Street Outreach Worker

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory•Ottawa, ON

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Street outreach workers participate as members of various 2-person teams working with the street entrenched population to ensure their basic needs are being met while encouraging and assisting them in moving towards the initial steps of securing housing. There are 3 specialty teams within the position - emergency response, interim case management and encampment engagement.

Requirements

Two years’ experience in direct client service with the homeless, ideally in outreach setting
Demonstrated ability to de-escalate situations and appropriately interact with intoxicated individuals
At minimum, a 2 year valid ‘G’ class driver’s license and current clean drivers abstract
A clear Police Reference Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening is required

Nice To Haves

Relevant post-secondary education in social services with training in harm reduction, addiction and mental health service or equivalent work experience
Two years experience in direct case management with the homeless population
Administration of NARCAN and or NARCAN training
Experience or training in Motivational Interviewing, Assertive Engagement, Housing First Principles and Best Practices, SPDAT delivery, Narcan/Noloxone delivery, 1st Aid CPR, UMAB or NVCI
Bilingualism (English and French)

Responsibilities

Share driving responsibility and safe operation of Street Outreach Van during 8 hr shift
Connect and engage with homeless individuals where they are physically, emotionally and spiritually
Provide mobile on-site assessments including provision of outreach supplies, referrals and transportation to safe shelter
Gather pertinent information and complete necessary forms such as consents, referrals, VI-SPDAT assessments and registry applications on behalf of homeless individuals
Provide intervention services in the event of crisis and contact appropriate authorities when necessary
Refer clients to other outreach and services as appropriate
Log and case-note all contacts and notation of service provided in multiple document formats
Accept referrals on behalf of the Housing Response team by completing VI-SPDAT and place clients on a prioritization list for service based on acuity
Provide Interim case management of those on the prioritization list that score moderate and high acuity until matched with a Housing Based Case Manager
Assist those who are scoring in the low acuity range to self-resolve their homelessness through linking to resources and life skills building
Ensure weekly follow-up is provided to all clients known to be sleeping outdoors
Collaborate with community partners to provide services to locate clients and connect clients with appropriate services
Manage a group schedule on Outlook to ensure all clients receive proper follow up
Participate in case conferences to update management on the progress of each street living individual
Complete full vehicle checks/inspections at beginning of each shift and maintain all pertinent vehicle paperwork
Ensure that the outreach vehicle is stocked with basic needs and supplies prior to conducting outreach activities and ensure the vehicle is returned at the end of each shift with a full tank of gas
In certain circumstances collaborate with team member on creation and adherence to safety plans
Occasionally may be required to conduct outreach by one’s self, during day light hours, equipped with cell phone with regular check-ins with Ottawa Booth Centre, backpack, and logbook
Conduct wellness checks and provide emergency transports for those in need
Assist Ottawa Police and EMS with diversion calls
Respond to calls from concerned citizens referred through 311
Intake new clients on to the prioritization list for housing services
Dispersing emergency supplies to homeless individuals
When no calls are in queue, assist the other two teams with workload
When too many calls are in queue dispatch/triage calls appropriately out to other teams if available
Provide interim case management for homeless clients pending being matched to a Housing Based Case Manager
Assist clients with initial steps required for Housing Based Case Management matching. These include: Confirming people meet the mandate by checking sleep spots and encampments and working with security teams and the business sector when needed to confirm people are frequently living in environments unfit for human habitation, Completing VI Consent and VI SPDAT assessment tool, Applying for and securing proof of Canadian Citizenship, Applying for and securing proof of ongoing income, Completing and submitting Registry applications, including those with homeless status priority applications, Ensuring repayment agreements are reached between previous non-profit landlords (may be out of municipality) and clients for any arrears incurred in their past
Maintain positive community partner collaboration (i.e. Community Health Centers, Variety of Indigenous sector Services, OCDC, Shelters, Drop-ins. OW, ODSP etc.)
Visit known encampments regularly to assist clients with accessing housing services.
Assist various stakeholders with addressing and responding to community concerns regarding encampments and large groups.
Interact with homeless who are congregating in large groups to see what resources they need and to see if they need to be connected to housing services.
Complete risk assessments prior to each engagement
May be required to work outdoors in inclement weather, walk long distances, traversing difficult environments.