The posting
This position will provide intensive support and services to chronically and episodically homeless service users in a flexible, compassionate, and responsible manner. The Outreach Worker is responsible for the provision and coordination of connecting service users to community resources and ensuring they are on the appropriate housing lists. STATUS AND CLASSIFICATIONUnion. This position is open to applicants of all genders. HOURS (40 hours per week) Monday to Friday, 0900 - 1600 WHAT WE OFFER?
Committed Living Wage Employer 2022, 2023 and 2025 Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice Award from NEOC 2023 High-Performance Culture Award from Supporting Lines Competitive benefits package, including health, wellness, and pension plan Career and personal development, with the ability to grow in a diverse range of programs and departments Access to a range of staff mental health supports, including an in-house counsellor, Employee Family Assistance Program, and Critical Incidents Stress Management Access to On-Demand Pay to withdraw earned wages before payday Connective is part of a portability program where employees moving from a CSSEA-member employer to Connective will port their service hours for vacation and wage purposes (within last 12 months)
REPORTING AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports and is accountable to the Program Manager or their designate. Participates as a member of the Connective Services Team to ensure quality and continuity of services for service users. Liaises with staff and volunteers of community and government agencies as required, to contribute to and take part in a network of community and housing organizations to address the challenges and barriers experienced by our service users. Liaises with the staff and other community partners as necessary to ensure timely communication and integrated team approach. Works in collaboration with all shelter staff and program managers to ensure the service user needs are effectively met.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Receives and reviews intakes for service users seeking outreach support. Provides outreach, case management, lay counselling, advocacy, and other needed. Works in collaboration with the service user to formulate a comprehensive service plan that has measurable short and long-term goals. This plan is to be reviewed and modified with the service user on a regular basis. Ensures issues of daily living, including but not limited to housing, nutrition, clothing, hygiene, leisure, lifestyle and access, employment, and education are addressed in this plan. Ensures the service user’s ongoing legal, mental health and physical health issues are addressed in the plan if applicable. When and as needed, provides a wide range of interventions to enable the service user to address and accomplish the established goals. Interacts with other professionals, family members and organizations to ensure services, admissions and treatments are in the service user’s interest and supportive of the long-term goals. On the service user’s behalf, is a resource to other professionals, including but not limited to program staff, probation services, police, psychological/psychiatric, substance use and addictions programs, and mental health team. Maintains extensive records and case notes in accordance with the policy and procedures manuals of the society. Completes quarterly/monthly progress reports. Participates in staff meetings and meetings with funders and community partners as instructed by the Program Manager.
Other duties as subsequently negotiated.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Functions independently, while remaining a crucial member of the care team. Adheres to Connective policies and procedures. Is available to work flexible hours as needed, which may include some evenings/weekends, as determined by program. Receives benefits and works within the working conditions as outlined in the collective agreement and personnel manual.
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
A diploma and/or a degree in the social or behavioural sciences. One year’s experience working with service users living with, developmental disabilities and/or spectrum disorders, has lived or is living in chronic or episodic homelessness, or lives with mental health and/or substance use disorders. Demonstrated and clear ability to respond well in crisis situations. Extensive knowledge of community resources. Experience in assessment, case/care plan development and implementation. Demonstrated ability to develop programs tailored to the diverse needs of the individual. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
REQUIREMENTS
Ability to successfully complete a vulnerable sector check. Ability to successfully pass a reference check. Proof of vaccination for communicable diseases may be required as mandated by Government, Health Authority, and/or funder requirements. Ability to successfully pass a TB screening. Current Emergency First Aid Certificate recognized by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) . Current Food Safe Level 1 certificate.
COMPENSATION As Connective is a unionized environment, the starting wage is $35.11 per hour. This position is eligible for full benefits.
