Housing Counsellor

Wigwamen Incorporated is seeking an experienced individual who is self-motivated and highly organized to fill a full-time Housing Counsellor position at the Aboriginal Housing Support Centre.
- Knowledge of, and experience working with, the urban Indigenous community
- Knowledge of historical issues impacting Indigenous communities, language, traditions and culture
- A minimum of two years' experience in a Housing Counsellor role
- Comprehensive knowledge of community resources, housing issues and support services
- Excellent interpersonal, planning, verbal communication, presentation, report writing, facilitation and liaison skills
- Experience working with vulnerable and marginalized sectors, and with clients with mental health issues and/or addictions
- A valid Ontario G Driver’s License, access to their own vehicle for work purposes, together with the willingness to travel, would be an asset

**Responsibilities will include**:

- Client Support:_
- Provide counselling to clients experiencing a housing crisis, including those who are at risk of losing their private market rental accommodation, or who are homeless
- Help resolve landlord/tenant issues and other housing-related conflicts that tenants may become involved in
- Assist clients in moving towards achieving long-term housing and income stability, which may include advocating on behalf of clients with landlords, OW, ODSP, and other services
- Provide rehousing support and assistance to clients where a tenancy cannot be sustained
- Actively participate in eviction prevention activities, including liaising with landlords to ensure rent is paid, and if needed, facilitate conflict and landlord mediation to encourage housing stabilitzation
- Work in partnership with other community agencies to establish a network of service options for the Centre's clients to address their varied needs
- Refer clients to other community agencies where deemed appropriate
- Provide life skills training in areas including landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities, budgeting, housekeeping, pet care, mental health and addiction, ID and document replacement services, volunteer opportunities, etc.
- Project Administration:_
- Keep detailed client records as set out in the overall project plan; submit reports in accordance with Program requirements
- Develop and monitor an individualized case management plan for clients that focuses on setting and monitoring goals (both short and long-term), including discharge plans, crisis plans and mental health addiction prevention plans (where applicable)
- Monitor the effectiveness of supports and recommend changes to the types of support offered as appropriate
- Other duties as reasonably required by the project sponsor, Wigwamen Incorporated

This is a full-time, salaried contract position with an expected work week of 35 hours. It offers a comprehensive benefits package, and the contract has the potential to be renewed upon expiry.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those to be interviewed will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
- Wigwamen Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environments. We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please advise us in advance to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated throughout this process._

**Job Types**: Full-time, Contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: From $1.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Vision care

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

**Experience**:

- counselling: 2 years (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-05-09