MSSI – Financial Navigator

Kenora Chiefs; Canada; On-site; CAD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Kenora Chiefs Advisory seeks a Financial Navigator to support Anishinaabe individuals across eight First Nations. The role focuses on tax preparation, benefits access, budgeting coaching, and ID assistance, delivered with trauma-informed, culturally grounded practices.

The position is full-time until March 31, 2029, based at Niisaachewan, Ontario, with travel across affiliated communities. Strong collaboration, organizational, and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in social work, community development, finance, or related field.
• Familiarity using tax preparation software.
• Experience with Indigenous communities or vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of government benefits and tax filing processes.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
• Experience working with First Nation communities.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
• Current satisfactory Criminal Reference Check with vulnerable sector search.

Responsibilities

• Tax Filing & Notices of Assessment: Provide tax filing support tailored to clients’ needs.
• Benefits Navigation: Assist clients in obtaining benefits and ID documents.
• Financial Coaching: Deliver budgeting coaching and trauma-informed approaches.
• Community Outreach: Travel to eight First Nations to embed services and run workshops.
• Data Collection & Reporting: Track outcomes and contribute to funder reports.

Skills

Independence

Team collaboration

Computer skills

Organizational skills

Networking skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Facilitation skills

Time management

Education

Post-secondary education in social work or related field

Experience with tax preparation software

Experience with Indigenous communities or vulnerable populations

Knowledge of government benefits and tax filing

Trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices

Experience with First Nation communities

Job description

Position Description

The Financial Navigator is a member of Kenora Chiefs Advisory's Min-O-Qwe-Ke-Ga-Bwe'in Social Services Initiative (MSSI) Team. Under the direction of the Manager of Community & Social Programs, the Financial Navigator supports Anishinaabe individuals and those living with disabilities across eight affiliated First Nations. This role provides direct financial empowerment services including tax preparation, benefit access, financial coaching, budgeting support, and ID assistance. The Financial Navigator will deliver culturally grounded, trauma-informed services that promote financial stability and long-term independence.

Position Title: Financial Navigator (new position)

Department: Health Promotion, Min O Qwe Ke Ga Bwe'in Social Services Initiative

Term: Full-time contract, ending March 31, 2029

Starting Salary: 70,000

Location: 22 Band Office Rd, Niisaachewan, Ontario

Reports to: Manager of Community & Social Programs

Duties and Responsibilities

Tax Filing & Notices of Assessment

• Provide tax filing support tailored to clients’ unique needs.
• Assist clients in obtaining up-to-date Notices of Assessment to access benefits.

Benefits Navigation

• Support applications and renewals for ODSP, OW, GST/HST credits, CTB, Disability Tax Credit and other government programs.
• Offer one-on-one case management to overcome barriers like lost ID or unclear eligibility.
• Help clients obtain or renew essential identification documents

Financial Coaching

• Deliver personalized coaching on budgeting, credit, debt, and financial goal setting.
• Use trauma-informed, relational approaches rooted in Anishinaabe values.

Community Outreach

• Travel to KCA’s 8 affiliated First Nations to embed services in local events and outreach initiatives.
• Facilitate community-based workshops using plain language, storytelling, and Anishinaabemowin where possible.
• Adapt content based on community needs assessments.
• Build trust through role modeling and culturally respectful engagement.

Data Collection & Reporting

• Track service delivery, client outcomes, and touchpoints using standardized tools.
• Contribute to evaluation and reporting for funders and community stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Excellent computer skills, organizational skills, and networking skills
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Time management and organizational skills

Education and/or Experience

• Post-secondary education in social work, community development, finance, or related field.
• Familiarity using tax preparation software
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and/or vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of financial systems, government benefits, and tax filing processes.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
• Experience working with First Nation communities

Position Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and vehicle
• Extensive travel must be willing to travel
• Current satisfactory Criminal Reference Check with vulnerable sector search
• Understanding of Anishinaabemowin is an asset
• Must demonstrate cultural competency and awareness of the FN communities we serve

We are looking to grow our teams with people who share our energy and enthusiasm for creating the best experience for our clients and within KCA. Discover What’s Possible!

*Traditional practices involve burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar within the work setting