Full Time Street Outreach Worker

Street outreach workers participate as members of various 2-person teams mobile teams working with the street entrenched population to ensure their basic needs are being met while encouraging and assisting them in moving towards the initial steps of securing housing.  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.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a permanent full time position
• Shift: Saturday to Wednesday - 11:15am – 7:15pm and 7:00pm – 3:00am, on a rotational basis, inclusive of statutory holidays
• 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

• A relevant post-secondary education in social services with training in harm reduction, addiction and mental health service or equivalent work experience is essential
• Valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License with minimum 2 years driving experience and a current copy of a Driver’s abstract for review and verification that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is essential

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• 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

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening
• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process.  If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

You must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.