Employer: NISICHAWAYASIHK CREE NATION
Position: SOCIAL ASSISTANCE REFERRAL COORDINATOR
Deadline: OCTOBER 17, 2025
Start Date: ASAP
Salary Range: TO COMMENSURATE WITH EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Ref #: NCN-2025-10-03-001

SUMMARY:

The Social Assistance Referral Coordinator acts as a crucial link between Social Assistance clientele and the community programs aimed at long-term stability and economic independence. Reporting to the Social Assistance leadership, this role is primarily responsible for identifying eligible and motivated clients, assessing their readiness, and efficiently referring them to the Ending Poverty Coordinator and their suite of integrated healing, wellness, and training-to-employment initiatives. The coordinator ensures seamless information transfer and follow-up to support the client’s transition from reliance on social assistance to engagement in life-changing programs.

DUTIES AND RESONSIBILITIES:

Under the direction of the Ending Poverty Coordinator. the Social Assistance Referral Coordinator is responsible for, but not limited to:

Referral & Case Management

  • Identify and Screen Clients: Proactively review the Social Assistance client base to identify individuals, particularly NCN youth members, who meet the criteria for and would benefit most from the programs run by the Ending Poverty Coordinator.
  • Client Assessment & Motivation: Conduct one-on-one meetings with potential clients to explain the vision of the poverty reduction programs, assess their motivation and readiness for change, and address any immediate barriers to engagement (e.g., transportation, childcare).
  • Process Referrals: Complete all necessary documentation and initiate the formal referral process to the Ending Poverty Coordinator, ensuring all intake information is accurately and confidentially transferred.
  • Maintain Client Records: Manage a separate tracking system for all referred clients, noting their engagement status, follow-up dates, and outcomes to support both departments.
  • Liaison & Communication: Serve as the Primary Contact between the Social Assistance department and the Ending Poverty Coordinator for all referral-related matters.
  • Coordinate Information Sessions: Organize and co-facilitate introductory sessions for Social Assistance clients with the Ending Poverty Coordinator to promote the integrated wellness and employment programs.
  • Provide Feedback: Work with the Social Assistance team to gather insights into systemic challenges faced by clients to inform and improve the effectiveness of the community referral system.
  • Administration: Monitor Referral Outcomes: Follow up with the Ending Poverty Coordinator to track the successful intake and ongoing engagement of referred clients.
  • Reporting: Prepare monthly reports for Ending Poverty Coordinator detailing the volume of referrals, success rate of client engagement, and identified gaps in the referral process.
  • Confidentiality: Ensure strict confidentiality and proper handling of all client information in accordance with privacy laws and NCN policies.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

  • Experience working within a Social Assistance or Income Support program or similar community service setting.
  • Proven experience in client intake, case screening, or referral management.
  • Strong understanding of the challenges associated with poverty, trauma, and employment barriers faced by youth in First Nation communities.
  • Familiarity with the structure and goals of the NCN Social Assistance program is an asset.
  • Required Competencies: Empathy & Advocacy: Ability to engage clients with compassion, understand their barriers, and advocate for their successful entry into wellness programs.
  • Organizational Skills: Excellent administrative skills for meticulous record-keeping, tracking, and managing a high volume of referrals.
  • Interpersonal Communication: Outstanding verbal communication skills to clearly explain complex program details and build collaborative relationships with multiple departments.
  • Professionalism: High degree of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive personal and financial information.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

  • Grade 12 Diploma, Diploma or degree in Social Work, Indigenous Studies, Human Services or related field, or lived/community experience.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and mandatory email (word, excel, power point, outlook); would be an asset.
  • Class 5 Drivers License.
  • Ability to pass a criminal background/vulnerable Sector Check.
  • Knowledge of NCN Nehetho (Cree) language and culture would be an asset.

If interested, please forward your cover letter, resume, Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Abuse Registry Check to:

Lorna Hart – Interim Director of Human Resources

[email protected]

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation

Phone: (204) 484-2332

We thank all who apply, however, only those who meet the minimum requirements will be invited for an interview.