PAQ

Hiring preference will be given to qualified candidates who identify as Indigenous. 

PAQ is an Indigenous organization that accompanies First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples facing housing insecurity in Tio’tià: ke / Montréal. Using a culturally adapted approach based on empowerment and harm reduction, we offer shelter, housing options and services that promote healing, well-being and community. We work in partnership to advocate for the health and housing rights of urban Indigenous Peoples. 

 

Job Purpose 

Reporting to the Transition Housing Program Coordinator, the Transition Housing Intervention Worker provides critical psycho-social supports to First Nations, Metis and Inuit women and men living in PAQ’s transitional studio apartments. The person in this role also plays a supervisory role to keep the transition housing premises safe, ensuring compliance with housing policies, and providing crisis intervention to residents on an as-needed basis. 

The Transition Housing Intervention Worker meets regularly with residents to provide support to develop abilities and skills required for living autonomously. He or she will promote a healthy lifestyle and provides counselling and intervention support on various immediate and longer-term social and psychological issues such as housing, health care, employment, finances and other basic needs. The Intervention worker uses a culturally adapted approach that encompasses Indigenous traditions, culture, and world view. By encouraging residents to develop within the PAQ community, and performing occasional mediation between residents, the Intervention Worker helps foster the creation of a safe and welcoming community. Mental health issues, conjugal and other forms of violence may be part of the caseload that requires solid crisis management skills. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Establish a bond of trust with residents through active listening and positive interactions. 
• Provide a physical presence during evenings and weekends at PAQ’s transitional housing to ensure safety and compliance with housing policies, offer an active listening ear to residents, and provide crisis management support when needed. 
• Support the Transition Housing Program Coordinator to provide holistic and comprehensive clinical case management to Transition Housing residents and external referrals using a culturally adapted trauma-informed approach.
• Intervention services include:
  • intake assessment
  • accompaniment and referrals
  • goal setting
  • long- and short-term case plan development
  • progress monitoring and follow-up. 
• Support the Transition Housing Program Coordinator to design intervention or action plans with residents tailored to their individual needs and that meet their objectives; provide support and encouragement to residents to implement their plans. 
• Build knowledge and networks of other partner services, programs, and resources to support referrals, and follow-up. 
• Maintain clinical case files 
• Update and manage statistics and produced monthly activity reports. 

Other: 

• Infuses a spirit of excellence and innovation within PAQ culture and working environment. 
• Promotes PAQ’s values at work and externally 
• Other duties, as assigned 

Required Values and Attributes 

1. Demonstrate understanding and commitment to reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous peoples 

2. Personal qualities of integrity, empathy, and dedication to PAQ’s mission 

3. Able to problem solve and demonstrate persistence in resolving issues. 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

1. Minimum two years’ experience working in a similar intervention or social work role, preferably within the Indigenous community or social housing sectors. 

2. Minimum one year experience with community organizing, animating and good knowledge of culturally relevant Indigenous activities 

3. Bilingualism: proficient in spoken French and English is mandatory; knowledge of an Indigenous language is a significant asset 

4. Outstanding ability to motivate and to inspire others to participate and engage 

5. Knowledge and understanding of the impact of intergenerational trauma and on-going realities in Indigenous communities, urban barriers, and Indigenous social issues. 

6. Knowledge of various community and governmental health, housing, and legal services 

7. Ability to communicate well with team members and use a collaborative approach 

8. Experience in mediation and or cooperative living. 

Required Academic or Other Qualifications 

1. Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field, or equivalent work experience 

2. First Aid certificate 

Other Requirements 

• Able to work evenings and weekends 

Contract:  Full-time, permanent contract (35 hours per week) 

Location:  Downtown Montreal at the PAQ transition housing. This is an on-site role and cannot be carried out remotely. 

Remuneration and benefits: $20.80/hour, Group insurance plan, 3 week’s paid vacation, 10 paid sick/personal days per year 

Schedule: Wednesday to Sunday, 3:30 pm to 10:30 pm