The Independent Living with Supports (ILS) Housing Mentor walks alongside youth and young adults (ages 18-21) who are transitioning to independent living. The Housing Mentor provides hands-on, relationship-based support to participants living in their own homes. Support is youth-driven and culturally grounded, recognizing the impacts of colonization, intergenerational trauma, and systemic barriers while uplifting identity, strengths, and community connection. This role focuses on building independence, strengthening life skills, maintaining housing stability, and supporting youth to reconnect to culture, community, and their own gifts.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Relationship & Cultural Connection

Build trusting, consistent relationships grounded in respect and authenticity

Walk alongside youth in a non-judgmental, trauma-informed, harm reduction framework

Support youth to explore cultural identity, ceremony, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community

Participate in cultural programming and land-based activities when applicable

Support reconnection with family and natural supports when safe and appropriate

Independent Living Skill Development
Support youth in developing practical and meaningful life skills, including:

Budgeting and financial literacy

Grocery shopping and meal preparation

Cleaning and household management

Time management and scheduling

Accessing transportation

Attending appointments

Education and employment readiness

Provide hands-on teaching and modelling — not just verbal direction.

Housing Stability & Tenancy Support

Assist youth in searching, viewing, and applying for housing

Support understanding of tenancy rights and responsibilities

Develop and maintain positive landlord relationships

Advocate alongside youth during tenancy disputes

Mediate conflicts and support eviction prevention





Ensure housing environments meet reasonable program standards while honoring dignity and autonomy

Systems Navigation & Advocacy

Support access to income assistance, ID replacement, benefits, and community resources

Connect youth to health, mental health, addictions, and cultural supports

Work collaboratively with community partners and landlords

Ensure contact notes and reports are complete, clear and accurate

Ensure receipts and program financial tracking are completed

Work collaboratively within the Skills4Life continuum of care

Participate in case consultations and team meetings

Provide mentorship to practicum students or new staff when required

Contribute to program development with an Indigenous lens

QUALIFICATIONS:

Post-secondary education in Child & Youth Care, Social Services, Indigenous Studies, or related field or Combination of education, lived experience, and community-based knowledge

Demonstrated understanding of:Impacts of colonization and intergenerational traumaIndigenous cultural safety practicesHarm reductionStrength-based and solution-focused approaches

Experience supporting youth facing:Housing instabilityChild welfare involvementMental health and substance use challengesJustice system involvement

Knowledge of community resources and housing legislation

Robust crisis de-escalation and conflict resolution skills

Ability to work independently and within a team

Flexible schedule as there are evening and weekend shifts

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Emergency First Aid & CPR Level C (or willingness to obtain)

Crisis De-escalation & ASIST training (or willingness to obtain)

Criminal record check, child and adult abuse registry checks, and prior contact checks with acceptable results (within the last 3 months)

Valid driver’s license and acceptable driver’s abstract

Access to reliable vehicle

SALARY RANGE: $20.05 - $23.86 per hour. Dependent on qualifications.

HOURS OF WORK: Monday - Friday, some days, evenings and weekends.

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📌 Lead Instructor (Manitoba)
🏢 Manitoba Institute of Trades & Technology
📍 Manitoba