OVERVIEW

Working closely with frontline staff, the Community Navigator will be responsible for providing direct support to community members who are involved with various government systems, including but not limited to Child and Family Services, Employment and Income Assistance, healthcare, and more. This position requires working knowledge of the complex barriers faced by inner-city communities, the ability to advocate on behalf of community members, and demonstrated experience engaging with one or more of the systems that inner-city communities are commonly engaged with. This will include people in various stages of system-involvement, from initiating needed supportive relationships, to navigating challenges, to the conclusion of system-involvement (ex. family reunification, successful EIA application, etc.). The Community Navigator will prioritize the needs of participants with a focus on dignity, autonomy, and empowerment.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Post-secondary education in social work or other field-related discipline. A combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum two years of experience working with Indigenous communities.
• Ability to work from a strength-based, culturally safe, harm reduction approach.
• Knowledge of the resources available in the community to women experiencing poverty, homelessness, violence, chaotic substance use, mental illness, etc.
• Experience working with and across diverse communities and identities, including racialized peoples, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, etc.
• Knowledge of the current and historical effects of colonization on Indigenous people and experience supporting people to access traditional practices, reclaim culture, and navigate the unique barriers they face.
• Lived or living experience of substance use, food or housing insecurity, system involvement (EIA, CFS, etc.) poverty, and/or other types of barriers faced by inner city communities is welcomed and respected.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Comfortable using standard office technology and computer programs.
• Strong self-awareness, able to engage complex situations with clarity and respect for all.
• Ability to work collaboratively with coworkers, community, and stakeholders.
• Highly organized and able to work independently.
• Able to be flexible and respond to shifting priorities.
• Strong problem-solving, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with various systems.

• Follow NPDWC policies, procedures, and respect guidelines.
• Maintain accurate participant files and statistical data.
• Prepare and submit a monthly report to the Manager of Operations & Administration.
• Ensure a high level of confidentiality for community members accessing services at NPDWC.
• Attend team meetings, learning gatherings, training, and other events as needed.
• Engage in clear and effective communication.
• Provide support and advocacy to participants who are system-involved, including but not limited to supporting family reunification plans, assisting with accessing EIA, housing support, and more.
• Engage and build relationships with other agencies that support community, including referrals to more specialized supports or advocacy.
• Obtain certification as a Protection Order Designate to support participants experiencing stalking or violence in accessing Protection Orders.
• Collect documentation for case planning with participants in collaboration with various agencies and systems.
• Attend court or other appointments with participants as needed.
• Assist with linking participants and their families to other services and supports in the community.
• Attend community events and meetings, sitting on community committees as appropriate.
• Support the frontline work of NPDWC by engaging with participants in the Drop-In, on patrol with Mama Bear Clan, and on other outreach initiatives as needed.
• Other duties as assigned, consistent with this job description and approved by Centre policies, procedures, and the Executive Director.