Indigenous Support Worker

ABORIGINAL HOUSING SOCIETY OF PRINCE GEORGE

The Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George (AHSPG) provides safe, healthy and affordable housing for Aboriginal people of all incomes, ages, and capabilities. Our organization’s values reflect the traditional cultures of our diverse ancestry: treating all people with dignity and respect; acting with integrity, honesty and transparency; and being accountable to the communities we serve. AHSPG continually works to sustain affordable housing through experience, listening and learning, supporting and empowering individuals and families, and in developing a future urban community within Prince George on Lheidli T’enneh traditional territory.

1 Part-time 16 hours per week

1 Casual no guaranteed hours per week – as needed

Reporting to the Manager Supportive Housing, the ISW will help tenants by providing emotional and cultural support, skill-building, advocacy and access to resources. Their goal is to build positive connections and promote safety and security. The ISW also assists tenants in overcoming obstacles and creating personal support systems. Working with community service providers in the community, the ISW will help tenants develop and implement flexible, individualized, and tenant-centred service plans.

This includes working with tenants, and community partners to connect tenants to services and resources and coordinate ongoing culturally appropriate wrap‑around supports. The ISW is a member of the AHSPG team, operating within the AHSPG community, and working collaboratively with staff.

• Establish genuine and respectful working relationships with all tenants
• Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with other team members and AHSPG staff.
• Create a safe, accepting and inclusive environment that values individual’s privacy and choices in personal life, leisure, education and work.
• Provide conflict resolution and crisis support using trauma-informed practices
• Assist tenants in developing support plans and connecting with appropriate supports and community-based resources to maintain goals related to housing and service needs.
• Assisting to deliver programming to tenants for social and recreational opportunities
• Develop and provide resources and referrals to individuals or families for available support services for Indigenous peoples and tenants served.
• Assist tenants in de-cluttering, cleaning and preparing for pest control and monthly unit inspections.
• Monitor the flow of visitors by supervising the main entrance, ensuring visitors sign in/out and noting the visitor’s destination in the building
• Identify and assess potential emergencies and respond appropriately
• Complete paperwork and documentation as required including, but not limited to, critical incident reports, completing forms, emails and other duties.
• Gather data and diligently maintain records in the prescribed form.
• Contribute to the development of tenant protocols.
• Other related duties as assigned or required
• A Diploma or Degree in human services, social work, or community planning, with an emphasis on meeting the needs of vulnerable populations which may include such disciplines and fields of study as social work, mental health, rehabilitation practitioner, nursing, or first nations studies.
• Minimum 2-3 years experience in a front-line capacity meeting the needs of vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture, history and the complexities of working in diverse communities.
• Skilled in trauma informed practice, harm reduction and client-centred approaches.
• Knowledge in community supports related to mental health, addictions and housing.
• Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills required.
• A combination of education and training will be considered.
• Exposure to or direct work history with principles of evidence-based practice, client centered approaches, trauma informed practice, and harm reduction models.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and Publishing programs.
• Must have Indigenous cultural agility and demonstrate appropriate behavioural competencies.
• Must successfully complete and maintain a Criminal Record Review for work with vulnerable adults.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and provide a driver’s abstract annually.
• A thorough appreciation, awareness, working experience, and sensitivity of Indigenous history and culture, as well as a thorough understanding of the complexities of working with diverse populations.
• Able to work evenings, weekends and overnight shifts on a rotating schedule.

Only candidates who are short listed will be contacted.