Aboriginal Society jobs in Vancouver, BC

The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) is a non-profit organization serving the Urban Aboriginal community with a mandate to provide programs and services that will contribute to the cultural, educational, social, economic, and recreational development of Urban Aboriginal people.

BC Housing and the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society are partnering to build a range of housing options for people of all ages struggling to find a place to call home. 1015 East Hastings provides 80 safe shelter beds; 25 studios and one-bedrooms for people moving from the shelter to more independent living; 85 affordable rental homes for people and families with lower incomes; 53 new market rental homes; and social enterprise space.

The Manager of the Affordable Housing Program is responsible for the day-to-day operations and oversight of a non-staffed, community-based affordable housing site. This role ensures safe, stable housing for tenants by coordinating services, managing housing systems (leases, maintenance, unit turnover), and supporting positive landlord-tenant relationships. The Manager works closely with community partners, internal departments, and residents to maintain a well-functioning and responsive housing program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage regulations
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards, building codes, landlord/tenant regulations
• Liaise with maintenance contractors, and external vendors
• Counsel residents on housing-related concerns
• Follow up with residents to maintain housing stability through referrals to internal or external supports
• Mediate tenant concerns or conflicts as needed, promoting respectful communication and community-building
• Ensure equitable and transparent application and intake processes
• Develop and maintain relationships with community agencies, municipal departments, and housing funders
• Ensures appropriate and timely communication with residents, employees, and managers
• Attend community and stakeholder meetings as needed
• Maintain accurate housing records, rent rolls, and resident files
• Manage occupancy, lease renewals, and rent payments
• Prepare program reports, metrics, and updates for leadership and funders
• Assist with funding applications, audits, or evaluations as required
• Develop and implement housing-related procedures in collaboration with senior management

QUALIFICATIONS

• First Nations, Metis, Inuit or Aboriginal ancestry is preferred
• Degree or diploma in social work, social housing, public administration, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in housing, property management, homelessness services, or community-based programming
• Working knowledge of the Residential Tenancy Act and affordable housing best practices
• Experience working with marginalized populations, including those impacted by poverty, homelessness, and mental health/addiction
• Demonstrated experience working with the indigenous community, including knowledge of intergenerational trauma, the impacts of colonization and barriers to housing for indigenous peoples.
• Strong understanding of culturally safe, trauma informed and strengths-based approaches when supporting Indigenous tenants.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Commitment to reconciliation and decolonizing practices within housing and social services.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to manage competing priorities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, and property management software is an asset
• Valid BC driver’s license, clean abstract and access to a vehicle preferred

Certificates, or willingness to participate in the following trainings is required:

o Crisis Prevention training or de-escalation training.

o Standard first aid and CPR

o Indigenous awareness training

o Mental health first aid training

o Domestic violence safety planning

o Substance use awareness and safety training-including naloxone training

o LGBT2Q+ awareness training

o Trauma-informed practice training

o Staff self-care training

o Vulnerability Assessment Tool training

o AHMA or BC housing database training

Working Conditions:

• 24/7 emergency on-call availability is required.
• In-person office

Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants in accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code. The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre encourages members of equity-seeking groups to apply.

Pay: From $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care

Work Location: In person