Social Navigator & Intake Worker- On Call

PROGRAM AREA: Shelter/Transitional Housing
POSITION TITLE: Social Navigator & Intake Worker- On Call
DURATION: Full-Time Permanent Position
CLOSING: July 16, 2025

Position Summary:
Wasauksing First Nation is accepting applications for On-Call Social Navigator & Intake worker (Weekend Shifts Days, Evenings, Nights, Weekday). We are looking for compassionate, caring and self-driven individuals to join shelter team. Under the direct supervision of the Housing Manager, the Social Navigator provides non-judgmental support, attends the 24 hour intake line, advocacy and resource information to potential on and off reserve Indigenous residents and shelter guests overnight. They act as the first point of contact for men and women and children, welcoming new and returning users of the emergency domestic violence/intimate partner violence shelter, providing a calm process of shelter intake procedures, immediate crisis counselling and referrals to other supportive social services as necessary.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Be a leader in maintaining a warm, welcoming, respectful, and non-judgmental environment, while ensuring the support and security of staff, volunteers and guests.
• Interview clients individually, in families, or with referral source, to assess their situation and needs to determine eligibility and types of services required.
• Provide informal counselling in crisis and assist clients in organizing a plan of safety.
• The Shelter values and protects confidentiality of client information. All staff are to ensure clients personal information is safeguarded appropriately.
• Provides referrals to appropriate resources i.e. community resources including housing supports, mental health, ODSP, OW, treatment centres, child and family services, legal/family law, financial needs and other shelters if they are not admitted.
• Keep up to date with Wasauksing Health and Social service program opportunities for WFN guests.
• Completes and maintains related records including intake registration, service requests and referrals if not admitted.
• Duties will also include completing bag, purse and pocket checks, a tour of the facility, review of general housekeeping policies and procedures upon admittance.
• Maintains the smooth operation of the emergency shelter by knowing who is in the building, managing the entrance door as necessary, and graciously declining entry to non-shelter users.
• Maintain daily documentation and information sharing with staff (i.e. incident report forms, statistic reporting, attending Shelter meetings and monthly all-staff meetings. Share community information to all staff and the community as it pertains to our daily work at the shelter. Liaise with the shift staff Shelter Manager/Supervisor, Case Managers, Program Coordinator etc. with guest concerns.
• Seek out opportunities for supplies, partnership opportunities and donations to support guests (clothing, toiletries, food, move-out start up furniture and supplies).
• Organize and coordinate Donation deliveries.
• Ensure the safe and sustainable programming at the Shelter while maintaining and upholding a guest-centered approach.
• Stay observant of the environment and provide calming intervention as required to ensure the safety of everyone and policies are being respected.
• Maintain a strong understanding of all shelter policies and procedures.
• Commitment to develop and grow skills, using critical thinking and judgement in your interactions with the community we serve.
• Commitment to practice self-reflection, empathy, truly seeing and hearing the experience of shelter guests.
• Focus on the safety and wellbeing of children through support and empowerment of families.
• Establish and proactively maintain healthy, collaborative, constructive, and supportive working environment.
• Provide relevant and appropriate advocacy and support to shelter guests while maintaining Shelter policies and Codes of Conduct.
• Engage in program development with shelter team.
• Performs a variety of duties specific to the operation of safe home i.e. general clean-up of communal areas, program activities and food prep.
• Assist in facilitation/coordination of programs for guests as needed.
• May occasionally be required to participate in incident investigation, including providing written statements or other documentation as necessary.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures of Wasauksing First Nation and any other relevant policies and procedures from external agencies and partners
• Perform other duties within the scope of the position as assigned by the Manager Or Supervisor

Education & Experience:

• A degree in social work/counselling psychology, social service worker diploma, an asset, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum 2-3 years’ experience working in front line in social service delivery is required.
• Current full registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers an asset.
• First Aid & CPR Training an asset.
• WHIMIS Certified is an asset.
• Food Safe Level 1 is an asset.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Suicide Prevention and Intervention and Trauma Informed Care training are assets.
• Position does not require driving clients, however, a valid Ontario license an asset.
• Ensure appropriate security measures for facilities and checks are conducted.
• A strong analysis of intimate partner violence with an understanding of power and its intersection with gender, race, culture, class, ability, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and age.
• Significant understanding and knowledge of systemic barriers and oppression rooted in colonization, Indigenous-specific racism, transphobia, classism, misogyny, moralism, ableism and how they impact First Nations.
• Lived and living experience as an Indigenous person or demonstrated knowledge of, or commitment to learn, culture, protocols, traditions, and ideology of Indigenous Peoples and organizations in the district of Pary Sound.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous worldviews and perspectives of health, wellness and traditions of caring.
• Knowledge of surrounding community supports and services, proven ability to navigate the social welfare, public health, justice system, and child welfare, (i.e. poverty reduction, housing, emergency medical care, detox and addictions services, and Non-Insured Health Benefits).
• Knowledge of but not limited to Mental Health Act, Canadian Human Rights Act, Child and Family Services Act, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Housing Services Act, Bill 173, Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act.
• Knowledge of Family Law.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while maintaining inclusive and collaborative relationships with the rest of the shelter team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills (de-briefing, active listening, conflict resolution, de- escalation, problem solving, supportive) is essential.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, including strong computer literacy in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Sharepoint, Outlook, etc.).

Other Requirements: 

• Valid Driver's License and reliable personal vehicle
• Willing to work flexible hours as required, including evenings and weekends
• This position requires the individual to work with various families, youth and children. To protect children, youth and vulnerable persons, Wasauksing First Nation requires the individual to provide a vulnerable sector. Or criminal record check

Applications must be received no later than July 16, 2025
@ 4:00 pm

Please send your resume with a cover letter, contact information and two recent employment references to: Email: hradmin@wasauksing.ca              

 We also accept online applications through:
https://wasauksing.bamboohr.com/careers

 Or package may be dropped off at the following physical address:

Administration Office
1508 Geewadin Road Lane G
Wasauksing First Nation

Preference may be given to Indigenous candidates with relevant on reserve employment experience and/or those with knowledge and understanding of the Wasauksing First Nation History and Community.

“Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.  We wish to thank everyone for their application.”