First Nations Disability Navigator
Permanent, Full-Time
BACKGROUND:
SCO is a growing and dynamic regional First Nation organization that represents 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 92,000 citizens in what is now southern Manitoba. Established in 1999 by the Chiefs, SCO is mandated as an independent organization to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nation peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
OVERVIEW:
Utilizing a strength-based and solution-focused approach, the First Nations Disability Navigator supports First Nation citizens living with disabilities by facilitating access to services and supports, providing advocacy and system navigation, fostering partnerships, delivering education and awareness initiatives, and promoting equitable and culturally responsive disability services across Manitoba.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Disability Navigation, Advocacy & Client Support:
- Provide disability navigation services to First Nation citizens living with disabilities throughout Manitoba
- Assist individuals and families in accessing disability-related supports, services, benefits, and resources available through federal, provincial, regional, and community programs
- Advocate on behalf of individuals as required to address barriers and ensure equitable access to services
- Encourage and support individuals with unmet needs to secure appropriate services and supports
- Assist with applications for disability programs, benefits, funding, and related services
Community Engagement, Education and Awareness:
- Develop, coordinate, and facilitate workshops, seminars, information sessions, and awareness initiatives for First Nation citizens living with disabilities, caregivers, and community members
- Facilitate disability awareness, consultation, and engagement activities that promote inclusion and accessibility
- Provide culturally grounded disability education and awareness opportunities to service providers, organizations, and the broader disability sector
Partnership Development & Systems Navigation:
- Build, maintain, and strengthen collaborative relationships with First Nations, community organizations, service providers, and federal, provincial, and territorial programs
- Partner with organizations and agencies supporting disability-related services, including those within the health, education, employment, housing, social services, child welfare, and justice sectors
- Coordinate and share information on available programs, services, and resources to improve access and service integration
Program Development & Service Improvement:
- Identify and implement short- and long-term strategies to address disability-related issues affecting First Nation citizens in Manitoba
- Assess emerging community needs and contribute to the development of responsive programs, services, and initiatives
- Promote strength-based, solution-focused approaches that support self-determination and meaningful participation
- Reporting, Evaluation, & Funding Support:
- Collect, analyze, and report qualitative and quantitative program data to support ongoing evaluation and continuous improvement
- Prepare reports and documentation as required by management and funding partners
- Identify funding opportunities and assist with the preparation of grant applications, proposals, and related documentation
Privacy, Compliance, and Professional Practice:
- Maintain confidentiality and safeguard personal information in accordance with applicable legislation, privacy standards, and organizational policies
- Deliver services in compliance with SCO policies, procedures, professional standards, and applicable legislation, including The Personal Health Information Act (Manitoba)
- Provide consistent, comprehensive, culturally responsive, and professional services
- Other related duties as assigned
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate in Social Work, Disability Studies, Human Services, Community Development, Health Sciences, Indigenous Studies, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered
- Minimum three (3) years of experience working in the disability sector, human services, community support, advocacy, or a related field, with a focus on supporting individuals living with disabilities
- Experience working with First Nation communities and an understanding of the unique challenges and systemic barriers faced by First Nation citizens is strongly preferred
- Experience facilitating workshops, information sessions, community engagement activities, and public presentations
- Knowledge of disability-related programs, services, supports, benefits, and funding opportunities available through First Nations, federal, provincial, regional, and community-based systems
- Understanding of systems navigation, advocacy practices, referral processes, and community resource coordination
- Knowledge of accessibility, inclusion, disability rights, and the systemic barriers that impact individuals living with disabilities
- Knowledge of First Nation cultures, traditions, communities, and approaches to holistic wellness and service delivery
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with First Nation citizens, families, community organizations, service providers, government representatives, and other stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and report quantitative and qualitative program information
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, briefing notes, correspondence, funding applications, and presentations
- Superior organizational, analytical, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and virtual communication platforms
- Experience with grant writing, proposal development, and funding applications is considered an asset
- Lived experience as a person with a disability, caregiver, or family member supporting a person with a disability is considered an asset
- Ability to speak Anishinaabe or Dakota languages is considered an asset
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check, and an Adult Abuse Registry Check are a requirement of the position
- Must have a valid class 5 MB driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle as travel will be required
- If the incumbent is a member of a registered profession, they must be a member in good standing with their regulatory body
- Flexibility for occasional evening or weekend meetings or events may be required, especially during peak engagement or reporting periods
WAGE RANGE: $65,000 - $80,000 Annually
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 4:00 PM CST
Please submit a cover letter and resume to:
Human Resources
Southern Chiefs’ Organization
202-600 Empress Street
Winnipeg, MB R3G 0L5
Fax: (204) 946-1871 | [email protected]
Preference will be given to qualified First Nations candidates. Please self-identify in your cover letter.
Proof of education will be required at the point of hire where an incumbent has graduated from a relevant program.
Please note that SCO does not offer hybrid/remote work options unless specifically stated.
Testing may form part of the selection process.
An eligibility list may be created for similar positions and will remain in effect for up to six months.
We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected will be contacted for further consideration.
Pay: $65,000.00-$80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Application question(s):
- I declare I am a First Nations/Status Indian/Treaty-Indian because of my tribal affiliation with the following First Nation and/or Band:
- I declare I am non-status Indigenous, Metis, and/or Inuk because I am a member of, or am affiliated with the following:
Work Location: In person
