Homelessness Outreach Worker

Location

Penticton, BC | Canada

Job description

HOMELESSNESS OUTREACH WORKER – 2 POSITIONS:

($56,796.64 – $65,740.30 Annually)

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Coordinated Access and Assessment Manager, the Homelessness Outreach Worker, connects with people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless in community locations. He/She/They aides and assists individuals to navigate housing and related support system(s). The incumbent collaborates and partners with shelters and supportive housing providers, and homelessness service agencies to ensure an integrated system of supports and services. As a core member of a multidisciplinary regional homelessness and encampment response team (HEART), the position supports communities to prevent, minimize and or resolve encampments and respond to homelessness through coordination and rapid support for individuals sheltering outdoors.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The successful candidate will have the following:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma plus completion of post-secondary courses in social housing, community development, mental health, trauma counselling and or other relevant discipline
• Considerable progressive experience in working with individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty on account of physical, mental, or psychological disability, and or, substance use challenges.
• Sound experience in liaising with government, private and community-based housing providers and working with individuals from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Some experience with crisis management and or de-escalation techniques.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience acceptable to the employer.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge of causal factors of homelessness, mental illness and or addiction.
• Sound understanding of the importance of cultural and community connections in supporting individuals to improve well-being, exit homelessness and thrive in housing.
• Good understanding or lived experience of the impacts of residential schools, generational trauma and or abuse.
• Sound knowledge of government, private and community-based housing service providers.
• Good de-escalation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills to manage evolving situations.
• Good understanding of traditional, cultural and or holistic wellness and healing initiatives
• Exceptional verbal and written communications skills.
• Proficient in computer applications and software including MS Office tools.
• Demonstrated ability to empathize when engaging with individuals from diverse socio economic and cultural backgrounds, a high degree of confidentiality and sensitivity.
• Demonstrated ability to partner, curious perspective when engaging with a wide array of community partners, including advocates, volunteers, local business owners, neighbours, and community members.
• Ability to develop strong partnerships with services providers and community partners.
• Ability to learn, understand and update BC Housing mandate, programs, and services.
• Ability to develop and foster trusting relationships with people facing homelessness and multiple barriers.
• Ability to travel and work periodic evenings and weekends; transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the position.
• Please Note: Successful applicant(s) are subject to a satisfactory criminal record search and are required to maintain Security Clearance throughout their employment.
• Due to the nature of this role, a valid class 5 driver’s license and satisfactory driving record is required.
• Due to the nature of this role, access to a reliable vehicle will be required

Indigenous candidates are welcome to connect with an Indigenous team member in our organization to discuss the recruitment process and our workplace, please contact [email protected] to arrange a call.

How to Apply:

Please review the attached job description for a complete list of duties, qualifications and competencies.  To be considered for this competition, applicants must submit a cover letter and resume clearly identifying how they meet the qualifications necessary for this position.  This information will be used as part of the selection process.

Your cover letter and resume should be submitted as one document in your profile when applying for this position. Please add your cover letter to your resume and submit both documents as your resume.

Please review the Job Description prior to applying

(When there is a pop up asking if you wish to view only secure items, press no)

As part of the application process, you will be prompted to fill out a questionnaire which must be completed in order for your application to be considered. Please allot up to 5 minutes to fill it out after submitting your resume and cover letter as one single document.

Only applications submitted using the Online Recruitment System at  will be accepted

If you are passionate about what you do and want to use your expertise to engage in a meaningful and challenging work, please apply to join our team today at 

At BC Housing, we’re committed to providing a healthy, safe and inclusive workplace where respect and diversity are recognized assets. We invite and welcome applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, Persons with Disabilities and Disabled People, persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and all people committed to meaningful work that makes a difference.  We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you require accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [email protected].

We didn’t become one of BC’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers without a lot of thought, care and consideration for our team and environment. Our supportive and collaborative workplace balances engaging and challenging work with personal development and wellness initiatives.

Apply Now: 

Have questions/issues about the application process? Please see our FAQ’s for some useful information.

Job tags

Salary