Position: Outreach Worker

Program: NASO

Role Type: Full-time

Job Classification: Existing Vacancy

Work Hours: 70 hours bi-weekly

Reports to: Team Supervisor

Union Status: Unionized

Contract End Date: March 31, 2027

Rate of Pay: $26.11 – $29.61

This position is paid according to a unionized collective bargaining agreement (CBA) wage grid. Successful candidates start at $26.11/hour, increase to $27.70/hour after completing Year 1 requirements, and reach $29.61/hour in Year 2, based on the established hours and progression steps in the agreement.

About Marathon Community Services (formally known as Gateway Residential and Community Support Services)

Mission

Through a person-centred approach, we empower individuals to live lives of their choosing. To be independent in their way and housed safely and affordably.

Vision

We envision a future free from barriers, where all people are valued, connected and empowered to reach their full potential.

Values

Respect – We treat everyone with dignity and kindness, recognizing the inherent worth of people

Inclusion – We honour diversity and actively work to ensure everyone feels seen, heard and valued

Compassion – We meet each person with empathy, understanding that everyone’s journey is unique

Empowerment – We support people to make informed choices, take charge of their own growth and persevere in the face of life’s challenges

Job Summary The Outreach Worker will establish presence and build rapport with clients who are chronically homeless or experiencing unsheltered homelessness (street or in an encampment) in the Niagara Region. Working in partnership with the Niagara Assertive Outreach Team, they will provide outreach case management which increases the effectiveness of a street-based response to facilitate engagement with individuals when and where they are most likely engaged; truly meeting the client where they are at.

Responder / Dispatcher Role

- Address all incoming concerns around homelessness in Niagara
- Diversion
- Documentation and HIFIS readiness
- Referrals to the housing focus team
- Community connections and engagement, regionally based support
- Encampment engagement
- On-call support during off hours

Housing Focus
- 1:20 caseloads
- Housing-focused approach to engage for long-term housing placements
- Documentation readiness
- Move in / Outs
- Post-support engagement for 30-60 days post move in
- Assessment and guidance of referrals to appropriate supports to stay housed
- Attend viewings and support move-ins
- Work in partnership with the responder teams for referrals

Responsibilities
- Street-based assertive outreach services, engaging people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in locations they frequent
- Creative; meaningful engagement with people experiencing primary homelessness
- Assessment (including risk, needs, goals, and strengths)
- Case planning, implementation, evaluation, and review (to include relapse prevention, crisis resolution/contingency planning)
- Referrals to appropriate accommodation resources and housing providers
- Facilitating access to physical and mental health support services
- Consideration for cultural and spiritual well-being




- Collaboration with substance-use harm reduction services and healthcare providers
- Collaboration with criminal justice system
- Collaboration towards social inclusion
- Person centered advocacy
- Reconnecting people with family, friends, and social support
- Ensuring the client is informed of the Housing First principles
- Work in collaboration with the Niagara Assertive Outreach Team
- Provide coordinated case management to clients
- Attend and participate in all team/staff meetings or training as required

This position description reflects the general duties of the position, but it is not intended to be a detailed description of all duties that may be inherent in the position. Outreach Workers may also be asked to perform other duties as required or assigned.

Requirements

- Community College Diploma or a University Degree in social services or other closely related field or a combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities as determined by the employer
- One-year experience working with people experiencing homelessness, mental health, addictions and/or working with dual diagnosis
- A valid G drivers’ license with access to a reliable vehicle and permission to carry rider attached with 2-million-dollar liability
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training is an asset
- Must possess a valid First Aid/CPR certification that does not expire within six (6) months of hire. If certification expires, the employee is responsible for all renewal costs
- Availability to work evenings and weekends
- Knowledge of homelessness service system and outreach community resources
- Good organizational, problem solving, time management and prioritizing skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent interpersonal skills with good oral and written skills
- A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills
- Computer literacy, including effective working skills of HIFIS, MS Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook Calendar
- Understand and work within a person-centered approach, maintaining political and cultural sensitivity
- Strong morals and ethics, along with a commitment to staff and client privacy
- Demonstrated ability to function within and contribute to a fast-paced team environment
- Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional education
- Ability to monitor financial accountabilities
- Physically able to perform all assigned tasks
- Ability to work under minimal supervision

Police Clearance and Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements To ensure the safety of the individuals we serve, all successful candidates for this position will be required to provide a Police Clearance and Vulnerable Sector Check from their local police service. A clear Vulnerable Sector Check is a condition of employment.



Any prior convictions or offenses (outside the scope of the Vulnerable Sector Check) will be assessed in accordance with applicable privacy and human rights legislation. A criminal record may be considered in the hiring decision, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Applicants will have the opportunity to discuss any relevant information once the check is requested.

Work Conditions

- Working directly with individuals living in poverty
- Working directly with individuals experiencing crisis, living roughly or living in public spaces
- Working in encampments, including those located in remote, isolated, or hard-to-access areas
- Working in a stressful environment where there are mental and emotional demands – a high level of unpredictable work that could include life threatening situations
- May be exposed to infectious waste, communicable diseases, and other conditions
- Interacts with residents, family members, staff, visitors, government agencies/personnel under all circumstances
- Exposure to traumatic situations, intermittent weather, and environmental extremes
- Travel is required. Client travel in ones’ own vehicle may be required
- Manual dexterity is required to use desktop computers and peripherals
- Intermittent physical activity including walking, hiking, standing, and sitting
- May be exposed to environments that have cigarette smoke, drug paraphernalia or illegal substances

Additional Information AI Use Disclosure (Ontario Employment Standards Act – ESA)

In accordance with Ontario’s Employment Standards Act and related job posting requirements, this employer does not use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to screen, assess or select applicants at any stage of the recruitment or hiring process. All applications are reviewed by our hiring team.

Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Gateway is committed to supporting a culture of diversity and inclusiveness across the organization. We believe in equal chance, and it is our priority to ensure a barrier-free recruitment and selection process.

If you are contacted for an interview, please notify Human Resources of any accommodation needs you may have during the selection process. Information received regarding the accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially. We thank all respondents for their applications but only those selected for an interview

Pay: From $26.11 per hour

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off

Application question(s):
- Community College Diploma or a University Degree in social services or other closely related field or a combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities as determined by the employer
- Email Address
- Phone
- Access to a vehicle

Education:
- DCS / DEC (required)

Experience:
- working with homelessness, mental health, addictions: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:
- G Driver's License (not G1 or G2) (required)
- CPR First Aid Level C + AED (preferred)
- NVCI (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Street Outreach Worker (St. Catharines)
🏢 Marathon Community Services
📍 St. Catharines