Housing Services Relief Worker

Housing Services Relief Worker

Hours: As Needed

Wage: $23.23/per hour

Location: Multiple locations

Classification: Contract Casual

Position: Unionized

Existing Position: Yes

About Native Child:

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, (NCFST) strives to provide a life of quality, well-being, caring and healing for our children and families in the Toronto Indigenous Community. We do this by creating a service model that is culture-based and respects the values of Native people, the extended family, and the right to self-determination and through the integration of holistic, culturally based prevention services that are child centered, family focused, and community driven.

At Native Child, we are guided by our purpose: Honoring Our Roots, Embracing Our Future. We are inspired to be and do our best, recognizing the profound impact we have on our communities, our people, and our shared heritage. Our commitment to preserving and celebrating Indigenous culture drives us to be a leading force in our region. Here, you are welcomed into an inclusive and supportive environment that values each individual's contributions and fosters collective success.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Supervisor of Transitional Housing or the Supervisor of the Mdewgaan Healing Lodge, the Housing Services Relief Worker will:

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and secure environment by upholding the rules and expectations of the home.
• Provide supervision, guidance, and support to residents, emphasizing life skills, parenting, and social development.
• Collaborate with residents to identify housing, personal, and family goals, and offer ongoing support to achieve and sustain them.
• Deliver individualized supports, including crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and responsive interventions that promote stability and well-being.
• Plan, facilitate, and support group activities and programming focused on life skills, cultural connection, and community engagement.
• Assist residents with practical needs such as transportation, accompaniment to appointments, and access to community services and resources.
• Integrate culturally grounded, trauma-informed, and strength-based practices into daily interactions and program delivery.
• Coordinate referrals to counselling, cultural programs, groups, classes, and other relevant support services.
• Maintain the cleanliness, safety, and organization of program spaces, equipment, and supplies.
• Manage food inventory, complete bulk orders, and conduct grocery shopping as required.
• Prepare clear and timely written and verbal updates, assessments, and reports on resident progress and program participation.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case documentation in accordance with agency standards and timelines.
• Collaborate with the case manager to ensure coordinated, holistic, and continuous support for residents.
• Represent Native Child and Family Services of Toronto in a professional manner within the community and among partner networks.
• Be available to work assigned shifts and remain awake, alert, and responsive throughout the duration of each shift.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Shift times vary based on program needs and requirements (Current Shift Times: 8:00 a.m-4:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m-12:00 a.m., and 12:00 a.m-8:00 a.m.).
• Work location may vary according to program needs and requirements.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills:

• Post-secondary education in a Human Services field (e.g., BSW, CYC, CYW, SSW) or an equivalent combination of related education and relevant experience within the shelter, housing, or social services sector.
• Minimum of one (1) year of direct experience providing housing or support services within a transitional housing, emergency shelter, or group living environment.
• Preference will be given to candidates with Indigenous lived experience and/or a strong understanding of Indigenous cultures, values, and community experiences.
• Strong connection to and/or established relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
• Knowledge of resources and services available to Indigenous peoples related to housing, homelessness, addictions, mental health, and community well-being.
• Demonstrated ability to provide trauma-informed, culturally grounded, and strength-based supports that promote healing and well-being.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proven organization, initiative, and commitment to confidentiality.
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with residents, colleagues, and community partners, demonstrating interpersonal skill, tact, and cultural sensitivity.
• Commitment to integrating the Mission, Vision, and Values of Native Child and Family Services of Toronto into daily practice, service delivery, and professional relationships.
• Understanding of workplace health and safety practices and employee responsibilities under current legislation.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain prior to employment.
• Successful completion of a Police Vulnerable Sector and Broad Record Check (PVSBRC) is required.
• A valid Ontario Class G driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle are considered assets
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays, as required

Please note that the successful candidate will be required to complete a background check prior to employment.

Work Environment:

Working Conditions:

Work involves minimal physical or psychological risk, which could result from unavoidable exposure to dangerous situations or hazardous, disagreeable or uncomfortable working conditions

• Residential setting with multiple program locations across Toronto (eight in total)
• Residences include several internal and external staircases and are not equipped with elevators
• The position is often single-staffed and task-oriented, requiring a high level of physical activity, including household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and conducting perimeter checks
• Requires the ability to lift and carry items weighing between 30 and 50 pounds as part of daily household and program activities
• Overnight shifts are awake overnights, requiring staff to remain alert and responsive throughout the duration of the shift
• Shift times vary based on program needs and requirements and are subject to change

Current shifts include

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

12:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Additional Information

Interested in this role, but don't meet every requirement? We encourage you to apply online! We know from experience that a candidate doesn't need 100% of the qualifications listed to bring incredible value to our team.

Visit our LinkedIn Company Page or follow us on LinkedIn.

Use of AI:

NCFST may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with certain aspects of the hiring process, such as screening and assessments. These tools support our team but do not replace human judgment. We are committed to using AI responsibly, fairly, and in compliance with applicable employment and anti-discrimination laws. We regularly review these tools to help prevent bias or discrimination.

Our Commitment:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected ground. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those from Indigenous backgrounds.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Native Child will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process to applicants with disabilities as required. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].

We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Come join our team - and help create a difference in the community