Indigenous Outreach, Street Outreach Worker

Boyle Street Community Service Ltd•Edmonton, AB

7d•Onsite

About The Position

In partnership with Montana First Nation, Boyle Street Community Services is hiring for an Indigenous-led Street Outreach team. This program directly supports Indigenous individuals who are houseless throughout the entirety of Edmonton with a specific focus given to individuals camping in the river valley and more isolated locations who are not connected to services. The program supports individuals towards transitioning from life on the streets to a more stable, connected lifestyle. Reporting to the Outreach Services Manager, the Indigenous Street Outreach Worker supports individuals sleeping rough throughout Edmonton (including in the river valley/parkland areas) and assists them in transitioning to a safer lifestyle. At the same time, this team works to increase understanding among the broader community about the target population and street-related challenges and promoting a caring and inclusive culture in our city. Boyle Street Community Services (BSCS) is a values-driven organization that believes our clients are the experts in their own life. Your job will be to foster innovation with your team alongside our clients.

Requirements

Able to quickly, creatively, and ethically solve problems with clients.
Proven ability to work in a respectful and client-centered manner.
Strengths-based approach by default, and confidence in strong de-escalation techniques, works with initiative, commitment and enthusiasm, physically fit, good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
At least two years of experience delivering community-based services.
Knowledge of evidence-based practices, motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural techniques.
Expertise developing and monitoring case plans.
Experience networking with a range of partners and stakeholders.
Excellent knowledge and understanding of poverty-related issues, trends and services, particularly within, but not limited to the urban Indigenous population.
This unique position requires team members to walk long distances on rugged terrain, carrying bags with supplies that weigh between 20-25 pounds, all year around in all weather conditions.
Local travel on behalf of clients and the agency is required; must have a valid class 5 license, reliable vehicle with minimum $2,000,000 liability insurance, and a clean driver’s abstract.
Valid First Aid certificate or enrolled in a future course.
Police Check with the Vulnerable Sector completed within the past six months and kept up to date (every 3 years).

Nice To Haves

Experience with and knowledge of Indigenous culture and ceremonies is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Building and maintaining relationships while seeking input and guidance from Montana First Nation, other colleagues, community members and their chosen Elders and supports, and others as appropriate.
Be in relationship with a Council of Elders who support the Indigenous Outreach Team’s cultural pathways.
Connect with street populations sleeping on public lands through intensive outreach in the River Valley, parks and other public spaces.
Build rapport with individuals sleeping rough and gain an understanding of their stories, barriers, concerns, and their needs.
Provide cultural support around a wide range of issues resulting from the legacy of residential school system, including the intergenerational effects, in a manner that is sensitive to the unique needs of vulnerable populations: for example; providing traditional medicines, attending sweat lodges with community members, land based experiences.
Connect individuals sleeping rough and lacking safe shelter to resources that will improve their standard of living, such as connection to culture, Nations, housing, income, medical supports, and identification, accompany them to appointments, and advocate on their behalf.
Work with the agency and its partners to provide community members various cultural healing, including sweats, feasts, healing circles and/or pipe ceremonies.
Connect with businesses, storeowners, community groups, residents, City of Edmonton, EPS, EMS, hospitals and other service agencies that encounter individuals frequenting the streets.
Liaise between people who are homeless and other stakeholders in the community.
Identify service gaps in meeting the needs of people on the streets.
Discuss how to have a healthy level of coexistence, tolerance and respect among all the relevant stakeholders, and determine best practice.
All other duties as outlined by program manager.
All staff at BSCS are expected to participate in occasional outreach and emergency response efforts (e.g., winter response) to support and engage with clients.
BSCS is more than a workplace. It is a community where everyone helps and contributes to the whole, and there is an expectation that all employees will take part in events (during the work week and occasionally during weekends and evenings). This includes fundraising campaigns, running community meals, medicine picking etc.