Are you passionate about supporting Indigenous peoples involved in the justice system through culturally supportive programming, life skills development, and community connection?

The Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society (ACEH) is seeking a YEK’AUTW (Place of Hope) Justice Life Skills Instructor to facilitate cultural, recreational, and life skills programming for Family Members participating in the YEK’AUTW program.

The Justice Life Skills Instructor will facilitate two weekly evening sessions focused on practical life skills, empowerment, cultural connection, recreation, and community participation. This role will work closely with the YEK’AUTW Justice Team and ACEH housing teams to create meaningful opportunities for Family Members to build skills, strengthen relationships, and support their goals.

WHO WE ARE The Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness (ACEH) has a vision to lead long-term, systemic change to better meet the needs of our people living away from home and experiencing homelessness.

Our work is centered on the voices of Indigenous peoples who have shared their immediate needs, lived experiences, and perspectives on solutions. Through research and experience, we have learned that a culturally-supportive model of care is key, and strategies that include cultural supports provide better outcomes in terms of transitioning and sustaining housing for Indigenous people experiencing homelessness. Our goal is to build a culturally safe community and provide opportunities for reconnection to family and ancestral lands, culture, and tradition, to strengthen Indigenous identity and purpose.

Our Vision: Our way is to care for all our people, from the youngest to the oldest. We are all one. Some of our people living away from home are suffering, isolated and homeless. We stand together to end homelessness.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION

You are required to submit a resume and cover letter that highlights Indigenous ancestry, Indigenous community/organization involvements, education, certification, relevant experience, and how your knowledge, skills, and abilities will support and contribute to ACEH and our community through a cultural lens. Applications missing this information will be automatically screened out of the selection process.

Applications will be received until the position is filled. Only qualified candidates will be shortlisted and interviewed.

This position is open to all applicants. Preference will be given to qualified candidates with Indigenous ancestry. The ACEH values strength in diversity. As an inclusive employer that celebrates the gifts of all its employees, we encourage members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community to apply.

JOB DETAILS

Location: ACEH Office – 1809 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC; designated event locations; and other ACEH locations as directed

Travel: Required

Position Type: Part-Time

Hours: 10 hours per week

Compensation: $32.45 per hour





This position is included in the bargaining unit and requires union membership. Union dues will be deducted in accordance with the Collective Agreement.

Position Overview The YEK’AUTW Justice Life Skills Instructor facilitates two weekly evening sessions for Family Members involved in the justice system. The role focuses on creating welcoming and culturally supportive opportunities for participants to develop practical life skills, build confidence and independence, strengthen relationships, and connect with culture and community.

The Instructor will plan and facilitate activities based on the needs and interests of Family Members, while working collaboratively with the YEK’AUTW Justice Team and ACEH Housing teams.

KEY DELIVERABLES

- Organize and facilitate two weekly Life Skills training sessions for the YEK’AUTW cohort.
- Facilitate evening programming at SPAKEN House and House of Courage, providing opportunities for participants to engage in cooking, empowerment, recreation, socialization, budgeting, crafts, and team-building activities.
- Develop and facilitate programming focused on practical life skills, including:
- Financial literacy: budgeting, banking, and managing finances.
- Daily living: cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and home safety.
- Personal hygiene and health: physical health, grooming, and navigating health care systems.
- Social and interpersonal skills: communication, conflict resolution, and relationship building.
- Community participation: using public transit and navigating community resources.
- Cultural exploration: connection to culture, Elders, community, and reunification.
- Empowerment: fostering independence, self-esteem, self-advocacy, and social skills.
- Work collaboratively with the YEK’AUTW Team and House Managers to develop a monthly event calendar and promotional materials for Family Members and the Indigenous Street Community.
- Collaborate with the Justice Team to encourage and support Family Member participation in weekly sessions.
- Coordinate one cultural, land-based, or recreational social event per quarter.
- Develop a quarterly work plan outlining planned programming, activities, and anticipated expenses.
- Support programming that is culturally supportive, trauma-informed, inclusive, and responsive to the needs and interests of Family Members.
- Build respectful and meaningful relationships with participants and create a welcoming setting for learning, connection, and participation.
- Work collaboratively with ACEH staff, Elders, community partners, and other program supports as required.




- Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

- Demonstrated experience facilitating workshops, group programming, or educational activities.
- Experience coordinating activities, events, or community-based programming.
- Experience working with Indigenous peoples and/or communities is considered an asset.
- Experience working with individuals who have experienced homelessness, involvement with the justice system, mental health challenges, substance use, or other complex barriers is considered an asset.
- Experience facilitating cultural, recreational, wellness, or life skills programming is considered an asset.
- Knowledge of community resources and supports is considered an asset.

REQUIREMENTS

- Willing and able to complete a Criminal Record Check through the Ministry of Justice for working with vulnerable adults and youth.
- Valid BC Driver’s Licence.
- Access to a dependable working vehicle.
- Ability and willingness to travel to designated event locations and other ACEH locations as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

- Progressive understanding of persistent mental illness, addictions, trauma, and other challenges and how these impact people's overall health, well-being, and quality of life.
- Ability to work holistically, professionally, and non-judgmentally with a broad range of personalities, needs, cultures, lived experiences, and abilities.
- Ability to effectively respond and adjust to unexpected events, assess high-risk situations, problem-solve, provide crisis intervention, and manage conflict in a culturally supportive manner.
- Ability to work independently and effectively manage competing demands while adhering to deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Understanding of the intergenerational trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples as a result of colonization, Residential Schools, the Sixties Scoop, and other oppressive systems, as well as the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
- Ability to facilitate engaging, respectful, and inclusive group activities.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to create a supportive environment that encourages participation, confidence, independence, and self-advocacy.
- Strong organizational skills, including the ability to coordinate programming, schedules, supplies, and events.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to adapt programming to meet the diverse needs, interests, and abilities of participants.
- Ability to work collaboratively with the YEK’AUTW Team, Housing teams, Elders, Family Members, and community partners.
- Ability to incorporate cultural learning, connection, and community into programming in a respectful manner.
- Ability to model and encourage positive communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, and healthy relationship-building.
- Ability to work in a culturally supportive, trauma-informed, and non-judgmental manner.

📌 YEK’AUTW (Place of Hope) Justice Life Skills Instructor (Victoria)
🏢 Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness
📍 Victoria