Family Outreach Worker

House of Friendship•Waterloo, ON

3d•CA$23 - CA$29•Hybrid

About The Position

The Family Outreach Program, a community-based program operating in neighbourhoods across Waterloo Region, works with families with children aged 17 and under to prevent and reduce the effects of poverty. Family Outreach Workers support parents and guardians to meet their family’s basic needs by brainstorming solutions together, connecting them with resources in the community. As a Family Outreach Worker, you will take on a unique role that includes being a community connector and system navigator. You will walk with and support families experiencing low income with children aged 17 and under, collaboratively working together to set goals, create solutions, ensuring basic needs are met and addressing the social determinants of health. You will serve as the first contact for families facing crisis, providing triage services to identify and support urgent needs followed by ongoing support. Your role will be instrumental in crisis management, trauma-informed work, and advocating for families in need.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of community resources is an asset
Strong administrative and database competency and proficiency in using MS Office tools such as Word and Excel
Ability to multitask and triage multiple requests while maintaining responsiveness to families
Understanding of trauma-informed care principles
Thorough understanding of supporting people experiencing low income
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, including ability to make decisions about how best to serve families
Ability to manage time independently, including meetings with families, ongoing communication, teamwork and administration
Familiarity with financial management and financial literacy
Fluency in a second language is considered an asset
Post-secondary education in a related field of study or equivalent lived or work experience
Demonstrated experience in front-line work with children, youth and/or families
Experience in supporting newcomers, with a strong understanding of settlement processes
Commitment to understand and uphold the mission and values of House of Friendship is expected
Exemplary emotional intelligence, resilience, communication, conflict management and problem-solving skills required
Ability to work professionally as a team member with staff, participants and community members
A strong interest in or experience working with diverse populations including people from various cultural backgrounds, gender identities, income levels, and sensitivity to their needs
Committed to using an anti-racism, anti-oppressive and trauma informed approach to consultation, program design, evaluations of processes and service delivery
Must be dependable, professional, flexible, a team player, and have a positive attitude
Respectful, supportive and engaging approach to persons who experience physical and/or cognitive disabilities, addictions, mental illness and other life challenges
Excellent time -management skills including strength in planning and detailed record keeping
Valid G class driver’s license and access to a reliable, personal vehicle required
Successful completion of a Police Records Check (Vulnerable Sector) required pre-employment

Responsibilities

Provide support as needed to families with children aged 17 and under who are experiencing low-income
Act as the initial point of contact for families facing crises such as housing, domestic violence and addictions
Support newcomer families with their settlement needs including system navigation and community referrals along with basic needs support
Work collaboratively with families to identify and address social determinants of health that may impact their well-being and overall health outcomes
Conduct comprehensive assessments of families’ social and economic conditions, to determine the appropriate supports and services to refer the family to within the community, taking into consideration factors such as socioeconomic status, housing, educations, employment and access to healthcare services
Connect families to relevant community resources, social services, and support networks to improve their access to essential resources and opportunities
Provide advocacy and support for families facing challenges related to social determinants of health, helping them navigate through complex systems and services
Engage in culturally sensitive and trauma-informed practices when working with families, respecting their unique backgrounds, values and lived experiences
Participate in ongoing professional development and training to enhance knowledge and skills related to social determinants of health and family-centered care approaches
Complete data entry, documentation and administrative tasks to support the program