We are Community Leaders: Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc. is a nonprofit, community based; Indigenous-led human services organization that provides a range of Indigenous identified programs and services that focus on the wholeness, wellness and building on the strengths and resilience of Indigenous People.
The Opportunity: Velma’s House is an Indigenous led, low-barrier safe space for women and gender diverse folks who are unsheltered, experiencing sexual exploitation or gender based violence. Under the direction of the Manager and Coordinator, Heart Helpers play an important frontline role in supporting the day-to-day experience of relatives who access Velma’s House. This role is about building relationships, offering support, and helping ensure the space remains welcoming, secure, and responsive to community needs.
What You Will Be Doing… Welcoming and supporting relatives in a respectful, non-judgmental, and caring way
Walking alongside relatives by offering connection, support, and encouragement
Providing harm reduction support, including safer use supplies, education, and meeting people where they are at
Responding to drug poisoning/overdose situations, including following emergency protocols and administering Naloxone when needed
Monitoring the space to support safety and respond quickly when someone may be at risk
Supporting relatives in accessing health care, including nurses, physicians, and other supports
Connecting relatives to cultural supports such as Traditional Elders, Knowledge Sharers, ceremony, and traditional teachings
Assisting with system navigation,



advocacy, and goal setting
Providing access to essential needs such as meals, showers, laundry, clothing, and resources
Following all confidentiality and consent practices to protect the safety and dignity of relatives
Completing required documentation such as program stats and incident reports
Supporting overall safety in the space by following established protocols and procedures
Who You Are: Strong understanding of issues related to mental health, systematic barriers that the un-housed face, problematic substance use; sexual exploitation
Knowledgeable on community resources and systems within Winnipeg
Commitment to cultural reclamation practices and Ways of Being, Two-Eyed Seeing/Doing approach
Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and written
Understanding of harm reduction and trauma informed care
Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion; including issues impacting the 2SLGBTQ+ community
Team player who is able to work safely and collaboratively in fast-paced and high-needs environments
1-3 years of related training (mental health, family studies, gender-based violence, substance training, community health, etc.),



work experience, and combined lived experience are all valued
Satisfactory completion of recent (as of the last 6 months) Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search; Child Abuse Registry Check; Adult Abuse Registry check
Current Emergency First Aid Certificate and CPR is an asset
Mental Health First Aid; ASIST; Non Violent Crisis Intervention or related Crisis Management Training are all assets
Valid Manitoba Class 5 Driver’s License and access to a vehicle are considered assets
We are Proud to Offer: Competitive Salaries and Shift Premiums
Comprehensive and Immediate Benefits including Health and Dental
Long-Term Disability & Life Insurance
Employer Contributed RRSP; up to 5% match
Employee and Family Assistance Program with Consult + and Telus Health
Cultural Ways of Being; Mino Pimatisiwin Lodge, Knowledge Keepers and Kookums, medicine picking, sweats, ceremony, smudging on-site
Wellness Days, in addition to Vacation Days for full time employees
Work-life balance and casual dress
Training and Development opportunities
Free on-site parking
Social Planning Committee that facilitates employee appreciation and wellness events
Ka Ni Kanichihk remains committed to achieving employment equity; candidates are strongly encouraged to self-declare in their cover letter if they are of Indigenous ancestry.
Ka Ni Kanichihk thanks all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted

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📌 Velma’s House 24/7 Safe Space – Casual Heart Helpers (Manitoba)
🏢 Ka Ni Kanichihk
📍 Manitoba