Homelessness Outreach Worker

Position Summary

Pay: $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 in community locations. He/She/They assists individuals to navigate housing and related support systems. The incumbent collaborates with shelters, supportive housing providers, and homelessness service agencies to ensure an integrated system of supports and services.

As a core member of a multidisciplinary regional homelessness and encampment response team (HEART), the position supports communities to prevent, minimise, and/or resolve encampments and respond to homelessness through coordination and rapid support for individuals sheltering outdoors.

• High School diploma plus completion of post‑secondary courses in social housing, community development, mental health, trauma counselling or other relevant discipline.
• Considerable progressive experience in working with individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty on account of physical, mental or psychological disability, and/or substance use challenges.
• Sound experience in liaising with government, private and community‑based housing providers and working with individuals from diverse socio‑economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Some experience with crisis management and/or de‑escalation techniques.
• Any 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, exit homelessness and thrive in housing.
• Good understanding or lived experience of the impacts of residential schools, generational trauma and/or abuse.
• Sound knowledge of government, private and community‑based housing service providers.
• Good de‑escalation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills to manage evolving situations.
• Good understanding of traditional, cultural and/or holistic wellness and healing initiatives.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in computer applications and software including MS Office tools.
• Demonstrated ability to empathize when engaging with individuals from diverse socio‑economic and cultural backgrounds, and a high degree of confidentiality and sensitivity.
• Ability to partner and collaborate with a wide array of community partners, including advocates, volunteers, local business owners, neighbours and community members.
• Ability to develop strong partnerships with service providers and community partners.
• Ability to learn, understand and update BC Housing mandate, programs and services.
• Ability to develop and foster trusting relationships with people facing homelessness and multiple barriers.
• Ability to travel and work periodic evenings and weekends; transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the position. Valid Class 5 BC driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
• Successful applicant(s) are subject to a satisfactory criminal record search and are required to maintain Security Clearance throughout employment.

• In‑house training and training at other institutions related to current positions or for advancement within BC Housing.
• Wellness programs including physical fitness, smoking cessation programs, free flu shots, mental health resources and lunch‑and‑learn lectures and seminars.
• Recognition programs including long‑term service awards, idea recognition and outstanding performance awards.
• Livegreen incentives: employee transit pass programme and other initiatives encouraging alternative, sustainable transportation.
• An active Social Club that organizes special events such as seasonal parties and arranges group discounts to other events.
• Participation in community and charitable events.

At BC Housing, we invite and welcome applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous people, people with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and all people committed to meaningful work that makes a difference. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free work environment, starting with the hiring process.