Indigenous Advocate – 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

Your work will focus on two key areas:

• Assess our current practices and services with regards to Indigenous persons, as well as our relationships and interactions with services and agencies aimed at supporting Indigenous persons.
• Provide feedback to those leading our services and programs with an eye to developing responses to identified gaps or barriers.

This role will require inter-agency conversations, systems research with partner agencies, and documentation and reporting work. 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.
• 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 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.