Outreach Worker, Street Outreach

Boyle Street Community Service Ltd•Edmonton, AB

4h•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Outreach Services Manager, the Street Outreach Worker supports individuals sleeping rough throughout Edmonton, including in the river valley and parkland areas, and assists them in transitioning to a safer lifestyle. This role also aims to increase understanding among community stakeholders about the target population and street-related challenges. The Street Outreach program directly supports individuals who are houseless and residing in encampments throughout Edmonton, with a specific focus on those camping in the river valley and more hidden locations who are not connected to services. The program supports individuals towards transitioning from life on the streets to a more stable lifestyle, while increasing understanding among stakeholders about the target population and related challenges facing this unique population. 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.
Understands how to use de-escalation techniques.
Works with initiative, commitment, and enthusiasm.
Physically fit.
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Familiar with entering data into databases, such as the Efforts to Outcomes system.
Able to plan and make decisions in a timely, organized, and appropriate manner.
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).
Child and Youth Intervention Check 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

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, concerns, and needs.
Connect individuals sleeping rough to resources that will improve their standard of living, such as housing, income, medical supports, and identification, accompany them to appointments, and advocate on their behalf.
Connect with businesses, storeowners, community groups, residents, City of Edmonton, EPS, EMS, hospitals, and other service agencies that come into contact with 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.