Job Ad: Full Time Outreach Worker
At Shelter Nova Scotia we provide places to stay and services to promote stability for marginalized individuals. You will contribute to a community without judgement with spaces and places for people to belong.

About the Facility
Shelter Nova Scotia aims to provide a safer space for individuals to access basic needs, create crucial opportunities for social inclusion, and to provide support with diversion and eviction prevention. The Hub supports people who are experiencing homelessness through a connection to Coordinated Access System (CAS), support with housing applications, and provides food, clothing, shower and laundry access (laundry and shower are intended for those who sleep outside). It also serves as a space to build connection and belonging among those who are housed but experiencing isolation and loneliness. The Hub also administers a modest fund to disperse to people in need of non-recurring prevention and diversion funds (funded via Department of Community Services).

Requirements

Successful candidate must have post-secondary experience

Favourable Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse Registry Check will be required

Must have Standard First Aid/CPR Level “C” or be willing to acquire within the first 6 months of employment.

A valid driver’s license, own vehicle and insurance and a current driver’s abstract that is satisfactory

Hours of Work
40 hours per week with an understanding that days, evenings, and weekends may be required. This is an awake position, staff are required to stay awake, alert, and vigilant at all times while on duty.

Salary
$29.54 per hour

Application Deadline
Tuesday Sept 1, at 8:00am

Perks

3 weeks’ vacation

8 paid personal days

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Upon completion of probation

2% RRSP Match

Health & Dental

Shelter Nova Scotia is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community without judgement. We value people for who they are, the uniqueness they bring and the opportunities to learn from our differences.

We welcome applications from members of diverse communities.

Description
Reporting to the Outreach Coordinator, with oversight from the Director of Practice and Development, the Outreach Worker provides community-based outreach support to unsheltered individuals across Halifax Regional Municipality.The Outreach Worker engaged with people in encampments, streets, drop ins and other community settings with a goal of housing focused case management while providing access to some basic living needs.The approach is harm reducing, trauma aware and anti-oppressive.

Responsibilities
Client Service Delivery

Capacity and willingness to become proficient in the policies, procedures, structure, mission and mandate of Shelter Nova Scotia

Ability to adhere to a strict policy of confidentiality, code of conduct, policies and procedures

Proven verbal and written communication skills

Behave in a calm, professional manner

Must possess a mature, professional outlook with an ability to experience sound judgement while treating clients with dignity and respect

Attention to details and organizational skills

Administrative skills

Above average interpersonal skills with energy and enthusiasm

Ability to remain awake, alert, and vigilant at all times while on duty

Identify and advocate for individuals experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness, and refer to community programs as appropriate

Knowledge of the structure and organization of the Opportunities and Social Development and applicable legislation and policies (Employment Support and Income Assistance)

Develop, maintain,



and strengthen relationships with clients, stakeholders and community partners to achieve goals and influence outcomes

Be knowledgeable about the impact of poverty and homelessness and affordable housing

Accurately and professionally document notes relating to client interactions and keep other team members up to date on client issues

Perform First Aid and/or CPR when required

Maintain client privacy by sharing information only on a need-to-know basis. Protect the confidential information of clients

Address and resolve conflicts or sensitive situations in a positive and open manner, per established policies and procedures

Engage regularly and respectfully with clients and respond to queries and requests in a timely, respectful manner

Facility Operation

This is an outreach and community based position, therefore most duties take place in outdoor, public and private settings, including wooded areas, parks, libraries, etc.

Vehicles assigned to the Outreach team are Shelter Nova Scotia property and seen as an extension of facility operations.Outreach Workers are required to contribute to their safe and clean operation per the policy manual.

Outreach Workers are attached to office space, and they are required to contribute to their safe and clean operation.

Action Planning

Builds trusting, non-judgmental relationships with individuals who may not otherwise access formal supports to increase engagement, safety, trust and contact to services and supports.

