Reports to: Housing Program Manager
Salary: $29.00-$31.00
Location: 14727 108 Ave, Surrey, BC.
Benefits: Extended Health Benefits, Group RRSP Plan, Paid time off, On-site parking, Wellness program including up to 10 paid days per year.
About FRAFCA:
The Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association is a non-profit organization that provides a diverse range of culturally safe and supportive services to Indigenous People residing in the Fraser Region. As a Friendship Center, we work to strengthen connections to culture, community and wellness and work from a decolonizing perspective. Our philosophy is to provide a culturally safe, collaborative wrap around model of care.
About Surrey:
The City of Surrey is one of 21 municipalities in Metro Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. We are located on the Lower Mainland on the south side of the Fraser River and share a border with the United States of America. Surrey is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Salish Peoples, including
the qicəy (Katzie), qʷɑ:nƛən (Kwantlen), and Semiahma (Semiahmoo) land-based nations.
Why FRAFCA:
- Opportunity to work alongside cultural knowledge keepers & Elders
- Holistic, culturally safe, approaches to serving our clients and community
- Freedom to share and observe own cultural practices (i.e. smudging in the office)
- Access WorkBC Employers Training grants and other bursaries to fund training & other professional development
- Extended Health Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Travel) and Employee Assistance Plan after 3-months on continuous employment
- Paid vacation days (up to 25 days based on years of service)
- Offices located along main transportation routes (Main office closely location to the Skytrain station);
- Parking available on-site
Term:
Position Summary:
The goal of the CANADA – BRITISH COLUMBIA HOUSING BENEFIT (CBCHB) Program is to provide Support Services for individuals who are experiencing Homelessness or At Risk of Homelessness. FRAFCA will assist thirty (30) recipients who are experiencing Homelessness and/or At Risk of Homelessness by providing Support Services to the recipients who will further receive funding from BC Housing.
Job Duties & Responsibilities:
The FRAFCA Housing Support Worker (CBCHB) will be supported by effective, consistent services that meet their basic needs and support physical and mental wellness.
1. The Housing Support Worker (CBCHB) will deliver Support Services, which are beneficial to recipients who are living in private market rental units.
Note: Support Services may be delivered to recipients directly in their private market units or in a group setting and will be delivered in a way that supports individuals to obtain and maintain safe residencies in a market setting.
2. The Support Services are intended to enhance system navigation for individuals experiencing Homelessness or At Risk of Homelessness and aims to address the intersecting realities of individuals who must access multiple systems to have their basic needs met.
3. If the Recipient moves, FRAFCA and BC Housing will work together to ensure the recipient continues to receive Support Services. If FRAFCA is unable to provide Support Services to the Recipient in their new community, BC Housing at its sole discretion, may adjust the Support Services budget accordingly. The Housing Support Worker (CBCHB) will work collaboratively with BC Housing to identify a replacement service provider in the new community if needed.
4. The Support Services include:
a. Indigenous Cultural Supports and Other Culturally Appropriate Services:
Indigenous cultural supports will play a crucial role in promoting healing through connections to land, culture, and community. These supports may include dedicated services, roles, events, and ceremonies. The Housing Support Worker (CBCHB) will:
- Ensure Accessibility: Integrate Indigenous cultural supports into various settings, ensuring they are accessible and designed to effectively support the target population.
- Distinction-Based Approach: Apply a distinction-based approach tailored to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in B.C., recognizing that cultural supports must be specific to each nation. The Housing Support Worker (CBCHB) will embed cultural safety and humility in all supports and settings, ensuring that the services provided respect and honor the unique cultural identities of those they serve.
b. Housing Support: Housing Support Worker (CBCHB) will strengthen coordination & integration of housing supports across different settings & ensure these supports are accessible & inclusive for the target population across settings. The Housing Support Worker (CBCHB) will promote housing stability & access to housing through:
· Tenancy/ housing support
· Landlord liaison
· Housing coordination
· Homeless/housing outreach
· Housing Coordination & liaison
· Security
· Building maintenance
· Personal living skills related to housing stability (maintaining a healthy space)
· Culturally safe supports
· Supports for people with pets
c. Social, Emotional, and Community Supports:
The Housing Support Worker (CBCHB) will facilitate connections to culturally safe programs and services within the community, aiming to promote overall well-being and a sense of belonging. These supports will include access to family services, recreational opportunities, crisis intervention, income education and employment supports, community-based mental health services, behavioral and social/emotional counseling, and multicultural and multilingual supports. The Housing Support Worker (CBCHB) will ensure the following:
· Community Inclusion: Encourage active participation and integration within the community.
