Position Overview

The Community Outreach Worker works with street-involved people and is responsible for initiating contact, developing rapport, providing support, prevention education, advocacy, case management, referral and some directly observed treatment within a public health and harm reduction service model. Services are provided through street walks, mobile van outreach, and at fixed sites and where people live.

Experience

• Minimum two years working with marginalized populations including but not limited to street youth, sex trade workers, solvent, crack/inhalation and injection drug users.
• Counselling background preferred, especially experience with youth and in the areas of mental health, addictions, abuse, and sexual health.
• Extensive personal and/or professional experience working with street-involved populations, including but not limited to street youth, sex trade workers, solvent, crack/inhalation and injection drug users preferred.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Recognized post-secondary certificate and/or Diploma in a health services or social sciences field required.
• First Aid training preferred.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle required.

Qualifications and Skills

• Knowledge of harm reduction, street issues, substance use, sexually transmitted and blood borne infections and tuberculosis required.
• Able to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team using strong communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of immigrant and Indigenous issues and cultures preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Physically capable of performing the duties of the position under varying weather and environmental conditions.
• This position requires significant lifting of a variety of supplies, the ability to move easily within the confines of a van, as well as the ability to climb stairs in buildings without elevators.
• Able to spend long periods in a vehicle or walking.
• Must be able to work weekend and evening shifts.

This position requires a current satisfactory Criminal Records Check (including Vulnerable Sector Search), Child Abuse Registry Check and Adult Abuse Registry Check as conditions of employment. The successful candidate will be responsible for any service charges incurred. A security check is considered current if it was obtained no more than six (6) months prior to the start of employment.