Community Capacity Builder

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  • CompanyAtlohsa Family Healing Services
  • Job TypeHuman/Social Services
  • Required Experiencemid-level
  • Job TypeContract
  • Education / CredentialsCurrent Vulnerable Sector check and valid G Driver’s License
  • ResumeRequired
  • Cover LetterRequired
  • Application Deadline09/05/2025

Job Description

Location: London, Ontario
Closing Date: September 5, 2025
Employment Term: Full-time; permanent
Salary: $25.00 to $32.00 per hour

About Atlohsa
Atlohsa Family Healing Services is an Indigenous led non-profit organization in Southwestern Ontario dedicated to empowering Indigenous communities through traditional and land-based healing practices. Since 1986, we have provided low-barrier, wraparound services to individuals and families facing complex challenges such as mental wellness, substance use, homelessness, and domestic violence. Our holistic wellness approach is rooted in the Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings and the Medicine Wheel Teachings, utilizing a Two-Eyed Seeing approach that emphasizes collaboration, mutual respect, and the recognition that both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the world.

About the Program
Giiwitaabiwag is a community capacity-building initiative derived from the Giwetashkad Indigenous Homelessness Strategic Plan, aimed at equipping service providers in the London region with the skills to deliver effective, culturally safe care to Indigenous peoples. While focusing primarily on the housing and homelessness sector, the training is available to all professionals working with Indigenous communities, including frontline staff, organizational leaders, and personnel in various sectors such as justice, education, and non-profits. The program name, which means “returning to sit in a circle” in Anishinaabemowin, reflects its philosophy of equality and connection in relationship-building. Giiwitaabiwag addresses barriers faced by Indigenous peoples in accessing non-Indigenous services, often resulting from experiences of racism and inadequately tailored offerings. By providing Indigenous-led education and training, the program aims to foster culturally safe environments where individuals can obtain necessary support. The training modules utilize Indigenous teaching methods and include foundational content on Indigenous homelessness and culturally safe care, with the first module being a prerequisite for further training. Sessions are available both in-person and tailored to organizational needs, emphasizing the importance of creating responsive service spaces for Indigenous peoples experiencing social inequities.

About the Role
Atlohsa Family Healing Services is looking for a motivated and dynamic Community Capacity Builder to join our team and play a pivotal role in the Giiwitaabiwag Cultural Safety Training Series. In this capacity, you will be instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of service providers across the London region, including those in homelessness and social services, education, and various community organizations. Your primary responsibilities will involve utilizing Indigenous cultural and land-based learning methods to support the Knowledge Exchange Coordinator in organizing and delivering essential training on topics such as Indigenous cultural safety, homelessness, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction. You will facilitate respectful group discussions focused on critical issues like colonization, systemic racism, and power dynamics within social service delivery, fostering a welcoming environment that stimulates reflection and growth. Additionally, you will assist in implementing a comprehensive community education strategy that encompasses hosting cultural events, coordinating guest speakers, managing logistics, and creating engaging educational content for social media. This role requires a genuine commitment to building responsive, equitable, and compassionate services for Indigenous peoples within the community.

Experience and Qualifications

Suitability

  • Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or equivalent college certificate preferred (fields such as Social Justice, Social Work/Social Service Worker, Indigenous Studies, Communications, or Education).
  • Sound understanding of Indigenous and non-Indigenous identities, including awareness of personal positionality and wellness.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous languages, history, and cultures, particularly in the London region.
  • Experience working with marginalized individuals in social or community programs.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with proficiency in presenting complex information in group settings.
  • Ability to receive feedback, take direction, and seek clarification on tasks as needed.
  • Experience in curriculum development, group facilitation, and event planning/coordination.
  • Strong conflict resolution, mediation, and negotiation skills to encourage trust and address differing perspectives respectfully.
  • Proven strengths in interpersonal relations, creative collaboration, problem-solving, and community development.
  • Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Consideration of Lived Experiences
While applicants are under no obligation to do so, Atlohsa welcomes applicants to indicate their own lived experiences of homelessness, substance use, and/or Indigenous community teachings within their application. Professional experiences, academic experiences, traditional teachings, and personal lived experiences are all valuable forms of knowledge.

How to Apply

Why Work for Atlohsa?

We offer competitive pay and benefits:

  • $25.00 to $32.00 per hour
  • 100% employer provided benefits
  • Employer-Employee contributory Pension plan

We are committed to ensuring YOUR work-life balance and offer extensive paid time off:

  • Three (3) weeks vacation, accessible in your first year of employment and increased entitlement based on years of service.
  • Up to 12 paid sick days per year.
  • Up to 12 paid self-development days per year
  • We recognize 14 statutory holidays every year.

We have a strong commitment to our cultural teachings and traditional knowledge practices, which encompass not just our programs but our daily interactions in the workplace, including:

  • Regular opportunities for staff to engage in ceremonies and cultural gatherings.
  • Access for staff to connect with Elders and Knowledge Keepers to foster active participation in cultural traditions.

We strive to inspire, empower, and instill a profound sense of pride and belonging within the community while promoting Mino Bimaadiziwin, The Good Way of Life.

How to Apply
If interested to apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with Community Capacity Builder in your subject line. Within the body of your email, please provide answers to the following questions:

  • Please briefly outline where your experience with or understanding of First Nations, Inuit, and/or Métis communities comes from. You may note professional, academic, or your own personal lived/community experience.
  • Are you a First Nations, Inuk, or Métis applicant? If yes, please indicate which community you are from. If you are not connected to your community, just write what you know.

At Atlohsa, we value diversity in our workforce and encourage all qualified candidates to apply, however, due to the nature of our organization, preferences will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants.

Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources to make arrangements.

We thank all those who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.