Housing Support Coordinator

Established in 1976, the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) is a First Nation governed post-secondary institution. Recognized under provincial legislation, the Institute has been conferred authority to grant certificates and diplomas. SIIT welcomes over 2400 students into our urban and community programs annually as well as serving over 6000 clients through our ten Career Centres across the province. The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies is playing a significant role in Saskatchewan's economic future. You can contribute to that success while building your career.

Nature and Scope

As an employee in the Strategic Projects Department, Oyateki Partnership, the position will work directly with students to provide support by eliminating barriers related to students experiencing homelessness or transiency. The Housing Support Coordinator also contributes to the development of sustainable housing support strategies, builds relationships with community organizations, and creates processes that enhance housing stability for Indigenous students. This position will positively promote and create an environment that aligns with the vision, mission, and values of Oyateki Partnership organizations - Gabriel Dumont Institute, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, and the University of Saskatchewan.

General Accountability

The Housing Support Coordinator serves as the primary contact and support for Indigenous students seeking secure and stable housing. Using a case management approach, this role ensures students have access to the necessary resources to support their academic retention and success. The Housing Support Coordinator will work collaboratively with post-secondary institutions, housing service providers, and Indigenous community organizations to address systemic housing challenges.

As a team member of the Oyateki Partnership, the Housing Support Coordinator provides guidance and support to Indigenous students experiencing housing insecurity, ensuring they have access to safe and stable accommodations. This role focuses on advocacy, case management, and referrals to housing services, working closely with post-secondary institutions, housing providers, and community organizations. By identifying challenges and barriers, the Housing Support Coordinator contributes to the development of strategies that improve housing access and stability for First Nation and Métis students. This position includes the following broad range of accountabilities:

Specific Accountabilities:

Administration & Client/Student Services

1. Provide case management support to First Nation and Métis students experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
2. Assist students with housing applications, navigating rental agreements, and securing safe accommodations.
3. Support relationships with community partners as required.
4. Act as a liaison to ensure faculty are aware of the support plans being provided to students.
5. Advocate on behalf of students with landlords, housing agencies, and community organizations when appropriate and refer students to student support and resources as needed.
6. Develop and provide housing-related resources, such as application guides and tenant rights information.
7. Contribute to the integrated delivery of student resources by applying appropriate culture, values, traditions, and teachings to the case management approach.
8. Facilitate referrals to emergency housing services, shelters, and transitional housing options.
9. Connect students with financial assistance programs related to housing.
10. Engage in proactive advising by maintaining regular communication with students receiving housing support.
11. Engage with a caseload of students using a proactive advising model.
12. Problem-solve case management issues as they arise, escalating issues to direct supervisor when difficult situations arise.
13. Identify gaps in housing services and recommend strategies to enhance accessibility and reduce housing insecurity for Indigenous students.
14. Develop, implement, and share best practices for crisis intervention and emergency housing support.
15. Ensure plans are aligned with emerging trends, needs of key stakeholders, and remain current on best practice in student supports.
16. Assess the effectiveness of departmental services and programs by developing, implementing, collecting, and examining surveys, focus groups, and other data.
17. Regularly assess and analyze the effectiveness of relationships with community resources, including local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions.
18. Utilize feedback from evaluations to strengthen partnerships, enhance resource offerings, and better meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring resources provided are not only relevant and beneficial but also foster a supportive network that enhances the overall student experience.
19. Prepare and deliver presentations on program(s); facilitate meetings on program services and issues.

Reporting and Compliance

1. Prepare and organize case management data into reports.
2. Carry out quality control of data entry in applicable databases.
3. Assist and support the department's reporting requirements.
4. Contribute to update and quarterly reports on housing challenges, student outcomes, and program effectiveness.
5. Maintain confidentiality at all times, ensuring that information is not released unless authorized by policy, required by law, or through written consent.
6. Remain up to date regarding applicable privacy legislation.
7. Follow up on student referrals made by instructors to ensure student retention efforts are maximized.
8. Evaluate case management process and referral procedure for continuous improvement.
9. Maintain accurate records and track student progress in order to evaluate and assess student success, monitor service levels, and recommend opportunities for continuous improvement.

Relationship Management

1. Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to coordinate various aspects of program and service delivery.
2. Represent the Institute in various committees/functions to establish working relationships and partnerships.
3. Maintain positive rapport with students, stakeholders, faculty, and administration.
4. Respect, honour, and acknowledge the uniqueness of each student including: their unique languages, cultures, traditions, histories, and prior learning and life experiences.
5. Provide regular updates on activities to supervisor, internal and external partners, and stakeholders as required.
6. Contribute to SIIT's strategic effectiveness by representing and participating on internal and external committees as required.

Required Qualifications and Experience: A diploma in a social sciences discipline, business, or a related post-secondary degree is preferred. A minimum of two (2) years of experience in human services and case management is required, as well as experience working with Microsoft Office suite of programs. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Ability to speak in a local Indigenous language, and knowledge of First Nations cultures and organizations are considered assets. The incumbent must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation as travel is required.

Required Competencies: Flexible and Adaptable, Relationship Building, Results Oriented, Effective Communication, Student Focus, Teamwork, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Empathetic Listening and Responding.

Dates of Contract: March 2025 - June 2026