Outreach Worker - Homelessness

Canadian Red Cross; Montreal; On-site; CAD 24,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Canadian Red Cross in Montréal is seeking an Outreach Worker - Homelessness to support individuals at an overnight warming centre in the Saint-Laurent borough. The role emphasizes crisis response, de-escalation, and referrals to services.

You will work over a four-month period, nights and some weekends, drawing on experience with homelessness and mental health to maintain a safe, welcoming space and coordinate with partners.

Qualifications

• DEC in social work or related field.
• Ability to work night shifts and some weekends.
• 1–3 years of experience with homelessness or vulnerable populations.
• Strong knowledge of homelessness, mental health, addictions, and social exclusion.
• French language skills; English or other languages are assets.

Responsibilities

• Respond to crisis using de-escalation strategies.
• Promote well-being and a calm, respectful environment.
• Listen actively and provide referrals to resources.
• Maintain clean and welcoming common spaces during shifts.
• Document intervention activity per protocols.
• Coordinate with community partners for a coordinated response.
• Explain house rules and assist integration of new arrivals.
• Administer naloxone if required.

Skills

Crisis management

De-escalation

Active listening

French communication

English a plus

Education

DEC in social work or related field

Job description

Title: Outreach Worker – Homelessness

Employee Working Location: In-person (Montreal, QC)

Employment status: Casual

The Canadian Red Cross (CRC) – an inspirational not for profit organization, helps people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supports them in strengthening their resilience. As a Canada’s Best Employers 2026, we are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment.

The CRC is seeking an Outreach Worker - Homelessness to help implement interventions for individuals experiencing homelessness at an overnight warming centre located in the Saint-Laurent borough of Montréal.

Over a four-month period, the incumbent will draw on their recognized expertise in managing shelter sites for people impacted by disasters to respond with compassion and efficiency to a growing emergency situation.

In this role, you will:

• Respond to crisis or conflict situations using de-escalation and tension management strategies.
• Promote well-being and maintain a consistent, reassuring presence in common areas to prevent tensions and foster a respectful environment.
• Listen actively and provide support to meet individuals’ immediate needs, including referrals to appropriate resources.
• Ensure that common spaces are welcoming and sanitary throughout their shifts.
• Support the operations team by sharing expertise, promoting best practices, and mentoring colleagues.
• Document and update the intervention tracking tool in accordance with protocols and confidentiality standards.
• Maintain positive relationships and ongoing communication with community partners to ensure a coordinated response.
• Support the integration of new individuals at the warming centre, including by explaining house rules and offering available services.
• Record site traffic using a visitor log.
• Administer naloxone according to established protocols, if required.
• Identify signs of distress or increased vulnerability and alert appropriate resources, including emergency services when necessary.
• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and knowledge-sharing on intervention practices.

What we are looking for:

• College diploma (DEC) in social work, youth intervention, criminology, special education, psychology, or any related field.
• Availability to work night shifts and some weekends, alternating with other outreach workers.
• Full time or part time
• 1 to 3 years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or living in situations of extreme vulnerability.
• Strong knowledge of best practices in the fields of homelessness, mental health, addictions, and/or social exclusion.
• Ability to respond with calm and discernment in a dynamic, high-stress, and sometimes unpredictable environment.
• Psychological First Aid course is an asset.
• Strong written and oral communications skills in French. Fluency in English or any other language is an asset.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, autonomy, team spirit and a high degree of adaptability.

Working Conditions:

• As we work with and support people (managers, colleagues, beneficiaries/customers, volunteers, donors and external partners) and communities in Canada and around the world, applicants whose first language is not English may be required to perform the responsibilities of the role in English.
• Eligibility to work in Canada: At this time, we welcome applications from candidates eligible to work in Canada. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, we encourage you to carefully review your visa to find out whether you are eligible to work in the job you are considering applying for. Refer to our FAQ for more information.
• If you are selected for this role, you will be required to complete a successful pre-employment screening process which includes a satisfactory Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC).