Outreach Worker

Alphahousecalgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits after six months

Personal development opportunities

Job summary

Alpha House in Calgary seeks an Outreach worker to support individuals facing addiction, mental health challenges, and homelessness. Responsibilities include driving, engaging with clients, providing transportation to safe locations, and advocating with partner agencies.

The ideal candidate has a 2-year diploma or related degree, 1 year of case management experience, crisis counseling experience, and strong English communication. Valid driver’s license and safety training are required.

Qualifications

• 2-year diploma or degree in Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Social Work (in progress may be considered).
• 1 year of experience with assessments and/or case management.
• Experience with crisis counseling and outreach for vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of addictions, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and mental health.
• Strong interpersonal, crisis management, and advocacy skills.
• Proficient in written and oral English communication.
• Knowledge of community development resources.
• Awareness of the Protection of Persons in Care Act.
• Compassionate and adaptable attitude.

Responsibilities

• Provide respectful, non-judgmental, empathetic support to clients.
• Conduct sweeps and engage with clients in encampments and hidden areas.
• Use sound judgment to assist clients, especially in harsh conditions.
• Advocate for clients and collaborate with partner agencies.
• Drive agency vans and transport clients when needed.
• Respond to crises and distress situations on-site.
• Complete housing assessments (e.g., NSQs).
• Maintain ethical, professional conduct with all stakeholders.
• Provide client-centered support services tailored to individual needs.
• Represent Alpha House positively with the public and partners.
• Facilitate educational sessions and liaise with community partners.
• Collaborate as part of a supportive team and assist with onboarding new staff.
• Follow Alpha House policies, procedures, and legal standards, including confidentiality.

Skills

Empathy

Case management

Crisis counseling

Interpersonal skills

Advocacy

Written English

Education

2-year diploma or degree in Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Social Work

Job description

Description

Job Type: Permanent-Full-Time (3 days on and 3 days off, 7am-7pm OR 7pm-7am)

Pay: $24.95 per hour (plus $2 night shift premium for hours worked between 11pm and 7am)

About the Role:

Alpha House's Outreach programs are comprised of several 24/7 high-intensity teams that work with individuals with addiction issues and are experiencing mental health and homelessness in the community. We have several dedicated partnerships with CPS, EMS, Calgary Bylaw, and Calgary Transit, and provide an alternative response to public intoxication, alongside working in crisis situations with a wide range of social services and community partners. This position will entail driving, walking, lifting, actively engaging with community members and local businesses, providing transportation to safe locations, and advocating on behalf of vulnerable individuals.Outreach staff assist individuals in a variety of ways, therefore, independent thinking and decision-making are vital. Being persistent, empathetic, and personable is vital for this role.

• Providing respectful, non-judgmental, empathetic support to clients
• Conduct sweeps and engage with clients in encampments and hidden areas
• Use sound judgment to assist clients, especially in harsh conditions
• Advocate for clients and collaborate with partner agencies
• Drive agency vans and transport clients when needed
• Respond to crises and distress situations on-site
• Complete housing assessments (e.g., NSQs)
• Maintain ethical, professional conduct with all stakeholders
• Provide client-centered support services tailored to individual needs
• Represent Alpha House positively with the public and partners
• Facilitate educational sessions and liaise with community partners
• Collaborate as part of a supportive team and assist with onboarding new staff
• Follow Alpha House policies, procedures, and legal standards, including confidentiality

About You:

We are looking for a compassionate, motivated individual with strong case management skills and a deep understanding of housing systems, recovery models, and support for vulnerable populations. The ideal candidate would have the following:

• 2-year diploma or degree in Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Social Work, or related (in progress may be considered)
• 1 year of experience with assessments and/or case management
• Experience with crisis counseling and outreach for vulnerable populations
• Knowledge of addictions, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and mental health
• Strong interpersonal, crisis management, and advocacy skills
• Proficient in written and oral English communication
• Knowledge of community development resources
• Awareness of the Protection of Persons in Care Act
• Compassionate and adaptable attitude

Position Requirements:

• Class 5 AB Non-GDL driver license, comfortable driving agency vehicles, and ability to obtain Class 4 within 60 days (Alpha House will pay for the test and medical passed)
• Clear 5 Year Driver's Abstract
• Physically able to assist clients and navigate rough terrain in all weather
• Able to provide a Vulnerable Sector Search, valid within the last six months, that does not contain any results material to the position
• Ability to wear steel-toed footwear
• Able to complete Privacy Training & “It’s your Move” training, or equivalent Patient Lift training

About Alpha House:

Alpha House is dedicated to providing safe, caring, and respectful environments for individuals dealing with addiction and mental health challenges. Our team is passionate about making a difference in the lives of those we serve, offering comprehensive support and resources to help individuals on their journey to recovery and stability.

Benefits of working at Alpha House

• Medical Benefits after six months of continuous work
• Personal Development and training opportunities