Homelessness System Navigator

Community Services / Social Services
1 Vacancy | Union
Temporary up to 2 Years; Competition # 26-T-30

Located on the historic, 386-kilometreTrent-Severn Waterway in the heart of the Kawartha tourism region, Peterborough is a unique community known for its exceptional quality of life and beautiful setting. The city has been named one of 52 destinations to visit in 2025 by the New York Times.

The City has been shaped by its connection to the waterway, nature, and by the people who call it home. Peterborough is a community of doers and dreamers that are resourceful, passionate, creative and brimming with local pride.

Before it was ever known as Peterborough, this land was called Nogojiwanong – Ojibwe for “the place at the foot of the rapids.” Today, the city remains continuously in motion, guided by a deep sense of community and connection. The City is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, known collectively as the Williams Treaty First Nations.

Job Details

The Homelessness System Navigator works within a collaborative team to provide meaningful system navigation to clients who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. This includes but is not limited to shelter navigation, diversion from shelter, housing planning, reconnecting people to their home community, and referring and collaborating with supporting agencies. They provide outreach to Emergency Shelters, homelessness community programs and other locations deemed in need of navigation supports. This could include individuals living outside experiencing homelessness and potentially requiring crisis intervention. Works in partnership with community-based organizations and stakeholders to assist in delivering homelessness system navigation. They develop individualized support plans with clients to assist meeting their needs. Homelessness System Navigators assist people suffering from substance abuse, mental health issues, and physical abuse, in potentially volatile situations.

Qualifications

Requires a two-year college diploma in Social Services or related Human Service field with up to three years related experience in crisis intervention, community outreach and whole-system navigation. Demonstrated understanding of community resources, homelessness supports, and harm reduction strategies is required. Demonstrated ability to remain calm in volatile situations, while using critical thinking skills. Must have the ability to build positive working relationships with the public, clients and community partners. Experience in a social assistance environment is considered an asset. Must have working knowledge of the homeless shelter system, Coordinated Access and basic knowledge in word processing and homelessness database software and systems; knowledge and experience with provincial computer systems would be an asset. Ability to be flexible and responsive in a changing, challenging and often unpredictable environment. Able to use discretion in supporting clients in precarious situations, reduce risk and ultimately provide intensive life stabilization coaching. Demonstrates strong organizational, time-management, crisis intervention and problem-solving skills; the ability to manage competing priorities and coordinate several tasks at one time while meeting program outcomes and performance standards; and the ability to work in volatile situations without supervision. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in a clear, concise manner. Must be a team player with a commitment to quality customer service and a passion for ending homelessness in our community. Must demonstrate a strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality in accordance with local policy and applicable legislation. Hours of work may need to be flexible to meet the client/community needs. Majority of work will occur in the community - individuals must be able to work remotely and have access to transportation to fulfil the duties of the position within the City and County of Peterborough.

Salary

$40.17/Hour

Application Information

Qualified applicants are invited to apply by email to recruiting@peterborough.ca no later than 11:59 p.m. on February 11, 2026, quoting file number #26-T-30.

To ensure your application is considered, please follow these steps: 

• Prepare one file only (PDF or Word) that includes both your résumé and cover letter. 
• Name your file with your first and last name (e.g., JaneSmith Comp #.pdf). 
• Include the competition number in the file name, and email subject line 

We thank all applicants for their interest in the City of Peterborough. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The City of Peterborough is an organization that strives to embrace the spirit of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and barrier-free environment in which all individuals have access to the City's goods, services and facilities. If you are contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise People & Culture if you require accommodation.