Homelessness Outreach Worker

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

Benefits offered by this job

In‑house training

Wellness programs

Recognition programs

LiveGreen transit initiative

Social club

Community involvement

Job summary

BC Housing is hiring two Homelessness Outreach Workers in Smithers, BC. The roles support individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness by navigating housing and related services, in coordination with shelters and service agencies.

Responsibilities include rapid support for encampments and collaboration with regional teams to prevent homelessness, with occasional evenings and weekend hours and a valid BC driver’s license.

Qualifications

• High School diploma plus post‑secondary courses in social housing, community development, mental health, trauma counselling, or related discipline.
• Experience with homelessness and poverty, and liaising with housing providers.
• Criminal record check required and security clearances.
• Ability to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Connect with people experiencing homelessness or at risk in community locations.
• Assist individuals to navigate housing and support systems.
• Collaborate with shelters, housing providers, and service agencies; participate in HEART team.
• Travel as needed; availability for evenings/weekends.

Skills

Crisis de-escalation

Communication skills

Empathy and cultural sensitivity

Travel readiness

Education

High School diploma + post‑secondary courses

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Position Summary

Homelessness Outreach Worker (2 positions). Short‑term (2 years)/Full‑time. Location: Smithers, BC. Salary: $64,991.02 – $75,143.40 annually.

Reporting to the Coordinated Access and Assessment Manager, the Homelessness Outreach Worker connects with people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless at community locations. The incumbent assists individuals to navigate housing and related support systems, collaborates with shelters, supportive housing providers, and homelessness service agencies, and serves as a core member of a multidisciplinary regional homelessness and encampment response team (HEART). The position supports communities to prevent, minimize, and resolve encampments and responds to homelessness through rapid support for individuals sheltering outdoors.

The Organization

BC Housing is a provincial Crown Corporation that develops, manages, and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options for those most in need across the province. The organization’s mission is to provide access to safe, quality, accessible, and affordable housing options, promoting strong, inclusive communities where people can thrive.

Benefits

BC Housing offers competitive salaries and an excellent benefits package, including:

• In‑house training and courses related to current positions or career advancement.
• Wellness programs: physical fitness, smoking cessation, free flu shots, mental health resources, and lunch‑and‑learn lectures.
• Recognition programs: long‑term service awards, idea recognition, and outstanding performance awards.
• LiveGreen incentives: employee transit pass program and other sustainable transportation initiatives.
• Active Social Club organizing special events and group discounts.
• Participation in community and charitable events.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have the following:

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, or substance use challenges.
• Experience liaising with government, private, and community‑based housing providers and working with people from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
• Experience with crisis management and/or de‑escalation techniques.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience acceptable to the employer.
• Tier 4 Criminal Record Check required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of causal factors of homelessness, mental illness, and/or addiction.
• Sound understanding of the importance of cultural and community connections in supporting individuals to improve well‑being and exit homelessness.
• Good understanding or lived experience 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 for evolving situations.
• Understanding of traditional, cultural, and/or holistic wellness and healing initiatives.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer applications and software, including MS Office tools.
• Empathy when engaging with individuals from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, maintaining confidentiality and sensitivity.
• Ability to partner and collaborate with community partners, advocates, volunteers, local business owners, neighbours, and community members.
• Strength in developing partnerships with service providers and community partners.
• Willingness 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.
• Availability to travel and work periodic evenings and weekends; valid Class 5 BC driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle required.
• Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory criminal record search and required to maintain Security Clearance throughout employment.
• Due to the nature of this role, a valid Class 5 driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record are required.
• Due to the nature of this role, access to a reliable vehicle will be required.

Indigenous candidates are welcome to connect with an Indigenous team member in our organization to discuss the recruitment process. Please contact [e-mail] to arrange a call.

Equal Employment Opportunity

BC Housing is committed to providing a healthy, safe, and inclusive workplace where respect and diversity are recognized assets. We invite and welcome applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and all people committed to meaningful work that makes a difference. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free work environment, beginning with the hiring process. If you require accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail].