Part Time Housing Outreach Worker

The Outreach Worker provides individual support to residents participating in our Supported Housing Programs in consultation with the Program Coordinator and related service providers.

Under the supervision and direction of the Program Coordinator, this position participates in program development, implementation and evaluation strategies and acts as an identified contact for programs to other professionals.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Engage with and build strong helping relationships with clients

2. Work with clients to identify their needs and seek the input of team members and identified supports

3. Liaison with any/all connected community workers regarding clients in residence

4. Liaison with and build new working relationships with private market landlords

5. Work with clients to enhance and support the quality of life by addressing housing, nutrition, clothing, hygiene, leisure, employment and education

6. To encourage and model positive decision making and healthy lifestyle choices

7.  Open, maintain and close resident files in accordance with policy and procedures

8. Ensure resident participation in program specific activities resulting from the action plan and meet at least once a week with the Outreach Worker.

9. Adhere to professional guidelines with respect to client confidentiality.

10. Endeavour to keep abreast of issues, information and education related to the position

11. Attend appropriate staff training sessions

12. Network with other related service providers

13. Ensure Operating guidelines are followed

15. Schedule includes an on-call component and may include some evenings and/ or weekends.

Services provided may include:

1. Service to Clients: Provides supportive, low barrier, housing for clients

2. Society Participation: Participates in society and relevant team activities and in-service training as required for the position.

3. Case Management : Recognizes potential client crises, analyzes circumstances and dynamics with sound judgment, develops strategies to deal with crises and unusual incidents, document unusual incidents and informs the Program Coordinator and all individuals and agencies as necessary;  able to work collaboratively with probation officers and other professionals.

4. Best Practice: Stays informed of best practices and provides a quality of service to reflect these practices. Maintain all general systems of reporting and communication to the standards of the Society.

5. Transportation and appointments: May assist in setting up appointments and providing transportation when necessary to assist individual’s access community resources relating to the service goals.

6. Supervision: Meets regularly with the Program Manager to assess case progress, intervention effectiveness and to debrief; keeps the Program Manager informed of caseload and outcomes.

7. Other Duties: Other associated duties may be assigned.

This position requires good organizational skills and the ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.

Qualifications

1.  Diploma or degree, combined with knowledge and experience about community services that support and assist individuals.

Other Aspects/Skills Decision Making

The Outreach Worker (Rental Support) must be able to:

1. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
2. Carry out the duties of the position
3. Work independently and in cooperation with others
4. Organize and prioritize
5. Have empathy and the ability, patience and understanding to build on good working relationships with clients.
6. Ability to be non-judgmental and committed to supporting people in difficult circumstances.                 
7. Able to make adjustments in service based on individuals levels of competence and level of emotional state.
8. Sense of humor
9. Resilient, assertive and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Budget Responsibility

The Outreach Worker (Rental Support) is responsible to the Program Coordinator for any monthly program expenses and shall account for all money spent on client expenses, program resources, travel and mileage.  Must meet administration requirements and time lines for reporting mileage and expenses, time sheet and other allowable expenses.

Team Skills

The Outreach Worker (Rental Support) models healthy conflict resolution and communication skills to clients and co-workers.  He/she has good team skills; has a sense of commitment, the ability to collaborate, is accountable and responsible.  Has a flexible approach to working hours and to the range of tasks undertaken.

Working Challenges (Occupational Health and Safety)

There can be exposure to adverse environmental working conditions.  These can include verbal and physical aggression, which require safety precautions and a calm perspective in approaching the situation. 

 There are guidelines and policies in place to support the employee in the workplace.

Conditions of Employment

1. Criminal Records Check (RCMP)
2. First Aid Certificate – Standard and CPR
3. Driver’s Abstract record
4. Current Driver’s License
5. Successful reference checks
6. Successful educational verification
7. Reliable vehicle for work and appropriate insurance coverage
8. Knowledge of community resource.