Position Summary
Seabird Island is committed to providing respectful, safe, and supportive housing services that meet the needs of our Band Members while promoting sustainable development, well-being, independence, and home ownership. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking a Tenant Services Coordinator to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance the tenant management and support services within the Community Housing division.
Under the direction of the Director of Housing, the Tenant Services Coordinator provides culturally informed tenant management coordination overseeing move-ins and move outs, managing tenant relationships, and providing support with administrative paperwork, payments, grants, and funding applications. This role involves coordinating complex tenant issues, supporting equitable waitlist and allocation processes, and setting clear pathways for resolution in collaboration with tenants, staff, and community supports. The Tenant Services Coordinator will also engage in community relations activities to support clients and the community.
What you'll do
Triage & Complex Case Coordination
- Serve as the first escalation point for complex concerns (health/safety risks, recurring breaches, abandoned tenancies, arears, potential evictions); coordinate case conferences and de-escalation plans grounded in restorative, culturally safe practices.
- Screen and prioritize issues for action, determine pathways (service supports, legal/procedural steps, maintenance triage), and prepare recommendations for Director review as required.
- Lead triage for nuisance orders, verifying facts, assessing risk, policy alignment, and referring to appropriate stakeholders (Director, Health, Social Supports, Lands) to ensure resolution for Housing and the tenant(s).
- Submit recommendations relating to tenants, areas, nuisance orders, etc. to the Director for decision.
- May be present for inspections, evictions, and complex discussions with tenants with the Director and Housing Services Coordinator.
Waitlist, Eligibility, & Allocations
- Maintain and oversee the housing waitlist application status’, ensuring fairness to eligibility criteria as well
as unbiased, transparent, policy aligned and equity-based selection and allocations.
- Track priority categories (e.g., Elders, accessibility, safety) and produce analytics for fair allocation decisions.
- Chair selection reviews; issue decision summaries, and coordinate with Housing Services Coordinator for applicant communications and move in sequencing.
- Oversee the tenant move-in sequencing process logistics.
Tennant Support & Advocacy
- For complex cases, provide one on one guidance that centers tenant voice, self-determination, and harm reduction; connect tenants to internal and community supports, when escalated from the Housing Services Coordinator.
- Promote restorative options, traditional mediation, wellbeing supports, and alternatives to eviction where feasible, aligned with policy and safety.
Community Engagement & Education
- Lead tenant and community workshops (rights/responsibilities, navigating processes, support available),
co-facilitated by Housing Services Coordinator.
- Develop culturally relevant materials in plain language; ensure accessibility for diverse audiences.
Policy, Practice & Alignment
- Recommend updates to tenant facing procedures (intake, triage, waitlist, assessment, allocations, escalations) to the Director which reflect a decolonized approach and to minimize inequities.
- Ensure practices align with Seabird policies, applicable laws, and funding requirements.
- Prepare decision ready briefs for the Director on housing decisions, exceptions, selection, and other related activities.
Collaboration
- This role provides triage decisions, allocation outcomes, and escalation guidance that Housing Services
Coordinator actionizes. Housing Services Coordinator is the day-to-day tenant point of contact.
- Coordinate with Maintenance leadership on life/safety or urgent work orders that require triage priority.
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of escalations, allocation decisions, and outcomes.
- Prepare summaries, dashboards, and recommendations for leadership and the Housing Committee, selection committees, and related committees, as requested by the Director.
Other Duties
- Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.
Working / Special Conditions
- Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
- Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
- Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively engage and support projects, work, and initiatives.
- Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of clients and community needs. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.
What you bring
Qualifications
- Formal education or training in social work, public/business administration, indigenous studies, or a related field. Other forms of post-secondary education and training, including teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers, will be considered.
- At least 3-5 years of relevant experience working within Indigenous communities, focusing on housing, tenancy management, case coordination or related community services.
- Experience working with Indigenous communities and understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Preferred:
- Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
- Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
- Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
- Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
- Experience working within community housing programs, especially with Indigenous or First Nations communities.
Cultural Competency:
- In-depth knowledge of Canadian colonial impacts on Indigenous people in social and health contexts, supported by significant knowledge of Canadian and First Nations ideologies, including understanding of Indigenous cultural safety, cultural humility, Indigenous-specific racism, and anti-racism.
- Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.
- Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.
Benefits
- Extended health and dental benefits,
- Accrued vacation and sick time,
- Pension plan with matching employer contributions.
How To Apply
Have a question about this position before you apply? Email [email protected].
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to Traditional and Holistic Wellness. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.
Pre-Employment Screening
Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.
Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.
We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
