Homelessness Outreach Worker

BC Housing; Cranbrook; On-site; CAD 64,991 - 75,143; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

In-house training and professional development

Wellness programs

Comprehensive health and benefits package

Job summary

BC Housing is seeking a full-time Homelessness Outreach Worker in Cranbrook, BC, to connect with individuals experiencing homelessness and aid them in navigating housing services. This position requires strong communication skills and knowledge of community resources.

Responsibilities include collaboration with shelter providers and assisting individuals in crisis situations. The ideal candidate will have relevant education and experience in social housing or related fields. A comprehensive health package and wellness programs are offered.

Qualifications

• High school diploma plus completion of post-secondary courses in related disciplines.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness and various challenges.
• Knowledge of government and community-based housing services.

Responsibilities

• Connect with individuals experiencing homelessness in community locations.
• Assist individuals in navigating housing and support systems.
• Collaborate with shelters and service agencies.

Skills

Knowledge of causal factors of homelessness

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

De-escalation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills

Education

High school diploma with post-secondary courses

Tools

MS Office tools

Job description

Position Summary

Homelessness Outreach Worker (2 positions)
Short-term (approximately up to 2 years) / Full-time
Location: Cranbrook, BC
Salary: $64,991.02 – $75,143.40 annually
Reporting to the Coordinated Access and Assessment Manager. The role involves connecting with people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless in community locations, aiding individuals to navigate housing and related support systems, and collaborating with shelters, supportive housing providers, and homelessness service agencies to ensure an integrated system of supports.

Key Responsibilities

• Connect with individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in community locations.
• Aide and assist individuals to navigate housing and related support systems.
• Collaborate and partner with shelters, supportive housing providers, and homelessness service agencies.
• Coordinate rapid support for individuals sheltering outdoors as part of the multidisciplinary regional homelessness and encampment response team (HEART).
• Assist in preventing, minimizing, and resolving encampments.

Candidate Profile

Education & Experience

• High school diploma plus completion of post-secondary courses in social housing, community development, mental health, trauma counselling, or a related discipline.
• Considerable progressive experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty due to physical, mental, or psychological disability and/or substance use challenges.
• Experience liaising with government, private, and community-based housing providers and working with individuals from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Experience with crisis management and/or de-escalation techniques.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience acceptable to the employer.
• Tier 4 Criminal Record Check required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of causal factors of homelessness, mental illness, and addiction.
• Understanding of cultural and community connections in supporting individuals to improve well-being and exit homelessness.
• Understanding of the impacts of residential schools, generational trauma, and/or abuse.
• Knowledge of government, private, and community-based housing service providers.
• De-escalation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills to manage evolving situations.
• Understanding of traditional, cultural, and holistic wellness and healing initiatives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer applications and software, including MS Office tools.
• High degree of confidentiality and sensitivity when engaging with diverse individuals.
• Capacity to build strong partnerships with service providers and community partners.
• Ability to learn, understand, and update BC Housing mandate, programs, and services.
• Ability to develop and foster trusting relationships with people facing homelessness and multiple barriers.
• Valid Class 5 BC driver’s licence and access to a vehicle; ability to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Successful applicants are required to maintain Security Clearance throughout employment and may need to undergo a satisfactory criminal record search.

Requirements

• Valid Class 5 BC driver’s licence and reliable vehicle access.
• Tier 4 Criminal Record Check.
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Benefits

• In-house training and professional development opportunities.
• Wellness programs including fitness, smoking cessation, flu shots, mental health resources, and lunch-and-learn sessions.
• Recognition programs and long-term service awards.
• Transit pass and other green transportation incentives.
• Active social club and community event participation.
• Comprehensive health and benefits package.

EEO Statement

At BC Housing, we are committed to fostering a healthy, safe, and inclusive workplace where respect and diversity are valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Location Notice

Both positions are based in Cranbrook, British Columbia and require on-site work.