Street Outreach Worker- Casual

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

Job summary

The Salvation Army is seeking a dedicated Street Outreach Worker in Ottawa. This role involves engaging underserved populations, conducting wellness checks, and assisting with housing needs. Candidates should possess relevant experience, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to navigate challenging environments. Overnight and weekend shifts are available, offering varied hours and premium pay.

Qualifications

• Two years’ experience in outreach setting with the homeless.
• Valid ‘G’ class driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Clear Police background check for working with vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct wellness checks and assist individuals in securing housing.
• Engage with clients in unconventional environments, ensuring safety.
• Log and case-note all client interactions and services provided.

Skills

Client service

De-escalation

Adaptability

Collaboration

Education

Post-secondary education in social services

Job description

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and 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 - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

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:

Street Outreach workers are required to work various 8 hrs shifts between 11am-3am. There are 3 specialty teams within the program:

• Emergency Response – Traditional outreach work including wellness checks, transports, diversion calls and dispersing of emergency supplies to homeless individuals
• Interim case management – Confirm potential clients meet the program mandate and assist those individuals with the initial steps required to attain housing including completion of assessment tools, application and securing of documents such as birth certificates and proof of ongoing income
• Encampment engagement – Regularly visit known encampments and interact with the population to determine needs and assist those who meet the program mandate with accessing housing services. Respond to community concerns regarding encampments and large groups. Complete risk assessments and safety planning prior to each engagement, ensuring the uniqueness of each visit is noted and addressed making team safety a priority

In addition, each team is responsible to log and case-note, all contacts and notation of service provided to clients as well as follow up with clients known to sleep outdoors. Finally, each team member must share driving responsibility and safe operation of Street Outreach Van during 8 hr. shift adhering to all Ottawa Booth Centre vehicles polices.

Street outreach workers must be prepared to engage individuals in situations and locations that some might find unfavorable, including meeting with clientele at night after dark in unconventional environments (parks, under bridges etc.) and engage in a collaborative approach to planning safe exits based on industry best practices. They must always operate with ‘safety first’ mind set.

This position requires an open, non-judgmental attitude towards the homeless population and the struggles they deal with on a daily basis. Street outreach workers will interact with highly intoxicated individuals, those with severe mental health issues and potentially angry and abusive clients. The ability to de-escalate situations and make quick, appropriate, collaborative decisions under competing priorities and situations is imperative.

Physically Requirements:

• A street outreach worker must be able to lift up to 50 pounds with assistance
• Support and assist clients in safely entering and exiting the Outreach van
• Sit and/or drive a vehicle for long periods
• Must be able to work in unfavorable weather conditions such as rain and cold
• Must be able to walk distances through parks, open spaces as well as urban spaces

Education, Qualifications and Experience:

• A relevant post-secondary education in social services with training in harm reduction, addiction and mental health service or equivalent work experience is essential
• Two years’ experience, ideally in an outreach setting, in direct client service with the homeless
• At minimum, most recent 2 years driving experience with a valid ‘G’ class driver’s license
• Current clean driver’s abstract is essential
• Clear Police background check for working with a vulnerable population

Hours: Casual hours. Multiple shift availabilities, Monday- Sunday, including the following:

• 6am-2pm
• 7am-3:30pm
• 11:15am- 7:15pm
• 3pm-11:30PM
• 11pm- 7-30am

Hours worked on weekends and late night have premiums associated.

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $20.25 to $25.31 with a maximum of $30.37.

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.