Community Outreach Specialist

Toronto, ON
On-site
Posted Sep 27, 2026
1 position

Opens an external site

Employment type: Contract, Part-time
Experience level: Entry, Junior · 0+ years
Minimum education: Professional degree
Posting language: English
Working hours: 23 hours per week

Job summary

The Community Outreach Specialist conducts regular outreach to promote a safe and inclusive environment while engaging with community members to build trust and connection. They also provide de-escalation support, resource navigation, and monitor site perimeters to ensure safety and accessibility.

Job details

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL Job Title: Community Outreach Specialist Position Type: Bargaining Unit, Reduced Full Time, Contract (until December 31, 2026) Number of Positions: 1 Reason for Posting: Existing Vacancy Rate: $21.29 per hour Vacation: 7% Vacation Pay Hours: 22.5 hours per week Supervisor: Senior Manager, Community Safety and Outreach Posting Date: September 24, 2026 Application Deadline: October 6, 2026 Location: Various locations, Toronto Why Fred Victor? For 130 years, Fred Victor has been a leader in helping people rebuild their lives in Toronto. Our mission is to improve the health, income and housing stability of people experiencing poverty and homelessness. We are committed to ending homelessness, one person at a time. The Community Services (CS) department at Fred Victor is a multi-service, multi-site structure that encompasses the 40 Oak Community HUB and community programs, Employment and Training Services, Drop-Ins, Keep Cool programs and Food Services. Additionally, it operates social purpose enterprise with catering and community outreach services and spearheads a significant Peer Training Initiative that prioritizes the involvement of individuals with lived experience. Drawing on lived experience and training in harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and conflict resolution, the Community Safety Specialist provides a compassionate and community-centered alternative. The role emphasizes connection, referring individuals to appropriate resources and supports. Through consistent presence and engagement, The Community Outreach Specialist help prevent crises before they escalate, support individuals in distress, and contribute to a sense of safety and dignity for everyone accessing the Hub. New onboard community outreach team members will participate in a comprehensive Fred Victor training program focused on specific skills development and practical knowledge. Successful incumbents are expected to demonstrate a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous learning. Does this sound like work you want to be a part of? We offer a supportive and collaborative environment, an opportunity to join a diverse team of caring professionals and a chance to make a difference. With over 75 programs and 25 sites, there are lots of opportunities to grow your career with us. Many members of the management team started in relief and front-line roles. What You Will Do: * Conduct regular outreach in and around Respites, Warming Centres and Hub locations to promote a safe, and inclusive environment for all tenants, staff, and community members. * Maintain a welcoming and reassuring presence throughout these locations by engaging in regular walk-throughs focused on connection, wellness, and community-building. * Monitor perimeter, including the doorways, to ensure that doorways are clear and unobstructed, maintaining safe access and egress. This includes reporting any blockages or hazards. * Actively address and discourage loitering around program spaces, communal spaces, and the courtyard to ensure these areas remain clear and accessible. Apply trauma-informed and respectful approaches, but prioritize maintaining a safe, unobstructed environment free from lingering or gathering that may impede access or use of shared community spaces. * Identify safety or wellness concerns within the community and promptly connect individuals to appropriate emergency services or first responders, prioritizing compassionate support and referral. * Engage with tenants, clients and community members through consistent, respectful presence -building trust, connection, and open lines of communication. * Support with de-escalation during moments of conflict or distress, using trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches to reduce risk and prevent escalation. * Provide informal referrals and resource navigation, connecting individuals directly to services at that site location and nearby low barrier services. * Report discarded paraphernalia, or potential overdose to staff promptly, and assist them as required. * Accurately document all incidents, client engagements, EMS calls, in accordance with established reporting procedures. * Respond promptly and effectively to building emergencies such as fire alarms, floods, and lockdown situations by providing support to tenants and clients and strictly following established emergency procedures to ensure safety for all. * Document engagements, incidents and service restrictions, and notable events in a clear, respectful, and strengths-based manner that upholds privacy and dignity. * Provide exceptional customer service by treating individuals experiencing multiple barriers with dignity and respect. * Work collaboratively within a dynamic team environment alongside multiple teams, including shelter staff, case management, on-site security and external partners to promote community safety and a secure environment. * Model respectful communication, accountability, and professionalism in all interactions. * Participate in regular supervision, debriefing, and team meetings to reflect on practice, share insights, and strengthen collective learning. * Support other tasks and community safety initiatives as assigned by the Senior Manager, Community Safety and Outreach. * Other duties as required What You Bring to the Team: * Graduation from Fred Victor’s Employment and Training Program’s Social Services Training and Employment Program an asset. * Demonstrated self-motivation, reliability, and professionalism. * Proven ability to establish and maintain clear, healthy boundaries while supporting diverse clients. * Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a client-centered and empathetic approach. * Ability to remain calm and grounded when managing crises or emotionally charged situations. Work Environment: * This position is primarily outdoors and involves consistent walking and engagement within a defined perimeter surrounding the site locations. * All employees must be aware of and prepared for potentially hazardous situations and are trained in de-escalation. * Staff will work in all weather conditions and are expected to maintain visibility and presence throughout the community during assigned shifts. * A uniform is provided to all employees to ensure proper protection against various weather conditions, promoting safety and comfort while on duty. * Safety equipment will be provided Compensation and Benefits: * For the Community Outreach Specialist, Fred Victor offers an hourly rate of $21.29 * 7% vacation pay * Access to employee and family assistance plan How You Can Apply Internal employees who are interested in this opportunity are encouraged to apply through ADP by navigating to Myself > Talent > Career Centre. Please note that we are currently soft-launching our new online hiring system through ADP. During this transition, not all job postings are available in the system yet. We appreciate your patience as we work through this transition. As part of the application process, applicants are asked to upload their resume and a cover letter as one document describing their interest in joining the Fred Victor team A Police Record Check is required by the final candidate prior to hiring. Accessibility & Accommodation Fred Victor is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment where employees feel valued and respected, and where every employee has the opportunity to realize their potential. As such, we welcome and encourage applicants who identify as racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons across the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identities and have lived-experience. If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation and/or assistance during the application process, please contact us in advance. We strive to provide reasonable accommodations whenever requested. Information received relating to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Candidates should demonstrate self-motivation, reliability, and the ability to maintain healthy boundaries while working with diverse populations. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to remain calm during emotionally charged situations are essential for this role.