Outreach Worker – Homeless Encampments

Mission Community Services Society; Mission; On-site; CAD 57,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Mission Community Services Society seeks an outreach-focused worker to support individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. You will engage clients with trauma-informed care and provide referrals to housing, healthcare, and social services.

The role emphasizes developing individualized support plans and advocating to reduce barriers to services. Strong documentation and collaboration with community partners are required.

Qualifications

• Direct frontline experience with vulnerable populations is required.
• Experience in outreach, case management, housing support, mental health, addictions, or homelessness services.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and client-centered practices is essential.
• Ability to respond to crisis situations using de-escalation techniques.
• Strong understanding of homelessness and housing instability issues.

Responsibilities

• Conduct proactive street and community outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Engage clients in a culturally safe and trauma-informed manner.
• Maintain contact with clients to support stability and well-being.
• Provide information and referrals to community resources and support services.
• Develop individualized support plans and assist clients in achieving goals.
• Advocate to reduce barriers and improve service access.

Skills

Outreach

Case management

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Harm reduction

Documentation

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft 365

HIFIS experience

Education

Diploma or Degree in Social Work or related field

Tools

HIFIS

Microsoft 365

Job description

Mission Community Services Society is dedicated to helping people, changing lives, and building community. With a legacy dating back to 1972, MCSS has continuously strived to support community members in need.

What you'll do:

• Conduct proactive street and community outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Engage clients in a culturally safe and trauma-informed manner.
• Maintain regular contact with clients to support stability and overall well-being.
• Provide information and referrals to community resources and support services.
• Assess client needs, strengths, barriers, and risks.
• Develop individualized support plans and assist clients in achieving identified goals.
• Support clients in accessing housing, healthcare, mental health services, addictions treatment, income assistance, and other community resources.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to reduce barriers and improve service access.
• Assist with safety planning and crisis response.
• Support individuals in obtaining and maintaining safe, stable housing.
• Liaise with government, private, and non-profit housing providers.
• Assist with housing applications, documentation, and tenancy-related concerns.
• Work collaboratively with shelters, supportive housing providers, and housing support agencies.
• Respond effectively to crisis situations using de-escalation and conflict resolution techniques.
• Apply harm reduction principles when supporting individuals who use substances.
• Administer Naloxone when required and maintain current training.
• Support community responses to homelessness and encampment-related concerns.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community partners including healthcare professionals, Indigenous organizations, Child and Family Services, law enforcement, schools, and community service agencies.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case planning and coordinated responses.
• Maintain accurate client records and case notes.
• Complete reports, assessments, referrals, and statistical tracking requirements.
• Utilize databases and case management systems, including HIFIS and other program software.
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality, privacy legislation, and organizational policies.
• Maintain outreach supplies and program inventory.
• Attend team meetings, training sessions, and community networking events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What you bring:

• Diploma or Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health and Addictions, Child and Youth Care, Human Services, Community Development, Indigenous Studies, Nursing, or a related field.
• Minimum two years of direct frontline experience working with vulnerable populations.
• Experience in outreach, case management, housing support, mental health, addictions, or homelessness services.
• Experience working with individuals impacted by trauma, poverty, homelessness, and substance use.
• Experience responding to crisis situations and applying de-escalation techniques.
• Strong understanding of homelessness, housing instability, mental health, and addiction issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed and client-centered practices.
• Strong understanding of harm reduction principles.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent conflict resolution and crisis intervention abilities.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint.
• Experience using case management databases and reporting systems such as HIFIS is an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid BC Class 5 Driver's Licence, access to a reliable vehicle, and satisfactory driver's abstract.
• Successful Criminal Record Check for the vulnerable sector.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification
• Naloxone training
• VAT training is an asset
• Ability to travel throughout the service area.

Working Conditions:

This position requires regular community-based and street outreach work in varying weather conditions, frequent interaction with vulnerable populations, and occasional exposure to crisis situations. The successful candidate must be comfortable providing outreach support to individuals actively using substances and experiencing complex social, mental health, and housing-related challenges.

Job Posting #: 202608026

Wage: Grid 10 ($27.53 - $31.57)

Schedule: Temporary, Full-Time to March 31st, 2027