Community Outreach Worker
CMHA NORTH AND WEST VANCOUVER (35 hours/week)

Our vision: Mentally healthy people in a healthy society

We are seeking a full-time experienced Community Outreach Worker to provide services to homeless or at risk of homelessness clients on the North Shore. Reporting to the Outreach Supervisor, the successful candidate will work with clients to access appropriate community support, including access to income assistance, and secure and maintain affordable housing.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

· Connect with people who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness to provide housing search services and links to community resources.

· Build trust and rapport with clients while respecting their privacy and autonomy

· Lead and support clients to access income (Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Income Assistance, and Persons with Disability).

· Educates, informs and advocates on behalf of clients regarding benefits and entitlements (social assistance, rental subsidies, employment support, low-income services i.e. food bank and food stamps)

· Build partnerships with appropriate community supports including government, the Shelter, mental health services etc. to build awareness of the program as well as to facilitate supports for clients

· Providing outreach, case management, counseling, advocacy, and other needed services to clients in any environment including: the streets, shelters, hospitals, institutions, apartments, and office

· Coordinate and train volunteers, as appropriate, to support program goals within agency’s current framework for volunteer recruitment

· Assist with required program statistical documentation and distribution including daily updating of BC Housing database

· Attend all regional and partnerships meetings, and training as required

· Creates, builds,



and fosters partnerships with housing providers and landlords

· Facilitates client attendance at appointments, programs, and services including escorting or accompanying client to appointments, and for shopping and leisure activities, including driving a vehicle.

· Documents client progress to maintain permanent record of client activity according to established methods and procedures.

· Consults and works cooperatively with community agencies and families to maintain coordination in the service and treatment process.

· Complete reporting for Funders and updating clients files electronically.

Qualifications

· 2+ years of experience supporting adults with mental illness, addiction, poverty and homelessness with a diploma or Degree in Social Services and/or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience*.

*We are looking for experience in the social services sector particularly, working with federal or provincial clients; acquired knowledge of the continuum of housing and barriers to accessing safe and affordable rental markets; and serving socially marginalized or disadvantaged populations with complex and multifaceted needs. Sensitivity to clients with Aboriginal ancestry and disabilities.

· Valid First Aid and CPR

· Criminal Record Check is a condition of employment

· Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle





· De-escalation training and indigenous cultural competency training are recommended

Skills and Abilities

· Experience working with people with mental health and/or addictions issues as well as familiarity with “the street”

· Experienced in individual advocacy including process for applying for MSD benefits

· Knowledge of harm reduction principles, crisis prevention and intervention and conflict resolution and de-escalation skills

· Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team workplace with community partners.

· Working knowledge of Microsoft office applications and the Internet

· Trained in Naloxone administration and know the signs of a drug overdose

· Excellent oral and written communication skills

· Teamwork and leadership skills

Hours of Work and Special Considerations:

Monday to Friday 9:00am-4:30pm which includes a daily unpaid 30-minute meal break.
Start Date: ASAP

Starting wage: $26-$29/hour

3-weeks’ vacation, Medical, dental and RRSP benefits are included with this role.

We are an equity employer and encourage applicants from women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people, people of all sexual orientation and genders and others who may contribute to our further diversification.

Pay: $26.00-$29.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Benefits:

- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- RRSP match

Ability to commute/relocate:

- North Vancouver, BC V7P 1V7: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Experience:

- Outreach : 2 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

- Driving Licence (preferred)
- Naloxone Certification (preferred)
- First Aid and CPR (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Community Outreach Worker (North Vancouver)
🏢 Canadian Mental Health Association North & West Vancouver
📍 North Vancouver