Indigenous Advocacy Researcher

Position Summary 

Kelowna Gospel Mission (KGM) is a faith-based non-profit organization committed to feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and helping the hurting. KGM ministers to the whole person, spirit, soul, and body by sharing Jesus with a servant’s heart. Our services include outreach, case management, emergency shelters, dental clinic, thrift store, and supportive housing. To learn more, check out our website at www.kelownagospelmission.ca

We are looking for an Indigenous Advocacy Researcher to join our dynamic team. In this unique role, you will play a pivotal part in helping us understand and shape our services for Indigenous persons and communities. Your work will focus on two key areas:

• Assessing and Helping Shape Our Practices: In this role, you will take a deep dive into our current practices for Indigenous individuals. Identifying gaps and barriers, your role is to recommend improvements. Conducting interviews and research will be key, ensuring our practices align with Indigenous community needs
• Making a Tangible Impact: Your role extends beyond assessment; it’s about making a real difference. You will build and nurture relationships with partner agencies and community stakeholders to enhance collaboration and create positive change. Furthermore, you will collect and share compelling stories from our residents and clients, both to highlighting the impact of our services on Indigenous individuals and families and to help us see where we can improve.

Job Description:

• Evaluate services for Indigenous individuals, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
• Examine collaborations with Indigenous support services, identifying growth opportunities.
• Assess the needs of Indigenous individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Conduct research to inform best practices for serving Indigenous residents.
• Provide reports summarizing findings and areas for improvement in serving Indigenous persons.
• Facilitate partnerships with Indigenous agencies and service providers.
• Build relationships with residents, ensuring cultural safety, and gathering impact stories.
• Participate in employee education as needed.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree or ongoing graduate-level study in a related field (e.g., Social Work, Indigenous Studies, Anthropology) is required.
• Experience in community or social service work is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential situations with care and integrity.
• Experience in research methods with a qualitative focus is an important asset.
• Knowledge of culturally safe and trauma-informed practice is a key asset.
• Familiarity with Indigenous frameworks, approaches to practice, and ways of being.
• Understanding of the Truth & Reconciliation Committee’s 94 Calls to Action and their relationship to reconciliation.
• Ability to interact and collaborate with a diverse group of social services professionals and support service personnel.
• Experience working with those experiencing homelessness or addiction is an asset.
• A clean driving record and current driver’s license are required

Compensation: This role offers a flexible 12-15 hours per week, allowing for work-life balance. Compensation is an hourly rate of $23-$26/hr, reflecting your skills and expertise.

We are committed to selecting the right candidate for this role and will continue accepting applications until we find the ideal fit. We encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience to be considered for this opportunity. We look forward to receiving your application and learning more about how you can contribute to our mission.