Homelessness Outreach Worker

Position Summary

Homelessness Outreach Worker (2 positions). Short‑term (2 years)/Full‑time.

Location:

Smithers, BC. Salary: $64,991.02 – $75,143.40 annually.

Reporting to the Coordinated Access and Assessment Manager, the Homelessness Outreach Worker connects with people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless at community locations. The incumbent assists individuals to navigate housing and related support systems, collaborates with shelters, supportive housing providers, and homelessness service agencies, and serves as a core member of a multidisciplinary regional homelessness and encampment response team (HEART).

The position supports communities to prevent, minimize, and resolve encampments and responds to homelessness through rapid support for individuals sheltering outdoors.

BC Housing is a provincial Crown Corporation that develops, manages, and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options for those most in need across the province. The organization’s mission is to provide access to safe, quality, accessible, and affordable housing options, promoting strong, inclusive communities where people can thrive.

BC Housing offers competitive salaries and an excellent benefits package, including:

• In‑house training and courses related to current positions or career advancement.
• Wellness programs: physical fitness, smoking cessation, free flu shots, mental health resources, and lunch‑and‑learn lectures.
• Recognition programs: long‑term service awards, idea recognition, and outstanding performance awards.
• Live Green incentives: employee transit pass program and other sustainable transportation initiatives.
• Active Social Club organizing special events and group discounts.
• Participation in community and charitable events.

The successful candidate will have the following:

• High School diploma plus completion of post‑secondary courses in social housing, community development, mental health, trauma counselling, or a related discipline.
• Considerable progressive experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty due to physical, mental, or psychological disability, or substance use challenges.
• Experience liaising with government, private, and community‑based housing providers and working with people from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
• Experience with crisis management and/or de‑escalation techniques.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience acceptable to the employer.
• Tier 4 Criminal Record Check required.

• Considerable knowledge of causal factors of homelessness, mental illness, and/or addiction.
• Sound understanding of the importance of cultural and community connections in supporting individuals to improve well‑being and exit homelessness.
• Good understanding or lived experience of the impacts of residential schools, generational trauma, and/or abuse.
• Knowledge of government, private, and community‑based housing service providers.
• De‑escalation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills for evolving situations.
• Understanding of traditional, cultural, and/or holistic wellness and healing initiatives.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer applications and software, including MS Office tools.
• Empathy when engaging with individuals from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, maintaining confidentiality and sensitivity.
• Ability to partner and collaborate with community partners, advocates, volunteers, local business owners, neighbours, and community members.
• Strength in developing partnerships with service providers and community partners.
• Willingness to learn, understand, and update BC Housing…