Outreach Worker

Rise People; Sault Ste. Marie; On-site; CAD 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

CMHA Algoma is seeking an Outreach Worker to support individuals who are homeless or at risk, with mental health or addiction challenges. The role blends street outreach, system navigation, housing outreach, case management, landlord mediation, and crisis support.

You will work within a recovery-oriented framework, sometimes evenings or weekends, and collaborate with partners to promote housing stability and wellness, using tools like OCAN and SPDAT.

Qualifications

• Minimum two-year diploma in a Human Services–related field.
• Registration with OCSWSSW or another regulated health profession (preferred).
• Minimum one year of experience in mental health, addictions, or housing services.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR.
• Certification in ASIST and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (or willingness to obtain within 3 months).
• Knowledge of mental health, addictions, and housing resources within the community.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Valid Ontario G driver’s licence, proof of insurance, and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Acceptable Police Vulnerable Sector Check required upon hire and maintained throughout employment.
• Bilingualism (English/French) considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach services to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
• Support clients in developing individualized recovery and housing plans using assessment tools such as OCAN and SPDAT.
• Assist clients in developing life skills including budgeting, personal care, and household management.
• Support tenancy through landlord mediation, conflict resolution, and connection to community resources.
• Conduct regular home and community visits to promote housing stability and wellness.
• Provide information, referrals, and crisis outreach as needed.
• Collaborate with other community partners, health providers, and social service agencies.
• Participate in team meetings, quality improvement, and professional development activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Bilingualism

Education

Two-year diploma in a Human Services–related field

Job description

Program: Outreach Wellness Response Team

Status: Temporary Full Time Contract to March 31, 2027, 5 positions

Classification: D

Compensation: $27.31-33.86 per Local 684 collective agreement

Union/Non-Union: Union, OPSEU/SEFPO Local 684

Reports To: Program Supervisor

About CMHA Algoma

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Algoma Branch (CMHA Algoma) is a community-based mental health and addictions agency committed to improving the well-being of individuals and families throughout the Algoma District. Guided by our mission, vision, and values of respect, integrity, and compassion, we deliver a broad range of programs and services to meet diverse community needs.

Position Overview

The Outreach Worker provides support and services to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and may be living with mental health and/or addiction challenges. Working from a recovery-oriented and psychosocial rehabilitation framework, the Housing Outreach Worker promotes empowerment, self-determination, and wellness by assisting clients in accessing housing, developing life skills, and connecting to community supports.

The role involves a combination of street outreach, system navigation, housing outreach, case management, landlord mediation, and crisis support. Workers operate both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, with occasional evening or weekend shifts as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide outreach services to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
• Support clients in developing individualized recovery and housing plans using assessment tools such as OCAN and SPDAT.
• Assist clients in developing life skills including budgeting, personal care, and household management.
• Support tenancy through landlord mediation, conflict resolution, and connection to community resources.
• Conduct regular home and community visits to promote housing stability and wellness.
• Provide information, referrals, and crisis outreach as needed.
• Collaborate with other community partners, health providers, and social service agencies.
• Participate in team meetings, quality improvement, and professional development activities.

Qualifications

• Minimum two-year diploma in a Human Services–related field.
• Registration with OCSWSSW or another regulated health profession (preferred).
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in mental health, addictions, or housing services.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR
• Certification in ASIST, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (or willingness to obtain within 3 months).
• Knowledge of mental health, addictions, and housing resources within the community.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Valid Ontario G driver’s licence, proof of insurance, and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Acceptable Police Vulnerable Sector Check required upon hire and maintained throughout employment.
• Bilingualism (English/French) considered an asset.

Working Conditions

• Community-based work including client homes, shelters, and outdoor settings.
• Requires physical activity such as lifting, reaching, bending, and movement from floor level.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required.

Additional Information

This is a bargaining unit position. Internal candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and requirements will be given priority consideration before external applicants.

CMHA Algoma is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to providing accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

CMHA Algoma does not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the hiring process.