchers, etc.

This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre.  

SOAHAC values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer; however, hiring preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants. SOAHAC is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please advise Human Resources.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please forward your cover letter and resume to careers@soahac.on.ca.