About Us

Homeward Trust Edmonton (HTE) is a not-for-profit organization charged with ending homelessness in Edmonton. Our efforts are guided by community needs and priorities as outlined in A Place to Call Home: Edmonton's Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. Homeward Trust has a dynamic work environment, filled with high-energy, dedicated, and passionate people.

Homeward Trust embraces the Housing First philosophy. This philosophy follows the principles of finding housing accommodations first and then establishing the supports required by the client to remain in a home. Homeward Trust Edmonton's programs involve both housing (capital project funding, property management, and sourcing access to new or existing units for client use) and supportive services to individuals in or seeking access to housing programs.

For further information visit: http://homewardtrust.ca/.

ARCH

The Action Research on Chronic Homeless (ARCH) project is a federally funded research initiative committed to understanding persistent barriers in chronic homelessness. Projects will use an action research approach, consisting of repeated cycles of planning, action, and reflection, to allow for continuous improvements through iterative learning. The goal is to inform local practice, problem-solve, and better understand processes within a particular context. A key objective of the research will be adapting and sharing findings to enhance approaches to ending chronic homelessness at the community, provincial/territorial, and federal levels. Findings will inform the development of a broader strategy and identify actions needed to end chronic homelessness. Edmonton is one of eight cities selected to participate in the ARCH initiative.

Position Summary

Homeward Trust Edmonton invites applications for a Researcher position. This full-time, fixed-term position is approximately 12 months (based on length of funding), with the possibility of extension. The Researcher will collaborate on an ambitious 12-month action research project on unsheltered homelessness in collaboration with Indigenous community partners, funded agencies, and senior leadership at Homeward Trust. The successful candidate will support the design and execution of action research, including literature reviews, interviews, data collection and analysis, and reporting with the goal to enhance our understanding of unsheltered homelessness, identify innovative interventions, and inform evidence-based policies to address homelessness in Edmonton.

Reporting to the ARCH Indigenous Research Lead, the successful candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of mixed methods research design and execution, as well as a strong foundation in strategic and systems thinking. They will also demonstrate a deep understanding and appreciation of ethical considerations that are premised in Indigenous ways of knowing, being, doing, and connecting.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Research Design and Execution: Support the development and implementation of a comprehensive and ambitious research plan, methodologies, and data collection techniques to investigate various aspects of unsheltered homelessness in Edmonton.
• Ensure research and reporting complies with ethical guidelines, Indigenous and lived experience advisory bodies, OCAP principles, and approvals from relevant ethics committees.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze and interpret data and prepare high-quality research reports, and policy briefs that present research findings, recommendations, and actionable insights to relevant stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.
• Collect and address feedback from multiple stakeholders throughout the project's lifecycle.

• Provide functional support to researchers working on the project.
• Knowledge Mobilization: Support the identification, planning, and creation of content for knowledge mobilization activities and products. Knowledge mobilization activities may include letters, policy briefs, and presentations in both plain language and academic style for a diverse audience such as community, agencies, media, and government stakeholders.
• Public Engagement: Participate in conferences, workshops, and public events to disseminate research findings, and engage with the broader community.
  

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Urban Studies, Public Policy, or a related field with a focus on homelessness or housing insecurity preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, preferably within government, non-profit, social services, or housing sectors.
• Proven track record supporting and executing research projects related to homelessness, health or other social issues demonstrated through published works and successful research outcomes.
• Proven experience in an administrative capacity (with meeting minutes, scheduling and organizing meetings, etc.) Experience with Microsoft Office 365 is an asset.
• Proven experience in building and maintaining relationships with a range of stakeholders, including but not limited to researchers, policymakers, community organizations, advisory committees, Indigenous leaders, and individuals with lived or living experience of homelessness, and/or individuals from equity deserving groups such as Indigenous persons, racialized persons, LGBTQ2S+, women, newcomers, persons with disabilities, etc.
• Demonstrated cultural competencies that affirm Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, and connecting.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analysis, and statistical software.
• In depth knowledge and experience in Indigenous research methodologies.
• Understanding of homelessness issues, policies, and social determinants of homelessness in the Canadian context.
• Familiarity with Canadian housing and social welfare systems and their impact on the houseless population.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement, project management, and written correspondence (reports, briefings, papers, etc.).
• Progressive policy development and strategic planning within non-profit, government or a similar environment.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex data insights clearly to diverse, non-technical stakeholders.
• Robust problem-solving skills and the ability to function effectively in both a team and an independent setting.
• A strong alignment with Homeward Trust's mission to end homelessness.
• Training and experience in Indigenous information and data governance will be considered an asset.
  

Working Conditions

• Must pass criminal record check including vulnerable sector clearance.
• Willing to travel (within the City of Edmonton) as required.

While we evaluate all applications based on merit, we especially appreciate and recognize the unique insights that come from personal lived experiences, such as homelessness or houselessness. We are deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Applicants from marginalized groups, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ2S+, women, and newcomers, are encouraged to apply.

This competition will close at 4:30 p.m. on April 19, 2024. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.