Cultural Housing Support Worker

Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre; Halifax; On-site; CAD 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in Halifax seeks a Cultural Housing Support Worker to assist unhoused Indigenous individuals in securing housing. This role requires strong knowledge of Indigenous issues, housing principles, and the ability to navigate community resources. Ideal candidates will have relevant qualifications and experience in a supportive, client-centered setting.

Qualifications

• One year of recent, related work experience.
• Comprehensive understanding of Indigenous issues and their root causes.
• Experience using various community resources.

Responsibilities

• Support unhoused Indigenous people in maintaining secure housing.
• Develop client-centered plans and monitor progress.
• Advocate for clients' rights and connect them to resources.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Understanding of Indigenous issues

Knowledge of Housing First principles

Experience with harm reduction

Reliable transportation

Education

Diploma in community social services

Certification in mental health/addictions

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Employment Opportunity: Cultural Housing Support Worker

Location: Halifax, NS

Salary Range: $60,000/ per year

Employment Term: As soon as possible – March 31st, 2026 (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 community members who will be living in transitional housing utilizing a cultural lens and trauma informed approach.

The Cultural HSW will be responsible for supporting unhoused Indigenous people who have a history of homelessness to obtain and maintain secure housing. 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.

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 community members with a client-centred, anti-oppressive approach with an emphasis on using a decolonized trauma informed lens.

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 clients a client-centered plan that is strength based and grounded in 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 clients 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
• Work 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 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 abstract
• Provide proof of motor vehicle insurance with 2 million in liability insurance
• Experience using Microsoft Office (word, excel, outlook, access, power point)
• Core Competency Training: Mental Health First Aid, ASIST and NVCI
• Required Vulnerable Sector Check & Child Abuse Registrar must be provided prior to start of position
• This position is designated for those of indigenous ancestry, please self identify

Application Deadline:

Open Until Filled

Submit Cover letter & Resume to: https://mnfc.applytojobs.ca/

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel working within this job title.

The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre is an equal opportunity employer; and complies with all fair employment practices laws. We are committed to providing a workplace free form unlawful discrimination and harassment and prohibit the same against employees, applicants or other covered persons by co-workers, supervisors, managers, or third parties based on a person’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, veterans status, disability unrelated to job requirements, ethnicity, genetic information, military service, political affiliation, marital status and pregnancy or other protected status.

Qualified Indigenous applicants will be given priority in accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Preference Policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission. The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre (MNFC) reserves the right to refuse all applications for employment. The MNFC will not assume any expenses related to this or any job application process included and not limited to travel, relocation, and application development.

*Only those applicants who are screened in for an interview will be contacted.