Are you passionate about Indigenous-led research, community-based healing, and supporting people with lived and living experience? The Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society (ACEH) is seeking a Research and Program Coordinator to lead and coordinate an innovative partnership between ACEH and the University of Victoria focused on Indigenous peer support, harm reduction, and wellness.
This position plays a key role in supporting the development, implementation, and evaluation of culturally informed peer support initiatives grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, traditional values, community knowledge, and diverse natural laws. Working alongside Elders, Knowledge Holders, peer workers, researchers, and community members, the Research and Program Coordinator will help strengthen peer support programming, build research capacity, and create meaningful opportunities for cultural connection, healing, and community wellness.
Who we are: We are a non-profit, registered charity and culturally supportive housing provider dedicated to supporting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Our work is Indigenous-led and governed and centers the voices of our Indigenous Street Community, whom we refer to as our Family Members.
Through building partnerships locally and across the Island, we identify and address systemic and structural barriers, share information, resources, and lessons learned, and provide Indigenized harm reduction, cultural support services, and housing.
Our Vision: Our way is to care for all our people, from the youngest to the oldest. We are all one. Some of our people living away from home are suffering, isolated and homeless. We stand together to end homelessness.
Application Submission: You are required to submit a resume and cover letter that highlights First Nations, Inuit, and Métis ancestry, community/organization involvements, education, certification, demonstrated contract experience, and how your knowledge, skills, and abilities will support and contribute to the ACEH and our community through a cultural lens.
Applications missing this will be automatically screened out of the selection process.
Preference will be given to qualified candidates with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis ancestry. The ACEH values strength in diversity. As an inclusive employer that celebrates the gifts of all its employees, we encourage members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community to apply.
Applications will be received until positions are filled. Only qualified candidates will be shortlisted and interviewed.
Job Details:
Position Type: Temporary Full-Time (32 hours per week, ending March 2027)
Locations: ACEH Office, 1809 Douglas St, Victoria, BC
Hours of Work: 32 hours per week, schedule to be determined.
Start Date: As soon as possible, contingent on receiving a Clearance Letter through the Criminal Record Check Review Program.
Travel Required: Yes.
Compensation and Benefits:
- $32.64 per hour
- Employer-matched RRSP (up to 5%)
- 3 weeks paid vacation annually (6% accrual, prorated)
- 5 paid sick days per year
- Additional sick leave accrued at 1 day per month
- 3 unpaid personal days per year
- Extended health and dental benefits
Union Dues: This position is part of the bargaining unit and is governed by the Collective Agreement (CA) between ACEH and the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU). For work performed at unionized locations, a deduction of 1.85% for union dues will be applied to your pay for each pay period, in accordance with the Collective Agreement, and remitted to the Union.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Development and Research
- Support the development and implementation of ACEH and UVIC's Indigenous Peer Support Program.
- Coordinate project workplans, timelines, deliverables, and reporting requirements.
- Assist with research activities, including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and community engagement sessions.
- Collect, organize, analyze, and report on qualitative and quantitative data.
- Support the development of curriculum, training resources, and program materials.
- Participate in project meetings and provide updates on project progress and outcomes.
- Support project evaluation and final reporting activities.
Cultural Liaison and Community Engagement
- Ensure project activities are culturally safe, trauma-informed, and grounded in Indigenous knowledges and practices.
- Facilitate culturally safe engagement sessions, circles, and consultations.
- Build and maintain relationships with Elders, Knowledge Holders, peer workers, community members, and partner organizations.
- Support participant recruitment, engagement, and retention throughout the project.
- Foster opportunities for cultural connection, land-based healing, and community wellness.
Training and Participant Support
- Coordinate peer support training sessions, workshops, gatherings, and community events.
- Support outreach, engagement, and follow-up with Family Members and participants.
- Coordinate participant registration, scheduling, transportation, and event logistics.
- Support facilitators, Elders, Knowledge Holders, and guest speakers during program activities.
- Coordinate participant communications, evaluations, and follow-up activities.
- Promote participant wellness, self-care, cultural connection, and professional development.
Administration and Project Coordination
- Maintain accurate records, databases, project files, and documentation.
- Coordinate meetings, agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions.
- Track project expenses, participant reimbursements, and administrative requirements.
- Support day-to-day coordination between ACEH, UVIC, and community partners.
- Ensure project activities align with funding requirements and reporting obligations.
Requirements:
- Valid Class 5 BC Driver's License and access to a reliable vehicle.
- Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check through the Criminal Records Review Program as a condition of employment.
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support community events, training sessions, and engagement activities.
- Ability to work both independently and in community-based environments.
Qualifications and Educational Experiences:
- Diploma or degree in Indigenous Studies, Social Work, Human Services, Community Development, Psychology, Public Health, Education, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, lived/living experience, and community knowledge.
- Minimum two years of experience coordinating research projects, community initiatives, or related programs.
- Experience working with Indigenous communities and organizations.
- Experience working alongside people with lived and living experience.
- Experience facilitating workshops, training sessions, or community engagement activities.
- Experience with research, data collection, program evaluation, surveys, or focus groups is considered an asset.
- Experience supporting individuals on wellness, healing, recovery, or housing journeys.
- Experience coordinating events, programs, or community initiatives.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of Indigenous cultures, teachings, protocols, and community-based approaches to wellness, healing, and recovery.
- Understanding of the impacts of colonization, Residential and Day Schools, the Sixties Scoop, systemic discrimination, and intergenerational trauma.
- Knowledge of harm reduction, trauma-informed practice, peer support principles, and recovery-oriented approaches.
- Understanding of the social and systemic factors that impact mental health, substance use, addictions, housing stability, and well-being.
- Strong relationship-building, facilitation, and communication skills.
- Ability to engage respectfully with Elders, Knowledge Holders, Family Members, and community partners.
- Strong organizational, project management, and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical practices.
- Experience maintaining records, databases, and project documentation.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, virtual meeting platforms, and administrative software.
- Demonstrated commitment to cultural safety, anti-oppressive practice, Indigenous self-determination, and community-led approaches to healing and wellness.
