Housing Support Case Manager

Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre; Halifax; On-site; CAD 47,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A local community service organization in Halifax is seeking a Housing Support Case Manager to assist clients in accessing housing and other related services. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of Indigenous culture and systemic issues surrounding housing. This full-time role emphasizes a client-centered approach and harm reduction practices. Applicants should have relevant qualifications and experience in social services. Competitive salary offered.

Qualifications

• One year of related work experience in social services or a similar field.
• Comprehensive understanding of systemic issues related to housing.
• Experience using the HIFIS database for client records.

Responsibilities

• Support clients with accessing housing and criminal justice services.
• Develop recovery plans with clients and monitor progress.
• Advocate for clients' rights and provide crisis intervention.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Understanding of Indigenous culture

Knowledge of Housing First principles

Knowledge of harm reduction principles

Education

Diploma in community social services or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

Employment Opportunity: Housing Support Case Manager

Location: Halifax, NS

Salary Range: $56,000 per year

Employment Term: Contract November–March 31, 2026, Full time hours (35 hours/week)

Reports To: Housing Program Manager

General Description:

The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre is currently looking for One (1) Housing Support Case Manager (HSCM). The HSCM will support service users with accessing housing and other criminal justice services. The HSCM must support clients with a client-centered, anti-oppressive, decolonized, and trauma informed lens with an emphasis on harm reduction practice.

The HSCM must support clients with a client-centered, anti-oppressive, decolonized, and trauma informed lens with an emphasis on harm reduction practice. They must also follow the principles of Housing First that believes that housing is a basic human right for all without the need to abstain from activities that may be considered risky. The Housing Support Worker must build relationships with clients and work collaboratively with them to achieve their goals while prioritizing client autonomy. The HSCM - J will also work collaboratively with other service providers including Government, Corrections, community organization, members of the health care and legal systems.

The HSCM is a part of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre’s housing team and works alongside the other Housing Support Case Managers. The HSCM must have foundational knowledge of decolonized trauma informed care and understanding of how to utilize a client-centered and anti-oppressive lens in their work. The Housing program emphasizes the importance of harm reduction practices and does not promote abstinence only ways of healing.

Key Accountabilities

• Ensure the program delivery is congruent with the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre’s mission, vision and philosophy
• Review client background information, develop with the individual a recovery plan that is strength based and grounded in the principles of Housing First and Harm Reduction, 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
• Submit new client to and update the By-Name-List
• Assist clients with viewing potential housing and completing applications when required
• Attend all lease signings with clients
• Advocate for client’s rights at an individual and broader systemic level
• Support individuals and families to navigate appropriate systems related to obtaining and maintaining housing
• 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 both private and non-profit sector of the housing market 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
• Partnership responsibilities include intake, partnership meetings, case conference, training and committees (subject to caseload)
• Liaise and develop relationships with landlords and property managers
• 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
• Provide crisis intervention and emergency shelter services
• Transport clients to medical appointments and housing related meetings
• Adhere to all policies governing the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre
• May perform other related duties as assigned.

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 with an emphasis on mental health, substance use disorders, homelessness and/ or social services or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• Comprehensive understanding of Indigenous culture and systemic issues that they face finding and maintaining housing
• 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
• Varied shifts depending on the need of community/ organization
• Reliable means of transportation (must own a working vehicle)
• Provide a current driver abstract
• Provide a copy of a valid class 5 driver’s license
• 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
• Indigenous Ancestry considered an asset, please self-identify

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Submit Cover letter & Resume to: 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.

Equal Opportunity: 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 from 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.

Indigenous Priority: Qualified Indigenous applicants will be given priority in accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Preference Policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission. The 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 including travel, relocation, and application development.

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