Outreach Worker – Homeless Encampments

Mission Community Services Society is dedicated to helping people, changing lives, and building community. With a legacy dating back to 1972, MCSS has continuously strived to support community members in need.

• Conduct proactive street and community outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Engage clients in a culturally safe and trauma-informed manner.
• Maintain regular contact with clients to support stability and overall well-being.
• Provide information and referrals to community resources and support services.
• Assess client needs, strengths, barriers, and risks.
• Develop individualized support plans and assist clients in achieving identified goals.
• Support clients in accessing housing, healthcare, mental health services, addictions treatment, income assistance, and other community resources.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to reduce barriers and improve service access.
• Assist with safety planning and crisis response.
• Support individuals in obtaining and maintaining safe, stable housing.
• Liaise with government, private, and non-profit housing providers.
• Assist with housing applications, documentation, and tenancy-related concerns.
• Work collaboratively with shelters, supportive housing providers, and housing support agencies.
• Respond effectively to crisis situations using de-escalation and conflict resolution techniques.
• Apply harm reduction principles when supporting individuals who use substances.
• Administer Naloxone when required and maintain current training.
• Support community responses to homelessness and encampment-related concerns.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community partners including healthcare professionals, Indigenous organizations, Child and Family Services, law enforcement, schools, and community service agencies.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case planning and coordinated responses.
• Maintain accurate client records and case notes.
• Complete reports, assessments, referrals, and statistical tracking requirements.
• Utilize databases and case management systems, including HIFIS and other program software.
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality, privacy legislation, and organizational policies.
• Maintain outreach supplies and program inventory.
• Attend team meetings, training sessions, and community networking events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Diploma or Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health and Addictions, Child and Youth Care, Human Services, Community Development, Indigenous Studies, Nursing, or a related field.
• Minimum two years of direct frontline experience working with vulnerable populations.
• Experience in outreach, case management, housing support, mental health, addictions, or homelessness services.
• Experience working with individuals impacted by trauma, poverty, homelessness, and substance use.
• Experience responding to crisis situations and applying de-escalation techniques.
• Strong understanding of homelessness, housing instability, mental health, and addiction issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed and client-centered practices.
• Strong understanding of harm reduction principles.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent conflict resolution and crisis intervention abilities.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint.
• Experience using case management databases and reporting systems such as HIFIS is an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be…