Cultural Housing Support Worker

**Employment Opportunity**: Cultural Housing Support Worker

**Location**: Halifax, NS

**Salary Range**: $60,000/ per year

**Employment Term**: Contract November - March 31st, 2025 (possibility for annual renewal), Full time hours (35 hours/ week)

**Reports To**: Cultural Housing Support Supervisor

**General Description**:
The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre is centrally located in the urban Indigenous community of Kjipuktuk/Halifax and is looking for **One (1) Cultural Housing Support Worker (CHSW)** to support families who will be living in Mount Hope Village in partnership with the YWCA utilizing a cultural lens and trauma informed approach.

The Cultural HSW will be responsible for supporting unhoused Indigenous families who have a history of homelessness to obtain and maintain secure housing in Mount Hope Village. The CHSW will need to have experience supporting Indigenous clients with complex needs that can impact their access to housing. This can include but is not limited to supporting folks with their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs. The CHSW must have experience with navigating resources related to safer substance use services, harm reduction resources, Child Protective Services, Income Assistance processes, and affordable housing organizations.

As part of the MNFC Housing team, the CHSW must incorporate an Indigenous trauma informed approach into their practice and uphold the principles of Housing First. The Cultural HSW is expected to support families with a client-centred, anti-oppressive approach with an emphasis on using a decolonized trauma informed lens. This job description will change as the workplace changes.

**Key Accountabilities**
- Ensure the program delivery is congruent with the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre’s mission, vision and philosophy
- All services provided to clients must be through a culturally supportive lens
- Develop with families a client-centered plan that is strength based and grounded in the principles of Housing First and monitor individual progress towards their goals
- Utilize and maintain the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre’s (MNFC) database and input client information using HIFIS.
- Advocate for client’s rights at an individual and broader systemic level
- Support families to navigate appropriate systems related to obtaining and maintaining housing through this program
- Provide intake, assessment, referrals, assistance in accessing resources, crisis intervention, eviction prevention and outreach mediation for clients
- Connect clients to community resources, supports and meaningful activities as required
- Ensure clients are fully informed of all programs of the MNFC
- Working in partnership with the YWCA to ensure appropriate placement of clients
- Maintain accurate, comprehensive documentation regarding all interactions with clients. Documentation must be in accordance with agency standards and adhere to funder requirements.
- Participate in agency responsibilities including but not limited to; morning meetings, representing the agency at community meetings (including attending weekly Case Conference meetings), safety and monitoring. Partnership responsibilities include intake, partnership meetings, case conference, training and committees.
- Meet regularly with the YWCA to discuss tenant issues, lease compliance and other operational updates
- Maintain confidentiality, privacy and clear boundaries
- Compile statistics and data that will assist with the outcomes and evaluation of this housing initiative
- Commit to the development of the MNFC and participate in internal committees, projects and activities
- Assist in program and service development to ensure that quality, effective and client-centred programs and services are delivered
- Work collaboratively with all team members and partnering agencies to achieve desired excellent service and outcomes
- Transport clients to medical appointments, housing related meetings and lease signings
- Adhere to all policies governing the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre

**Qualifications and Experience Required for the Position**:

- Diploma / certification in community social services; or education in mental health, addictions, concurrent disorders/ co-occurring disorders and social work.
- One year of recent, related work experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
- Comprehensive understanding of Indigenous, women’s, 2SLGBTQIA+, poverty, homelessness and their root causes
- Demonstrated understanding of Housing First and Harm Reduction principles and approach
- Comprehensive knowledge of community resources, programs, services including ESIA, local/ provincial housing, subsidy programs and residential tenancy rights and regulations
- Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
- Reliable means of transportation (must own a working vehicle) Provide a copy of a valid class 5 driver’s license, recent drivers abstrac