· Education, Skill Development & Training: Provide access to educational resources, skill-building programs, and training opportunities.
· Peer Support Work Opportunities: Create avenues for peer support and mentorship roles.
· Financial Management: Assist with financial literacy and management.
· Paid Work Experiences: Facilitate access to paid employment opportunities.
· MCFD & PSSG Liaison: Act as a liaison with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) and Public Safety and Solicitor General (PSSG) to ensure coordinated support.
· Community Programming & Activities: Organize and promote community programs, such as art workshops, movie nights, and violence prevention initiatives.
· Family Programming: Develop and support family-centered activities and services.
· Community Programming for Distinct Groups: Cater to the needs of specific groups, including youth, seniors, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and others.
· Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate support during crises.
· Cultural & Multilingual Supports: Ensure the availability of culturally relevant and multilingual services.
· Community Mental Health Supports: Offer psychosocial and behavioral interventions to enhance mental health.
· Employment Support: Provide guidance and resources for securing and maintaining employment.
· Volunteer Opportunities: Create and promote volunteer roles that foster community engagement.
d. Personal living supports: The Housing Support Worker (CBCHB) will provide various levels of support to assist individuals with personal care and daily living skills. This includes tasks such as grocery shopping, laundry, pet management and care, crisis intervention, and assisting with arranging home care aide services. Additionally, the worker will support medication management and personal hygiene routines. Ensuring cultural safety and competency when providing these supports is a key responsibility.
The Housing Support Worker will also assist in providing or arranging access to essential items and services, including clothing, toiletries, hygiene supplies, furnishings, transportation, adaptive supports, technology, laundry, dental care, and other necessary resources to support clients' well-being and independence.
e. Food security supports: The Housing Support Worker will support the clients through:
Direct food access programs:
· Providing meals/food programs and services, including culturally preferable and traditional foods.
· Building capacity of community organizations, including Indigenous organizations, to expand food access programming.
Food and nutrition supports:
· Empower clients to autonomously access food in their community (e.g., grocery store vouchers/gift cards, coupons through the BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program)
· Provide equipment/infrastructure to support clients with food preparation in housing settings
· Strengthen/expand food access programming to include food literacy component where appropriate to support improved food knowledge and skills (e.g.: facilitated community kitchen model).
Note: The Housing Support Worker connecting the recipients/clients with community based supports and services (such as education, employment, health and life skills), will ensure all reasonable efforts will be made to take advantage of community resources such as social service organizations, community groups and qualified volunteers to enhance the activities and experiences of recipients/clients and to promote the recipients’ involvement and healthy engagement in the wider community
Reporting:
The Housing Support Worker (CBCHB) will:
· Ensure appropriate recordkeeping of Clients who are Housed remain Housed at six (6) and twelve (12) months to ensure the necessary reports are completed in a timely manner.
· Coordinate / assist the FRAFCA Housing Manager with the necessary information and date required for the Manager to submit the budgets to the funder in a timely manner
Qualifications and Experience Requirements
Education:
· A diploma or degree in Social Work, Human Services, Indigenous Studies, Community Support, or a related field.
· Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
Experience:
· Minimum of 2 years of experience working in community services, social work, or a similar role.
· Experience working with Indigenous communities and knowledge of Indigenous cultural practices is highly preferred.
· Experience in providing support services related to housing, mental health, addiction, or crisis intervention.
· Familiarity with community resources, especially those related to housing, employment, mental health, and cultural supports.
Skills and Competencies:
· Strong understanding of the social determinants of health, with a focus on housing and community support.
· Knowledge of trauma-informed care and cultural safety principles.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds.
· Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
· Proficiency in case management, including the ability to develop and follow through on support plans.
· Ability to work collaboratively with other service providers, community organizations, and government agencies.
· Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm in crisis situations.
· Familiarity with using technology for case documentation and communication.
Other Requirements:
· Valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle.
· Willingness to undergo a criminal record check.
· Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends as needed.
· First Aid certification
“Indigenous applicants strongly encouraged to apply-
*Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights code, preference will be given to Aboriginal Applicants.
We are committed to the National Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. FRAFCA is engaged primarily in promoting or serving the interests of Indigenous peoples, FRAFCA prioritizes employment to Indigenous peoples. Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants, unless that preference or employment would constitute a discriminatory practice under the Canadian Human Rights Act
Pay: $29.00-$31.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
