Indigenous Housing Case Manager

firstlightnl; San Juan de Terranova; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

First Light is seeking an Indigenous Housing Case Manager to provide culturally grounded, trauma-informed support to Indigenous individuals and families facing homelessness or housing instability. The role centers on dignity, safety, and self-determination within a holistic, community-driven framework.

You will assess housing goals, develop individualized plans, navigate supports, and coordinate wraparound services with First Light programs and partners.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Social Work, Indigenous Studies, or related field.
• Minimum two years of one-on-one, family, housing, homelessness, or community support experience.
• Understanding of Indigenous cultures and cultural safety.
• Knowledge of housing insecurity and tenancy challenges.
• Strong communication, advocacy, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide culturally safe intake, assessment, and ongoing case management.
• Develop individualized housing and stabilization plans with community members.
• Support housing searches, applications, viewings, and tenancy prep.
• Assist access to income supports, IDs, and housing benefits.
• Advocate and support informed choice, independence, and self-determination.
• Maintain confidential records and participate in team planning.

Skills

Strong communication

Relationship-building

Advocacy

Problem-solving

Conflict-resolution

Independent work

Documentation

Education

Diploma or degree in Social Work / related field

Job description

The Indigenous Housing Case Manager provides culturally grounded, trauma-informed, and person-centred support to Indigenous individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or barriers to maintaining safe and appropriate housing.

Reporting to the Coordinator of Indigenous Housing, the Case Manager works alongside community members to identify housing goals, develop individualized plans, navigate housing and income-support systems, connect with internal and external services, and strengthen long-term housing stability. The role recognizes that housing is connected to culture, safety, belonging, wellness, dignity, and self-determination.

Who You Are & What You Carry

You believe housing is a human right and understand the systemic barriers Indigenous people may experience when accessing and maintaining housing. You approach community members with respect, compassion, consistency, and accountability while maintaining clear professional boundaries.

You are:

• Rooted in or committed to Indigenous values, cultural safety, and community well-being
• Compassionate, dependable, and able to remain grounded in complex situations
• A relationship-builder who communicates respectfully and works collaboratively
• Organized and able to manage documentation, appointments, housing plans, and follow-up
• Committed to strengths-based, harm-reduction, and trauma-informed approaches
• Open to learning from community members, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, colleagues, and partners

What You’ll Do

Housing Case Management

• Complete culturally safe intake, assessment, and ongoing case-management processes with individuals and families
• Work with community members to identify housing goals and develop individualized housing and stabilization plans
• Support housing searches, applications, viewings, landlord communication, tenancy preparation, and move-in coordination
• Help community members access income supports, identification, rent supplements, housing benefits, and other programs
• Provide practical support to help community members maintain housing, address tenancy concerns, and reduce the risk of eviction
• Advocate alongside community members while supporting informed choice, independence, and self-determination

Culturally Grounded and Holistic Support

• Provide support that is culturally safe, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and responsive to each person’s circumstances
• Recognize the impacts of colonization, intergenerational trauma, systemic discrimination, poverty, and displacement on housing experiences
• Connect community members with cultural supports, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and First Light programs when requested and appropriate
• Support referrals and warm connections to health, mental-health, addictions, legal, employment, family, and community services
• Respect confidentiality, privacy, professional boundaries, and the dignity of every community member

Partnerships and Coordinated Care

• Work collaboratively with First Light programs and external service providers to coordinate wraparound support
• Build and maintain respectful relationships with landlords, housing providers, government departments, and community organizations
• Participate in case conferences, team meetings, and collaborative planning while sharing information in accordance with consent and privacy requirements
• Represent First Light professionally and contribute to positive relationships across the housing and homelessness sector

Documentation and Accountability

• Maintain timely, accurate, respectful, and confidential case notes, consent forms, service plans, referrals, and other required records
• Track housing outcomes, service activities, follow-up actions, and program information required for organizational and funder reporting
• Provide regular updates to the Coordinator of Indigenous Housing regarding outcomes, emerging needs, risks, and service pressures
• Follow First Light policies, program procedures, privacy requirements, health and safety practices, and professional standards
• Respond appropriately to urgent situations and complete required incident documentation and follow-up

Team and Organizational Responsibilities

• Participate actively in team meetings, supervision, training, reflective practice, and professional development
• Contribute to a supportive workplace culture grounded in respect, collaboration, accountability, and community
• Support outreach, community engagement, and housing-related initiatives as required
• Perform other related duties within the scope of the position as assigned

Skills, Experience & Requirements

We recognize that knowledge and strength come through many pathways, including lived and living experience, cultural teachings, community care, professional experience, and formal education.

To be eligible for this role, you must have:

• A diploma or degree in Social Work, Child and Youth Care, Indigenous Studies, Community Development, Human Services, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered
• At least two years of relevant experience providing one-on-one, family, housing, homelessness, or community-based support
• Understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and contemporary realities, with a commitment to cultural safety and Indigenous-led services
• Knowledge of housing insecurity, homelessness, tenancy challenges, and systemic barriers affecting Indigenous people
• Strong communication, relationship-building, advocacy, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to work independently, collaborate effectively, manage competing priorities, and respond calmly to complex situations
• Strong documentation and organizational skills, including the ability to maintain accurate and confidential records
• A valid driver's licence, access to a reliable vehicle, and a satisfactory driver's abstract
• A satisfactory Record of Conduct and Vulnerable Sector Check, which may be obtained during the hiring process

Assets

• Experience navigating local housing, income-support, and community-service systems
• Experience supporting people affected by trauma, mental-health concerns, substance use, family violence, or other complex barriers
• Training in First Aid and CPR, ASIST, Mental Health First Aid, TCI, harm reduction, trauma-informed practice, or related areas
• Experience working within an Indigenous organization or community-based setting

Working Conditions

• Work is completed in office, community, housing, and outreach settings
• Local travel is required to attend appointments, housing viewings, meetings, and community visits
• Some flexibility in working hours may be required based on program and community needs
• The role involves regular exposure to complex and emotionally demanding situations and requires sound judgment, boundaries, and self-awareness

Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.

First Light celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all members of our team. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of Indigenous identity or status, lived experience, national or other origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, or other characteristics.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals who carry lived experience expertise, acknowledging the value and alignment with First Light's organizational goals. We're committed to supporting candidates throughout the application process by accommodating any disability-related requests.