Aboriginal Housing Outreach Program Worker

FRAFCA; Surrey; Hybrid; CAD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended Health Benefits

Group RRSP Plan

Paid time off

On-site parking

Wellness program including up to 10 pa

Job summary

The Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association (FRAFCA) is seeking an Aboriginal Homeless Prevention Worker to support Indigenous clients in Surrey and the Fraser Salish region. This role emphasizes culturally safe, client-centered care and collaboration with Elders and knowledge keepers.

Responsibilities include intake, referrals, outreach, and providing housing, medical, and personal development supports. Prior experience with urban Indigenous communities is valued.

Qualifications

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultures and communities desirable.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience assisting vulnerable clients and families.

Responsibilities

• Complete intakes and referrals using HiFiS and VAT tools.
• Help clients obtain shelter, housing, medical appointments, and employment.
• Conduct street outreach to inform the community about FRAFCA services.
• Provide cultural supports to assist healing for individuals and families.

Skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Confidentiality

Education

College Certificate or Diploma in Social Services or relevant equivalent

Job description

Benefits:

Extended Health Benefits, Group RRSP Plan, Paid time off, On-site parking, Wellness program including up to 10 paid days per year.

About Us:

The Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association is a non-profit organization that provides a diverse range of culturally safe and supportive services to Aboriginal people in Surrey and the Fraser Salish region. The Friendship Centre works from a decolonizing perspective, and as such, works to strengthen family bonds between generations and within the family.

About Surrey:

The City of Surrey is one of 21 municipalities in Metro Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. We are located on the Lower Mainland on the south side of the Fraser River and share a border with the United States of America. Surrey is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Salish Peoples, including the qicəy (Katzie), qʷɑ:nƛən (Kwantlen), and Semiahma (Semiahmoo) land-based nations.

Why FRAFCA:

• Opportunity to work alongside cultural knowledge keepers & Elders
• Holistic, culturally safe, approaches to serving our clients and community
• Freedom to share and observe own cultural practices (i.e. smudging in the office)
• Access WorkBC Employers Training grants and other bursaries to fund training & other professional development
• Extended Health Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Travel) and Employee Assistance Plan after 3-months on continuous employment
• 10 annual paid sick/personal leave days
• Paid vacation days (up to 25 days based on years of service)
• Offices located along main transportation routes; main office by the Skytrain station
• Parking available on-site

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Job Summary & Duties:

Working within the context of a client centered care approach and the vision/values of the FRAFCA, the Aboriginal Homeless Prevention Worker will:

• Complete intakes, referrals and use the HiFiS data base and VAT tool;
• Provide supports to help clients in obtaining their basic needs such as shelter, recovery homes, transition homes, assistance with medical appointments, housing, employment and personal development;
• Conduct street outreach on a regular basis to inform the community of FRAFCA’s programs and services;
• Provide cultural supports and services to assist in healing for individuals, families, and our urban Indigenous community;
• Have a solid understanding of the historical and current effects of:

– Colonization
– Intergenerational and direct effects of residential schools
– Homelessness;

• Actively participate in FRAFCA events, such as but not limited to, cultural workshops/youth night, outreach events, NIPD, and homeless counts. This can include evenings and weekends;
• Willingness to participant in OH&S committee for a term certain period;
• Other job-related duties as required. ______________________________________________________________________

Qualifications:

• College Certificate or Diploma in Social Services or relevant equivalent;
• Minimum 1 years’ experience of working with vulnerable individuals/families/a combination of relevant education and experience;
• Previous experience working with the urban Indigenous community;
• Must have a broad-based knowledge of the family and social issues faced by the urban Indigenous people, including the inter-generational impact of the residential school system on Indigenous families and communities;
• Must possess knowledge of Aboriginal culture and traditions;
• Current First Aid training;
• Must demonstrate a good working knowledge of community resources in Surrey and surrounding communities, particularly Indigenous-specific resources;
• Must have strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to compile accurate records and prepare reports;
• Must have a personal support system and self care plan in place;
• Experience working independently in a fast-paced environment with competing demands and tight timelines. ______________________________________________________________________

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Sound understanding of available housing, income support and related agency/government assistant programs in Surrey community;
• Demonstrated ability to perform proactive community outreach activities;
• Able to exercise discretion, compassion, and empathy, and maintain confidentiality;
• Able to work independently and utilize sound judgement to perform all assigned duties with minimal supervision;
• Results focused to meet high standards of performance, able to monitor progress towards goals and adjust plans as required;
• Ability to build organizational trust in his or her own professionalism, integrity, and expertise;
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions and ability to work with culturally diverse people. Familiarity with First nation, Metis and Inuit communities in Surrey and surrounding area, and issues and challenges facing those choosing to move to urban centres, is an asset;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software database programs;
• Must pass criminal record check including vulnerable sector clearance.

*Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights code, preference may be given to Aboriginal Applicants.

“We are committed to the National Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. FRAFCA is engaged primarily in promoting or serving the interests of Indigenous peoples, FRAFCA prioritizes employment to Indigenous peoples. Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants, unless that preference or employment would constitute a discriminatory practice under the Canadian Human Rights Act.”