Street outreach worker
City of Toronto’s Shelter and Support Services Department is inviting applications from suitable candidates for the position of Street outreach worker. City of Toronto’s Shelter and Support Services Department specializes in providing essential shelter and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness. It offer emergency accommodations, transitional housing, and various support programs designed to empower residents and facilitate their reintegration into the community. It collaborates closely with community partners to address homelessness effectively through a combination of proactive outreach and compassionate care initiatives. The candidates selected for the vacancy will be required to start the work as soon as possible.
Job Description:
Employer Name: City of Toronto
Division: Toronto Shelter and Support Services
Section: Outreach and Access
Position: Street outreach worker
No of Vacancies: 40
Salary: Salary is not mentioned, $25.00 – $30.00 hourly estimated salary
Employment Type: Part Time/Ongoing
Job Category: Community and Social Services
Affiliation: L79 Unit B PT
Location: 51 Lisgar St, Toronto, ON M6J 0B9, Canada
Shift: 24 hours a day
Schedule: Days, afternoons, overnight shifts, Saturdays and Sundays
Job ID: 48136
Requirements:
Languages: Candidates must have knowledge of the English Language
Education: Candidates should have completion of Degree or Diploma in Social Services
Experience: Candidates should have experience in addressing the needs of homeless clients or clients at risk of homelessness, which may include assisting in obtaining housing, identification, social assistance, health, and mental health services
Physical Requirements:
- The candidates should be available to work shifts in a 24-hour operation, 7 days per week, including statutory holidays
- The candidates should be capable of working as a team member in a dynamic, complex environment, organizing time and workload effectively, and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, staff, community agencies, and the public
- The candidates should be able to meet the physical requirements of the job, including extensive walking, outdoor work in various public locations streets, parks, ravines, under bridges, and using public transit while carrying a backpack with outreach gear to provide services and supports to people who are homeless
Other Requirements:
- The candidates should have knowledge of resources and services provided by the Toronto Shelter and Support Services Division, the community, and various government entitlement programs, and the ability to assist in program development
- The candidates should possess knowledge and assessment skills related to activities of street-involved people, including understanding of addictions issues and harm reduction approaches and experience as an Indigenous person, and experience working with Indigenous families and community organizations
- The candidates should have a working knowledge of applicable legislation, such as the Ontario Works Act, Ontario Disability Support Program, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), Residential Tenancies Act, and the Mental Health Act, as well as Occupational Health and Safety regulations
- The candidates should demonstrate the ability to appropriately assess and respond to situations, problem-solve based on available information, de-escalate interpersonal conflicts effectively through crisis intervention techniques, and perform job duties with minimal supervision
- The candidates should have the ability to prepare and write reports or records and communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all levels of staff, the public, and clients while maintaining objectivity
- The candidates should have proficiency in using MS Office and knowledge of computer systems, including familiarity with mobile applications
- The candidates should have an equivalent combination of education and experience
- The candidates must possess and be able to maintain a valid Province of Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License
- The candidates must qualify for the City’s equipment operating permits and meet associated requirements
Responsibilities:
- The candidates should be able to conduct assessment or intake interviews with clients in a variety of locations publicon the sidewalk, public transportation, in public squares, parks and ravines homeless and low-income service settings hostels, drop-in centres and institutional settings hospitals, court houses and assess client’s functional, income, employment and housing status to determine program eligibility
- The candidates should be able to respond to and investigate enquiries, complaints and emergency situations involving clients. Assess the situation and present and implement short-term and long-term solutions, and document outcomes and provide potential clients with orientation to the Streets to Homes program by describing services, policies and philosophy of the program
- The candidates should be able to collect, document and evaluate information to determine client’s initial eligibility, including verifying client information through personal interviews and liaison with client supports, relevant service providers, community agencies, landlords, other Ministries and institutions. Update and revise intake files at each point of contact, ensuring availability of current information
- The candidates should be able to advocate on behalf of clients for support, services and benefits with internal and external resources, and engage in active problem solving around each client’s difficulties and provide support to individuals and groups as required at emergency reception centres and other locations related to intake
- The candidates should be able to engage in active listening and problem solving around client’s difficulties and recommend appropriate resources to address client and initiate case files by completing applications and required forms and transfer case files and ongoing case management to Street Outreach Counsellor or Supervisor, Social Assistance
- The candidates should be able to ensure safety and well-being of clients accessing the program and respond to initial conflict situations by listening, providing problem solving and support. Document outcome and execute referrals for services and supports to outside agencies, purchased services and City services informing involved staff of information required to assist individuals
- The candidates should be able to accompany clients to medical, service and housing appointments and retrieve records and submit activity data and participate in case conferences and participate in recording information in the development of client profiles and service needs by inputting data
- The candidates should be able to participate on internal committees and external committees such as Joint Health and Safety Committee and nurture neighbourhood connections and recognition within catchment area served using community development principles and assist with service delivery of the Streets to Homes walk-in program related to initial intake information and and participate in conducting research activities and in responding to street emergencies by calling in the situation
- The candidates should be able to respond to inquiries from the general public, business operators and street-involved persons as encountered on the street requesting a services response and forward to the Street Outreach Counsellor and maintain current knowledge of legislation, community services, resources, policies, programs, procedures and issues affecting client population and log shift occurrence information
- The candidates should be able to liaise with staff from other programs and community agencies hospitals, social workers, doctors, courts, immigration, shelters, drop-ins, health clinics, legal programs and other City Programs to provide program information or in advocating for transfers or placements of clients
How to apply:
If the position is fit for you and the basic requirements are fulfilled then you can now apply directly to the employer (along with your resume) through the below-mentioned details.
We thank all the applicants for showing their interest and trust in us, however, only the most eligible candidates will be selected and conducted for further procedure directly from employers, in between no charges/fees or original documents will be asked from any applicant. All the best!