Job Description

Full-time position
Contract to March 31, 2026 with the possibility of extension

Context

Over 1/3 of homeless people in Ottawa are Indigenous. Wabano has been providing homelessness services to our community for over 20 years. But both “houselessness” and homelessness have negative connotations… at Wabano, we see our role more as “path finders”. Whether clients need help finding or keeping their home, our team is here to help clients create a safe, cozy place that they can feel pride in calling home.

Wabano is now looking for a Outreach Worker to be part of our “Home Team” working collaboratively within the Indigenous-specific coordinated access system in Ottawa. (See Appendix for more information on this system.)

The Role

As the Outreach Worker , you will be responsible for providing housing supports and community referrals for individuals who are living on the streets, shelters or are at risk of becoming homeless. Additionally, this position will be responsible for supporting the team in handling crisis situations and providing short-term crisis counselling to clients in order to stabilize them.

To meet these responsibilities, the Outreach Worker will:

• Serve as a first contact for clients and conduct intake in order to determine client needs and appropriate supports;
• Provide client-centered, culturally based supports to assist Aboriginal people with obtaining income supports, and other community services/resources to facilitate obtaining or retaining housing; accessing community legal, medical, financial assistance, housing, employment, transportation and other referral services;
• Develop strong relationships with partnering agencies and other Wabano workers in order to enhance support mechanisms for clients;
• Serve as an advocate for client/community members re: access to services, enhancing cultural sensitivity and respect;
• Promote Aboriginal beliefs, values and traditions that enhance health;
• Provide services to clients at a time and location which best meets their needs, which includes evenings and weekends as directed by manager;
• Complete admin tasks related to client care and organizational/funding requirements;
• Participate in Wabano events.

Qualifications:

• A valid Ontario class “G” or equivalent license with a clean driver’s abstract.
• Two years of hands on experience working with Aboriginal people who are homeless or at risk;
• Demonstrated knowledge, sensitivity and awareness of the history, culture, and unique needs of homeless urban Aboriginal people;
• Ability and willingness to patrol the street on foot in order to support individuals who homeless;
• Current Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certification or willingness to acquire the training;
• Knowledge, sensitivity, and awareness of history, and culture of the Aboriginal population;
• Ability to follow direction;
• Ability to function in a high pressure/high stress environment;
• Excellent oral and written communications and computer skills;
• Knowledge of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community resources and related services;
• Excellent time management skills, ability to multi-task and prioritize;
• Current CPR-First AID level C or willingness to acquire the training;
• Successful applicants will be required to provide a criminal record check.

Salary:

Range $50,000 per year + Benefits

Why Work for Us:

You would be a part of a collaborative and supportive work environment. Additionally, you would have access to:

• Collaborative and Supportive Work Environment;
• Comprehensive Group Health and Dental Insurance Coverage
• A Defined Benefit Pension Plan/ Employee Pension Plan with an equal contribution by Wabano (HOOPP)
• A Wellness Spending Account ( Renewed Annually)
• Critical Illness Coverage
• An Employee Assistance Program
• Four (4) weeks paid vacation time

Application Details

Please submit your application to jobs@wabano.com. Application materials include a cover letter and resume. This opportunity will remain open until filled, so tell us your story early!

Appendix

Contact email: jobs@wabano.com

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