Indigenous Inreach Worker

**ABOUT WISH**

**JOB SUMMARY**

**Due to the nature of this role and the specific communities it serves, the successful applicant is required to be part of Indigenous communities.**

This role works directly with WISH participants on a one-on-one basis to support Indigenous women and gender-diverse folks in navigating both WISH programs and external systems such as housing, detox, and violence prevention.
- Work in collaboration with two WISH Inreach workers to manage a fluid caseload of approximately 30+ Indigenous WISH participants to provide, cultural, holistic, participant-centred support in the Drop-In and Shelter and referred by the Mobile Access Program (MAP Van), Learning Centre and/or Music Therapy.
- Connect participants with the MAP Van, Indigenous Health and Safety Program (IHSP), Supportive Employment Program (SEP), the Music Therapy Program, the Learning Centre, and other WISH programs and assist in navigating these internal systems.
- Connect participants with outreach workers who visit WISH as well as other external resources and support systems such as mental health services, housing opportunities, violence prevention, and detox.
- Create plans, conduct referrals, make calls, and ensure follow-through and follow-ups with participants for whatever their priority needs may be.
- Support participants in filling out Bad Date Reports.
- Red Light Alert: compile and distribute hard copies as needed.
- Support/link the IHSP participants with additional Inreach services.
- Conduct proactive and regular check-ins with participants in the various WISH programs.
- Support staff in conducting New Faces conversations.
- Initiate new partnerships with service providers in the DTES to ensure wrap-around services for Indigenous participants.
- Proactively work with participants to limit any potential service restrictions or bans.
- Work with Drop-In Supervisor and Shift Leads on violent ban check-ins and reintegrating participants into the Centre or Shelter.
- Provide information to WISH staff to build the internal capacity and knowledge regarding community resources, workshops, and opportunities for both staff and participants.
- Accompany participants to appointments and resources, as needed.
- Update participant logs with case notes.
- Update and manage resource room as needed.
- Provide strengths-based participant updates at monthly staff meeting as well as information regarding community resources, events, developments, and opportunities to staff.
- Attend all relevant staff meetings.
- Work collaboratively with all WISH programs, Program Coordinators, front-line staff, and practicum students.

**QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS**
- A minimum of 2 years supporting Indigenous women and gender-diverse folks.
- A minimum 3-5 years experience working in front line social service delivery.
- A minimum 2-year commitment is sought to provide participants with consistency and opportunity to build trust with the Indigenous Inreach Worker.
- Solid knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture and history in BC and Canada.
- Strong understanding of the Truth and Reconciliation Report (TRC), the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (NIMMIWG), and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
- A strong feminist analysis of violence against women and gender-diverse folks with an understanding of power and its intersection with gender, race, culture, class, physical ability, sexual orientation, and age as well as all forms of oppression based on experiences of colonization, religion, ethnicity, and heritage.
- Experience working with Indigenous peoples and a strong knowledge of the legacy of colonization, the Residential School system, the 60’s scoop, and the foster care system.
- Excellent knowledge of the Downtown Eastside supports and services, proven ability to navigate the social welfare, public health, and justice systems, particularly in the areas of poverty reduction, housing, emergency medical care, detox and substance use services, and counseling.
- A deep understanding of the inherent issues that WISH participants face on a daily basis.
- Experience assisting WISH participants with accessing services beyond the Drop-In centre and providing holistic support in a pro-active way to participants on a long-term basis.
- Excellent interpersonal skills (de-briefing, active listening, conflict resolution, de-escalation, problem solving, and direct support) are essential.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, creative problem solving and organizational and planning skills.
- Must be a self-starter, who is curious, flexible and an adaptable team player. Excellent time management is essential.
- Demonstrated ability to support vulnerable women and gender-diverse while maintaining strong boundaries, non-judgement, and self-care.
- Flexibility required for schedule and hours. Evening shifts are mandatory.
- Must be prepared to aid participants at vario