Outreach Support Worker

The Salvation Army; Calgary; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization is seeking a compassionate individual for a full-time outreach role in Calgary. The position involves providing support to individuals experiencing homelessness, engaging with clients, and managing cases, requiring strong crisis management and communication skills. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma and experience in social services. The role offers a competitive salary and a work schedule Monday to Friday.

Qualifications

• Completion of a high school diploma.
• Completion of a college Diploma in a related social services field is a strong asset.
• Skilled in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and trauma-informed care.

Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Provide emergency/crisis intervention as needed.
• Utilize internal data management for client information.

Skills

Client engagement

Crisis management

Analytical skills

Education

High school diploma

College Diploma in social services field

Tools

MS Office 365

Job description

Who We Are

The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda for more than 130 years. We help more than 2 million people each year by providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. We support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges and strive to live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description

Position Purpose Summary

As part of the Central Outreach Project, this position provides street level engagement, meaningful support, foundational case management and necessary referrals to individuals who are precariously housed or experiencing homelessness in the area surrounding Central Library, Fort Calgary and Centre of Hope.

Accountabilities

1. Client Support / Case Management

• Develop relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness through frequent outreach visits to foster trust and identify access to services when necessary.
• Provide emergency/crisis intervention and respond accordingly (may involve conflict resolution).
• Engage visible clients living in public places and provide ongoing support as needed.
• Explore and develop process for advocacy for clients when they need help seeking services within CSC or external services and programs.
• Research community resources that benefit neighbors experiencing homelessness.
• Work with clients to set appropriate goals based on identified need and timelines.
• Work collaboratively with community agencies to support client concerns.

2. Program Support

• May provide support for other position tasks.
• May assist in the evaluation of programs and services for quality improvement.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

3. Reporting and Written Communication

• Utilize internal and/or external data management process for documenting outreach interactions and client information.
• Support external reporting requests as needed.

Working Conditions

• This is a full-time, fixed term position until December 31, 2025. Work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm with a 30 min unpaid meal break.
• Work locations include office, outdoors, encampment visits, and canvasing urban areas on foot.
• Moderate physical exertion (moving/carrying food hampers, clothing, coffee).
• Working in outdoor settings where temperature and weather fluctuate.
• May have to deal with angry people and verbal abuse.
• Will be in contact with individuals who may be in crisis or may have mental health, substance use or hygiene concerns.
• May experience unpleasant odours associated with participants use of alcohol and substances, and/or lack of personal hygiene.
• Work schedule may affect lifestyle.

Education and Experience Qualifications

• Completion of high school diploma.
• Completion of a college Diploma in a related social services field is a strong asset.
• Incumbents with a Social Work diploma or degree must be registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers.
• Class 5 Driver’s License and satisfactory Drivers Abstract is an asset.
• Police Information Check (PIC) with Vulnerable Sector Check
• Child Intervention Check
• Current and valid Emergency First Aid and Level A or CCPR from an Alberta approved provider.
• Skilled/trained in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, trauma-informed care, Mental Health First Aid, Naloxone and other drug awareness training is an asset.
• Naloxone Training

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• A minimum of two years of related experience.
• At least three months of experience performing similar work and/or working with a marginalized client population.
• Frontline experience with clients in a social service environment.
• At least one year of safe driving experience is required.
• Formal training and experience driving a vehicle, with a trailer attached, is an asset.

Skills and Capabilities

• Desire to support the mission of The Salvation Army’s work in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner.
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Ability to work outdoors including periods of time with low or high temperature.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds with no assistance.
• Planning: proficiency in strategic planning, program development and evaluation.
• Communication: excellent verbal/written communication skills; proficiency in MS Office 365 (Excel, Teams, Word); ability to connect with diverse population groups.
• Client engagement: proven ability to provide meaningful, informed emotional care to individuals in distress or with complex needs.
• Crisis management: maintain a calm and consistent manner in dealing with individuals in crisis; demonstrate excellence in non-violent intervention strategies; demonstrate understanding of CS(C) policies and procedures regarding crisis intervention; ability to re-establish relationships with individuals post-crisis.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $20.87 to $26.08 with a maximum of $31.30. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [e-mail] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.