Intervention Worker (full-time)

The typical client profile is urban Indigenous people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and those who do not have a fixed address. The Native Friendship Centre works closely with other agencies including law enforcement to provide intervention services and follow-up. Applicants must be able to pass a criminal background check.

Accountability

Under the immediate supervision of the Services Coordinator, the Intervention Worker is responsible for the delivery of integrated direct services and interventions resulting in the referral, crisis response, psychological and emotional support, intervention counseling guidance, community liaison, and assistance to Indigenous clients who are involved. Hes/he will also work closely with Centre partners to target and assist Indigenous clients in urban settings. He/she will also work closely with NFC personnel and external agencies to provide counselling, intervention, assistance, support, referral to Indigenous clients who are street involved.

It is important that intervention workers serve as positive role models by demonstrating community citizenship to the public at large while upholding the rules and regulations of the Centre. Attendance staff meetings and training workshops is also required.

Qualifications

• Studies in social work or social sciences;
• Bilingualism (French-English) spoken and written is required for the position; an Indigenous language is a strong asset;
• Must be available to work days and evenings from Monday to Friday;
• Must have a strong professional experience working with Indigenous peoples and understanding of different issues they face in an urban setting;
• Experience and knowledge of different community resources;
• Good active listener and non-judgmental;
• Motivated and enthusiastic team spirit;
• Reliable, punctual, honest, professional;
• Flexible and adaptable;
• Experience in individual and group intervention;
• First Aid, CPR and ASIST certification an asset;
• Culturally-competent regarding the values, traditions and belief systems of Indigenous peoples is a strong asset

Responsibilities

• Use culturally appropriate methods through activities, services and specialized interventions to stabilize and improve the living conditions of clients and to meet urgent needs;
• Operate a day centre to facilitate daily access to basic services for clients such as hot meal program, clothing, shower/laundry facilities, information, counseling, and referral as well as cultural and emotional supports;
• Offer weekly cultural gatherings to promote physical, cultural, emotional, and spiritual aspects of holistic health and well-being;
• Provide self-serve cold breakfasts and hot lunches daily;
• Community liaison and referrals internally or to other service organizations as required while ensuring that the needs of the individual are respected;
• Organize culturally relevant workshops as well as access to a traditional healer to help Indigenous individuals to reconnect with their culture;
• Provide access to facilities such as phone, fax, internet, and computer;
• Ensure perimeter of building is kept clear of ice and snow and free of obstructions
• Actively participate in team debriefing sessions, staff meetings, etc.;
• Other duties/responsibilities as delegated by Executive Director and the Services Coordinator

Working environment/hours

The work schedule is thirty-seven and one-half (37.5) hours per week, primarily weekday afternoons and evenings, but is subject to periodic variations according to organizational requirements. Attendance at events, meetings, training, and workshops is mandatory.