Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre·Thunder Bay, Ontario
Provide one-to-one support to urban Indigenous individuals experiencing homelessness to help them navigate housing and adult service systems. Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team using a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach to coordinate essential services.
The Transitional Housing Outreach Worker’s primary responsibility is to support urban Indigenous individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of insecure housing, by providing responsive participant-based and one-to-one services. The Worker will support individuals in identifying, accessing and navigating adult service systems relevant to their housing needs. This position will use a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach and will collaborate with members of an interdisciplinary team to coordinate services and support in consultation with individuals and partnering programs.
Post-secondary education in Social Services or Child & Youth Services, or combination of the equivalent education and/or a minimum of two years of work experience with young adults. Minimum 2 years of experience, preferably in residential, housing, outreach or shelter setting. Knowledge of Indigenous culture and history, with particular emphasis on family violence, child welfare, impacts of trauma, Indigenous youth engagement and community outreach; knowledge of an Indigenous language(s) will be considered an asset. Knowledge of issues related to homelessness, insecure housing, and barriers to accessing shelter. Proven ability to deal effectively with crisis situations and to identify, assess, and intervene with youth in crisis. Knowledge of Indigenous service engagement and community outreach tools. Knowledge and understanding of flexible, diverse, traditional and non-traditional support, advocacy and intervention processes. Ability to engage people to build trust and rapport; effective verbal/listening communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office including database applications. Excellent case / file management skills, stress and time management skills; ability to meet deadlines. Group facilitation, team building and decision-making skills; ability to take initiative. Ability to work flexible hours, including shift work, evenings and weekends, and on-call for emergency response. Valid First Aid / CPR Certificate and Safe Food Handling certification is an asset. A clear Vulnerable Sector Clearance Check is a condition of employment. Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; will require a valid Drivers Abstract upon hiring.
Miigwetch to all who apply, however only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Requires post-secondary education in Social Services or Child & Youth Services and at least two years of experience in residential or outreach settings. Must possess a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and a clear Vulnerable Sector Clearance Check.
Market context
In Ontario, transitional housing outreach roles are typically driven by ongoing demand for staff who can support clients moving between housing, services, and community resources. These positions are competitive because employers often look for post-secondary training in Social Services or Child & Youth Services, two years of relevant residential or outreach experience, a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a clear Vulnerable Sector Clearance Check. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly confirm fit before applying.
