Working under the direct supervision of the Director of Programs, the Support Advocate is located in the IRS Program Activity spaces and is responsible for providing a broad spectrum of effective and culturally appropriate services that are designed to promote the stability, recovery and community engagement of the IRS program.

The Support

Advocate shall have the ability and skills to work with constituents who may be oppositional and/or volatile, while at all times maintaining composure and behave in a professional and dignified manner.

The Support

Advocate shall ensure that all activities are undertaken in a manner that is consistent with, and complementary to, the Vision Statement, the Principles and Values and the policies and procedures of the Aboriginal Health & Wellness Centre.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Programming, Service Support and Drop-In:

- Collaborate with IRS staff to organize, plan, contribute to overall programing activities, events, and cultural ceremonies
- Shop for all program activity supplies, and program supplies as needed.
- Formulates and delivers support, treatment and healing strategies, based upon the individual beliefs and desires of the constituent, and including the provision of ongoing input and monitoring of progress, which utilizes an appropriate combination of traditional methods and values partnered with access to contemporary physical, emotional and psychological services. Such services and other needed services may be provided to constituents in any environment including: the streets, shelters, correctional facilities, hospitals, apartments, office, etc
- Provide individually and Group services to support constituents in the following areas: housing, eviction prevention, activities of daily living, health, wellness self-management, relapse prevention, money management & entitlements, medication support, self help & empowerment, problem solving, family life & social relationships, appointment escorts, integrated substance use treatment, family counseling, etc
- Maintains an awareness of agencies, programs and supports providing community and culturally based health, wellness and lifestyle supports to members of the Aboriginal community, for the purpose of promoting and providing appropriate constituent referrals in order to ensure an effective integration of programs so that a comprehensive service delivery model can be developed on a both individual and group constituent basis
- Lead groups, workshops,



and in-services on topics such as substance abuse, safe sex, domestic violence, etc.
- Coordinate and monitor referrals to community services and advocate constituent participation
- Facilitates, and provides support to, individual and group activities such as personal counseling sessions, Sharing Circles, Sweats and Retreats which are designed to provide a base of personal knowledge and reference to constituents through individual and shared interactions and discussions
- Ascertain and interpret group interest, evaluate and manage the daily operations of the drop-in Centre, evaluate equipment, order supplies and adapt activities to meet the needs of the constituents.
- Is an advocate with other agencies, organizations and individuals for the purpose of developing self-sufficiency and independence on behalf of constituents
- Organize and participate in social activities with constituents in the community

Administration:

- Maintain written and computerized records, compile reports and complete other program documentation (e.g., S.O.A.P. notes, progress reports, incident reports, on-call logs, letters, assessments, etc)
- Maintains a thorough and accurate record of all constituent contacts, personal visits and appointments, agency referrals and document progress towards achieving the goal(s) and objective(s) established collaboratively with each constituent
- Adheres to the definition of, and reporting procedures for, suspected instances of child abuse as set forth in the Child and Family Services Act
- Perform related work as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

- Bachelor’s Degree which may include such disciplines and fields of study as: social work, rehabilitation practitioner, community development with an emphasis on counselling services, that meet the needs of the vulnerable population or a combination of education and experience deemed acceptable by AHWC
- Career experience in social services, supported housing, housing loss prevention, or with persons with addictions and/or mental health issues




- Previous practical experience in working within an Aboriginal-based community services providing physical, emotional, spiritual and social support to individuals and families through the application of an inter-disciplinary approach to service provision and information sharing.
- Ability to work with culturally diverse people and the familiarity with First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities and issues and challenges facing those choosing to move to Urban Centres is an asset.
- Exposure to or direct work history with principles of evidence-based practices, relationship/client centered approached, housing principles and harm reduction models;
- Excellent communication, writing, computer skills (MS Office) including a demonstrated proficiency in conducting individual / group counseling, leading group presentations and effectively dealing with situations of conflict and stress
- Experience working independently in a fast paced environment with competing demands and frequently tight time lines.
- Demonstrated capacity to function effectively in a working team environment.
- All required documentation is the responsibility of the staff and needs to be up to date Certifications Credentials/Professional Registration;
- Possess a valid Province of Manitoba Driver’s License and a suitable vehicle for work-related transportation

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: · Possess a detailed knowledge of applicable legislation and / or regulations governing the rights and obligations of individuals / families seeking support from the Centre.

- Adheres to the definition of, and reporting procedures as legislated by the Province of Manitoba i.e. the Child and Family Services Act etc.
- Working in a team environment with cultural groups, high needs, and marginalized populations;
- Able to work independently and utilize sound judgment to perform all assigned duties with minimal supervision.
- Able to exercise discretion, compassion, empathy and maintain confidentiality.
- Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with constituents, co-worker, management team and community agencies.
- Demonstrated capacity to function effectively in a working team environment.
- A confident self starter able to meet challenges and to overcome obstacles.
- Demonstrated capacity to function effectively in a team workplace

Job Types: Permanent, Full-time Pay: $30.25-$35.04 per hour

Experience

- Community Engagement Occupations: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Support Advocate (Winnipeg)
🏢 Aboriginal Health u0026 Wellness Centre of Winnipeg
📍 Winnipeg