Community Outreach Specialist

Fred Victor; Toronto; On-site; CAD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

7% vacation pay

Employee and family assistance plan

Uniform provided

Safety equipment provided

Job summary

Fred Victor in Toronto is seeking a Community Outreach Specialist to support safety and connection across our hubs and outreach sites. The role centers on compassionate engagement, trauma‑informed care, and referring tenants to appropriate resources.

You will work with shelter staff, case management and partners, respond to emergencies, document incidents, and help create a welcoming community. The position offers day, evening and overnight shifts, and a start in the week of December 7, 2026; a

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a client-centered approach.
• Ability to remain calm and grounded when managing crises or emotionally charged situations.
• Experience interfacing with diverse clients and maintaining boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular outreach at Respites, Warming Centres and Hub locations to promote safety and inclusivity.
• Engage with tenants and community members to build trust and connect them to resources.
• Monitor doorways and report hazards to maintain safe access.
• Address loitering using trauma-informed approaches to keep spaces accessible.
• Provide referrals and resource navigation at the site and nearby services.
• Document engagements and incidents following procedures.
• Respond to emergencies following established safety protocols.
• Collaborate with shelter staff, case management, and partners to promote community safety.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Empathy

Crisis management

Boundary setting

Client-centered approach

De-escalation

Team collaboration

Education

Social services training program

Job description

INTERNAL/EXTERNALJob Title: Community Outreach SpecialistPosition Type: Bargaining Unit, Full Time, Reduced Full-Time, and Part-Time, Contract until April 9, 2027 Number of Positions: 15 FT, 1 RFT, 3 PT; anticipated start date – week of December 7, 2026 Reason for Posting: Existing VacancyRate: $21.29 per hourVacation: 7% Vacation PayHours: 37.5 hours (FT), 22.5 hours (RFT), 15 hours (PT) per week; must be available to work scheduled day, evening and overnight shifts, including weekends and statutory holidays Supervisor: Senior Manager, Community Safety and OutreachPosting Date: October 23, 2026Application Deadline: November 3, 2026Location: 195 Princes’ Blvd., Toronto and surrounding areas

Why Fred Victor?

For 130 years, Fred Victor has been a leader in helping people rebuild their lives in Toronto. Our mission is to improve the health, income and housing stability of people experiencing poverty and homelessness. We are committed to ending homelessness, one person at a time.

The Community Services (CS) department at Fred Victor is a multi-service, multi-site structure that encompasses the 40

Oak Community HUB and community programs, Employment and Training Services, Drop-Ins, Keep Cool Programs and

Food Services. Additionally, it operates social purpose enterprise with catering and community outreach services and

spearheads a significant Peer Training Initiative that prioritizes the involvement of individuals with lived experience.

Drawing on lived experience and training in harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and conflict resolution, the Community Outreach Specialist provides a compassionate and community-centered alternative. The role emphasizes connection, referring individuals to appropriate resources and supports. Through consistent presence and engagement, The Community Outreach Specialist help prevent crises before they upscale, support individuals in distress, and contribute to a sense of safety and dignity for everyone accessing the Hub.Newly onboarded community outreach team members will participate in a comprehensive Fred Victor training program focused on specific skills development and practical knowledge. Successful incumbents are expected to demonstrate a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous learning.Does this sound like work you want to be a part of?We offer a supportive and collaborative environment, an opportunity to join a diverse team of caring professionals and a chance to make a difference. With over 75 programs and 25 sites, there are lots of opportunities to grow your career with us. Many members of the management team started in relief and front-line roles.

What You Will Do:

• Conduct regular outreach in and around Respites, Warming Centres and Hub locations to promote a safe, and inclusive environment for all tenants, staff, and community members.
• Maintain a welcoming and reassuring presence throughout these locations by engaging in regular walk-throughs focused on connection, wellness, and community-building.
• Monitor perimeter, including the doorways, to ensure that doorways are clear and unobstructed, maintaining safe access and egress. This includes reporting any blockages or hazards.
• Actively address and discourage loitering around program spaces, communal spaces, and the courtyard to ensure these areas remain clear and accessible. Apply trauma-informed and respectful approaches, but prioritize maintaining a safe, unobstructed environment free from lingering or gathering that may impede access or use of shared community spaces.
• Identify safety or wellness concerns within the community and promptly connect individuals to appropriate emergency services or first responders, prioritizing compassionate support and referral.
• Engage with tenants, clients and community members through consistent, respectful presence -building trust, connection, and open lines of communication.
• Support with de-escalation during moments of conflict or distress, using trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches to reduce risk and prevent escalation.
• Provide informal referrals and resource navigation, connecting individuals directly to services at that site location and nearby low barrier services.
• Report discarded paraphernalia, or potential overdose to staff promptly, and assist them as required.
• Accurately document all incidents, client engagements, EMS calls, in accordance with established reporting procedures.
• Respond promptly and effectively to building emergencies such as fire alarms, floods, and lockdown situations by providing support to tenants and clients and strictly following established emergency procedures to ensure safety for all.
• Document engagements, incidents and service restrictions, and notable events in a clear, respectful, and strengths-based manner that upholds privacy and dignity.
• Provide exceptional customer service by treating individuals experiencing multiple barriers with dignity and respect.
• Work collaboratively within a dynamic team environment alongside multiple teams, including shelter staff, case management, on-site security and external partners to promote community safety and a secure environment.
• Model respectful communication, accountability, and professionalism in all interactions.
• Participate in regular supervision, debriefing, and team meetings to reflect on practice, share insights, and strengthen collective learning.
• Support other tasks and community safety initiatives as assigned by the Senior Manager, Community Safety and
• Other duties as required
• A Police Record Check is required by the final candidate prior to hiring.

What You Bring to the Team:

• Graduation from Fred Victor’s Employment and Training Program’s Social Services Training and Employment Program an asset.
• Demonstrated self-motivation, reliability, and professionalism.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain clear, healthy boundaries while supporting diverse clients.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a client-centered and empathetic approach.
• Ability to remain calm and grounded when managing crises or emotionally charged situations.
• This position is primarily outdoors and involves consistent walking and engagement within a defined perimeter surrounding the site locations.
• All employees must be aware of and prepared for potentially hazardous situations and are trained in deescalation.
• Staff will work in all weather conditions and are expected to maintain visibility and presence throughout the community during assigned shifts.
• A uniform is provided to all employees to ensure proper protection against various weather conditions, promoting safety and comfort while on duty.
• Safety equipment will be provided

Compensation and Benefits:

• For the Community Outreach Specialist, Fred Victor offers an hourly rate of $21.29
• 7% vacation pay
• Access to employee and family assistance plan