At SafeLink Alberta, we have a clear vision: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, stay and do their best work. SafeLink Alberta’s dedication to promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion is clearly reflected in all that we do. Diversity is more than a commitment at SafeLink Alberta - it is the foundation of what we do. We are fully focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and any other difference that makes us all unique.

Reporting to the Manager, Calgary Support Services, the Case Manager, Indigenous Communities will be responsible for delivering comprehensive and individualized support services to clients based on our mission to reduce the harms associated with sexual activity and substance use. This includes working with those living with or affected by HIV, HCV, and other STBBI’s, with adults involved in sex work, and with individuals who use substances. The focus of service delivery is to engage Indigenous community members along a path of wellness and healing, and to enhance participant safety, well-being, and connection to health and social services. Program activities include assessment, intervention, education, emotional support, community-based outreach, system navigation, advocacy, and assistance with basic needs. The role consists of providing client support in the Calgary drop-in space as well as outside the agency through community and street outreach.

This is a full-time position (35 hours a week), based out of the SafeLink Alberta operational site in Calgary, Alberta. Regular work hours are generally between Monday and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., however, a flexible schedule including day, evening, and weekend availability will be required, particularly for outreach and community event attendance.

Key Accountabilities
• Build relationships with Indigenous led groups and organizations to facilitate access to traditional knowledge, practice, and ceremony.
• Provide support from a cultural lens.
• Provide traditional materials and medicines such as sage and tobacco.
• Assess client needs in the areas of health care, housing, income security, social support, legal and immigration, substance use, and harm reduction. Refer to partner organizations where appropriate.
• Engage clients in the development of a service plan based on client-identified needs (including setting measurable client driven goals, identifying associated tasks, and establishing attainable timelines).
• Provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and education both in the office and in community-based settings.
• Ensure on-going support to clients through the development of mutually agreed upon contact plans, maintaining regular appointments and telephone calls.
• Coordinate a network of services on behalf of clients by bridging communication gaps between clients and service providers, attending and/or arranging case conferences, and accompanying clients to appointments as appropriate.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to address barriers to accessing services.
• Provide community, mobile, and street-based outreach as required on a weekly or bi-weekly basis as
per established program requirements. Partner with internal agency and external community partners
and lead the Calgary Outreach Collective.
• Participate as a collaborative and supportive team member of the Calgary Support Services team.
• Complete all necessary documentation and data tracking.

Education
• Engage in prevention discussions and activities, including the distribution of harm reduction supplies (safer sex and drug use equipment) based on client need.
• In collaboration with the Manager, develop and maintain inter-agency collaborative relationships with community partners to enhance service delivery.
• Maintain and enhance knowledge of emerging information and trends in HIV and HCV related issues through ongoing self-directed learning.
• Maintain and enhance knowledge of emerging information, laws, and trends regarding sex work through ongoing, self-directed learning.

Qualifications/Key Competencies
• Post secondary education is desirable, but we recognize individuals’ lived and living experience.
• Strong cultural connections to indigenous communities and high comfort level with their identity.
• Direct work experience in a front-line or client-focused support setting. Equivalent combinations of experience and education may be considered.
• In-depth knowledge and experience of Indigenous cultures and traditional practice and of social and structural factors that affect Indigenous people.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and agencies, with a deep understanding and respect for their cultural identities and practices.
• Outgoing and empathetic.
• A strengths-based, risk-reduction, and rights-based philosophy of service provision required.
• Demonstrated cultural awareness and responsiveness in working across diverse populations.
• Thorough knowledge of local social service programs and community resources.
• Strong knowledge of mental health and addictions-related issues and interventions.
• High ethical standards and professionalism, with a demonstrated ability to adhere to strict confidentiality practices.
• Suicide Intervention (ASIST) and First Aid/CPR training.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation. Proof of vehicle registration and $2 million liability insurance is required.
• Provision of a criminal security check with vulnerable sector search. A positive criminal record check will not necessarily prevent a candidate from being hired - decisions will be made on an individual basis and all information will be kept confidential.
• Adheres to organizational policy and procedures.

Compensation
The salary range for this position is $47,658 - $55,183.

Application Details
We especially encourage applications from communities that are under-represented among our staff, such as people living with HIV, visible minorities, those with lived/living experience, and persons with culturally diverse backgrounds. We value your lived experience, and we encourage you to self-identify in your application should you feel comfortable doing so.  

This position will remain open until suitable candidates are found. Please send your cover letter, resume, and any other relevant material to support your application via email to quoting job reference SLA - 191.  

You must be available for in-person/online interviews. No phone calls please. We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.