CMHA Kelowna & District is currently seeking to hire a full-time term Community Outreach Worker in our Community Roots Program until August 2027, with the possibility of extension based on funding. This position offers a 37.5 hour work week, Monday - Friday.

WHO IS A COMMUNITY OUTREACH WORKER?
The Outreach Navigator increases outreach efforts to individuals sheltering outdoors. Navigators build and maintain positive relationships with individuals sheltering outdoors and provide light case management support, including advocacy and facilitating connections/referrals to other community services when appropriate. Additionally, Navigators administer government-mandated screening tools and offer crisis-oriented assistance to those experiencing emergencies, such as de-escalation and support during mental health crises or overdoses outside of the formal shelter setting.

WHAT DOES A COMMUNITY OUTREACH WORKER DO?

Conducts proactive outreach efforts to locate and engage individuals who are sheltering outdoors, focusing on those who have not accessed the Transitional Support Site or mainstream services

Organizes supplies to create care kits including food, hygiene, and harm reduction items

Performs regular food bank pick‑ups to collect food for kits, also picking up clothing or other supplies when donated in the community

Develops strategies to establish trust and rapport with individuals to encourage their participation in support services

Approaches each interaction with sensitivity, empathy, and cultural awareness to create a safe and supportive setting

Identifies individuals' needs in various domains, including hygiene, food, housing, medical, substance use, and mental health

Creates individualized service plans as needed to address specific needs and goals, working collaboratively with clients to determine appropriate action steps

Regularly monitors and reviews clients' progress, adjusting support plans as needed

Assists Case Managers as needed with moving clients in and out of their homes including packing, carrying, and moving client belongings

Facilitates connections and referrals to other community services, including medical facilities, mental health services, social assistance programs, and substance use services





Collaborates with relevant service providers to ensure seamless and coordinated support for clients

Responds to crisis situations among individuals sheltering outdoors, including de-escalating tense situations and providing immediate assistance during mental health crises or overdoses

Collaborates with emergency response teams, law enforcement, and medical personnel when necessary

Maintains accurate and up‑to‑date communication log of all interactions, assessments, and services provided to clients

Completes provincially mandated housing applications and screening tools (Supportive Housing Registry & Vulnerability Assessment Tool)

Provides information for reporting on grants and funding to the Manager as needed

Performs other related duties as assigned

YOUR STRENGTHS & EXPERIENCE:

Grade 12 required

Valid Class 5 BC driver's license and reliable vehicle required

Reliable vehicle and ability to transport participants and travel between facilities and other locations daily

Ability to provide a Driver's Abstract & ICBC Claims & Insurance History Record

Ability to obtain Rate Class 007 Business Insurance

Diploma in Human Service Worker or related field considered an asset

Certificates in First Aid, CPR, Naloxone and Food Safe considered an asset

Minimum 2 years work experience in addictions and mental health is preferred

Experience working directly at street-level with individuals experiencing homelessness is preferred

Ability to engage respectfully and develop rapport with individuals, with multiple barriers, through a harm reduction lens

Listening and communication skills

Understanding of and commitment to working with people experiencing mental health concerns and substance use

Working knowledge of community-based resources

Ability to complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner, utilizing good organizational skills

Ability to maintain consistent professional boundaries,



exercising mature judgment and understanding of safety concerns

Understanding of Harm Reduction theory and demonstrated ability to implement harm reduction strategies

Understanding of Intentional Outreach, Housing First, Rapid Re-Housing, and Shelter Diversion principles

Understanding of working with a Trauma Informed lens

Familiar with or ability to learn Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS)

Proficient understanding of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel

Strong attention to detail

Critical thinking and problem‑solving skills

Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills

At CMHA Kelowna & District, we are dedicated to Mental Health in our community. No matter how old or how young, we provide support for families and individuals through programs that promote positive mental health and support recovery, while championing the elimination of barriers that can prevent people from thriving. We are a dynamic, innovative and visionary organization. We are looking for someone who shares our vision of a mentally healthy Kelowna and are passionate about making a difference in our community by bringing their particular expertise to our organization. To learn more, check out our website at www.cmhakelowna.org

CMHA KELOWNA & DISTRICT OFFERS YOU:

A competitive wage of $26.57

Dental, Health & EAP Benefits

Wellness Spending Account

RRSP matching program

Vacation & Personal Health Days

A workplace culture that fosters learning, transparency, trust and team work

As an employer, CMHA Kelowna & District strives to create a workplace that respects and values all individuals, minimizes bias, and promotes the equity, diversity, and inclusion of different perspectives and ideas. At CMHA Kelowna & District that means welcoming diversity in mental health, race, ethnicity, and culture. It also means diverse abilities, age, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, gender identities, education, marital status, language, and physical self‑expression. These values are embedded in the work CMHA Kelowna & District does every day.

We appreciate and thank all applicants for their interest, however only short-listed candidates and those legally eligible to work in Canada will be contacted.

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📌 Community Outreach Worker (British Columbia)
🏢 Canadian Mental Health Association
📍 British Columbia