Conduct street outreach, wellness checks, outreach engagement activities, follow-up contacts, and assessments while monitoring immediate client needs and supporting connection to community services and coordinated access systems.

Transport and/or accompany clients to service and housing appointments

Provide solutions-focused care to clients

Work in partnership with both the private and non-profit sector of the housing market to ensure appropriate placement of clients.

Work closely with community partners and other services providers/case managers to ensure continuity of care as required (i.e., medical treatment, shelter, housing, etc).

Complete referrals to the By-Name Database (BND).

Provide weekly updates at scheduled team check in

Develop positive working relationships with clients, referral sources, service agencies, and others encountered in the course of work

Provide community referrals and information about other programs offered

Contribute to collaborative interactions with clients and practice de-escalation techniques where appropriate and safe to do so

Respond to crisis situations (environmental events or individual health events), emergency needs, and unpredictable community-based situations by applying independent judgement, de-escalation, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, risk assessment, and problem-solving skills in accordance with established protocols, practice standards, and organizational policies to support participant safety and wellbeing in dynamic and often high-risk environments.

Facilitate activities required to support and enable Trusteeship

Responding to and participating in CAS Matching and Referral meetings

Attend Case Conference and group meetings as needed

Be an active team player

Other duties, as required





Admin

Data entry into HIFIS on a daily-basis to support housing-focused case management. Information that includes, but not limited to:

Client demographics

Client housing history

Goods and services referrals

Case notes/sessions

Prepare additional HIFIS and other progress and evaluation related reports on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis

Compose and keep record of Outreach Incident Reports

Follow internal program policies and procedures

Monitor, track, and report credit card spending and eligible travel expenses on a monthly basis

Occupational Health and Safety

Be knowledgeable of the Nova Scotia OH&S; Act and regulations and abide by same

Comply with the employee responsibilities as outlined in the Internal Responsibility System for OH&S; and cooperating with occupational health and safety initiatives.

Responsible for following safe work procedures; wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the environment, carry outreach visit bag when conducting site visits, use personal protective and safety equipment as required, etc.

Reporting any illness or injury immediately to their manager; reporting unsafe acts and unsafe conditions

Other

Support volunteer and student placements by modeling professional behavior

Support new employee orientation and training by assisting with training and knowledge transfer

Perform other related duties as assigned

Monitor, track and report petty cash spending on a monthly basis

Working Conditions

Hours to be negotiated

Working outside in rain, snow, cold/hot temperatures, etc.

Hazards

Exposure to hazardous material (e.g. body fluids), sharps (e.g. needles), chemicals and noxious agents (e.g. infectious material)

Exposure to second-hand smoke is possible

Hazards associated with working in physical contact with clients with possible exposure to body fluids, infections, and communicable diseases

Mental, Visual and Physical Demand

Working with clients can often lead to ambiguous situations that are stressful for the employees, management, and guests. Issues encountered are not easily unraveled, and solutions are at times difficult to address and achieve

High stress environment, requiring sensitivity and confidentiality, and significant degree of visual and mental acuity

Challenging, fast pace and constantly changing environment, with multiple interruptions and competing demands

Technical Competencies

Degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Human Services or a Diploma from a recognized educational institution with relevant experience such as human services, social services, healthcare, or a combination of education and experience is required

Certification in the following or the ability to obtain: Standard First Aid/CPR Level “C”; Non-Violent Crisis Intervention; Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST); Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS); Safe Food Handlers certification

Successfully obtain Child Abuse Registry check and/or Government of Canada Personnel Screening or Criminal Record Check

Proficiency in Microsoft Applications, including: Word, Excel, Outlook

Experience with interviewing and intervention techniques is considered an asset

Knowledge of mental health and addictions is an asset

Experiences, certifications, and/or training related to outdoor wilderness survival is considered an asset

A valid driver’s license, own vehicle and insurance with two million personal liability, and a current driver’s abstract that is satisfactory

Hours
40 Hours per week per assigned schedule

Salary
$29.54 per hour

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