Indigenous Advocate – Connector

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

Your work will focus on two key areas:

• To meet with indigenous and Métis residents and clients for the purpose of offering connection, extending cultural safety, and gathering stories of impact or need as appropriate;
• To provide feedback to those leading our services and programs with an eye to developing responses to identified gaps or barriers. This role will require conversation, holding space, relationship building and development with partner agencies, and story-gathering from residents and clients. There may also be an educational component that sees the person in this role contributing to team skills and practices.

Job Description:

• Evaluate services for Indigenous individuals, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
• Facilitating partnership with Indigenous agencies and service providers
• Meeting with residents and clients for the purpose of relationship-building, extending cultural safety, and gathering stories of impact or need.
• Assessing the needs of Indigenous individuals experiencing homelessness in our community.
• Providing reports based on your interactions,
• Participate in employee education as applicable.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a work-related field (e.g., Social Work, Indigenous Studies, Anthropology), or equivalent experience.
• Experience in community or social service work an asset;
• Experience working with those experiencing homelessness or addiction is an asset;
• Demonstrated ability to deal with highly sensitive and confidential situations with care and integrity;
• Experience in research methods with a qualitative focus is an asset;
• Knowledge of culturally safe and trauma-informed practice is a key asset;
• Knowledge of Indigenous frameworks, approaches to practice, and ways of being;
• Knowledge 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;
• Clean driving record and current driver’s licence.

Skills Requirements

• Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite products;
• Demonstrates ability to manage time, prioritize, and meet deadlines, while performing tasks efficiently both independently and as a part of a dynamic culturally diverse team;
• Clear understanding of collaborative processes and demonstrated ability to implement initiatives in a respectful manner that is inclusive and culturally safe, understanding that “culturally safe” is defined by the recipient of the services.

Compensation: This role is on contract ending July 31, 2024 and offers a flexible 30 hours per week, allowing for work-life balance. Compensation is an hourly rate of $23-$25.85/hr, reflecting your skills and expertise.