Manager, Houseless Prevention & Wellbeing Programs

Company: Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg

Job Title: Manager, Houseless Prevention & Wellbeing Programs
Location: Hamilton, ON
Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week, flexibility to meet operational needs of Niwasa
Reports To: Director of Operations
Rate: $33.00/hr

 Pursuant to Section 24 of the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code), this position will give preference to applicants who identify as a member of an Indigenous community (First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples). Candidates from this group are invited to self-identify in their cover letter, transparently, as part of the application process.

Position Summary

The Manager, Houseless Prevention & Wellbeing Programs is responsible for the overall leadership, coordination, and administration of programs, ensuring high-quality service delivery that aligns with the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

This role focuses on overseeing daily operations, program development, financial accountability, team management, partnership development, and ensuring Indigenous knowledge, values, and beliefs are embedded in all aspects of service.

The Manager will work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen houseless prevention efforts, build community partnerships, and advocate for culturally safe, trauma-informed, and wholistic supports for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of houselessness.

Key Responsibilities

Program Operations & Delivery

• Oversee the planning, implementation, scheduling and evaluation of the Houseless Prevention & Wellbeing Programs.
• Ensure services are delivered in alignment with Indigenous knowledge systems, community needs, and best practices in homelessness prevention.
• Develop and monitor program goals, ensuring effective service delivery that fosters client-centered and culturally relevant care.
• Manage program logistics, including scheduling service delivery, ordering food and supplies, and coordinating transportation as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all funding agreements, organizational policies, and legislative requirements.

Financial & Reporting Responsibilities

• Prepare and submit funding reports, ensuring accurate data collection and compliance with funder requirements.
• Monitor program budgets and expenses, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficiency.
• Seek additional funding opportunities and contribute to grant applications and proposal writing.

Team Leadership & Staff Management

• Supervise and support program staff, providing leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
• Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training of new staff members.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and culturally safe work environment.
• Conduct regular staff meetings and performance evaluations to support team growth and well-being.

Partnership & Community Engagement

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with community partners, government agencies, service providers, and Indigenous organizations.
• Develop new partnership and opportunities and with potential donors' sponsors and business
• Represent the organization and program on relevant committees, working groups, and advocacy initiatives.
• Strengthen partnerships to enhance service access, wraparound supports, and referral pathways for individuals and families.
• Plan and organize fundraising initiative, ie. Food drives

Cultural Integration & Advocacy

• Ensure that Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing are embedded into all aspects of program delivery.
• Work closely with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community leaders to enhance cultural programming and supports.
• Advocate for culturally appropriate and trauma-informed approaches to homelessness prevention.

Communication & Organizational Alignment

• Maintain clear, open, and effective communication with staff, leadership, community members, and external partners.
• Ensure that program goals and activities align with the broader mission, vision, and strategic direction of the organization.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for senior leadership and funders.

Qualifications & Experience

Education & Experience:

• Post-secondary education in Social Work, Indigenous Studies, Community Development, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in program management, preferably Indigenous-led services with experience within housing, houseless prevention
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and organizations, with a strong understanding of Indigenous histories, traditions, and contemporary realities.

 Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team management skills with a focus on staff development and retention.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management, funding reporting, and program evaluation.
• Ability to develop and sustain effective partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and public speaking.
• Knowledge of harm reduction, housing-first approaches, trauma-informed care, and culturally safe service delivery.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data management systems.

Assets:

• Knowledge of an Indigenous language is considered an asset.
• Experience working within a not-for-profit or Indigenous-led organization.
• Understanding of provincial and federal housing and homelessness policies.

Working Conditions:

• Combination of office-based and community-based work.
• Occasional travel for meetings, training, and community engagement.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume clearly outlining their qualifications and experience, as well as a personal statement reflecting their commitment to Indigenous community to the office@niwasa.ca

We prefer to receive submissions from new and first-time applicants only please.