Housing Mentor - Independent Living with Supports - Full Time

The Link is hiring! Come grow with us, walk along side people in our community as we grow strong & resilient together. We are seeking candidates with strong character that share our vision for a brighter future; people of action who can support the resilience and potential in people. We honour and strive to model through our actions the traditional Seven Teachings of the Anishinabe: Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, and Humility & Truth.

SUMMARY: 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

Team Collaboration & Leadership

• 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 trauma
  • Indigenous cultural safety practices
  • Harm reduction
  • Strength-based and solution-focused approaches
• Experience supporting youth facing:
  • Housing instability
  • Child welfare involvement
  • Mental health and substance use challenges
  • Justice system involvement
• Knowledge of community resources and housing legislation
• Strong 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.

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must demonstrate in their resume and cover letter how they meet the requirements of the position.

Please submit a cover letter and resume (in word of PDF).

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities upon request. If you are contacted by The Link regarding a job opportunity, please know that you are welcome to request accommodations at any point in the process. All information received regarding accommodations will be kept confidential.

The Link is an equal opportunity employer, Indigenous people, women, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The Link is committed to developing and retaining a diverse workforce. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. For further information about our other employment and volunteer opportunities please visit https://thelinkmb.easyapply.co/

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