Street Outreach Worker- PT Overnight - Weekends

Overview

The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda for more than 130 years. We help more than 2 million people each year with necessities such as food, clothing and shelter, and support those experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We are a faith- and values-based organization that hires and serves people of all backgrounds and walks of life—there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement
The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

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

• General Accountabilities
• Share driving responsibility and safe operation of Street Outreach Van during an 8-hour shift
• Connect and engage with homeless individuals where they are physically, emotionally and spiritually
• Provide mobile on-site assessments including outreach supplies, referrals and transportation to safe shelter
• Gather pertinent information and complete necessary forms (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 placing clients on a prioritization list for service based on acuity
• Provide interim case management for those on the prioritization list who score moderate to high acuity until matched with a Housing Based Case Manager
• Assist those scoring in the low acuity range to self-resolve homelessness through linking to resources and life skills
• Ensure weekly follow-up is provided to all clients known to be sleeping outdoors
• Collaborate with community partners to provide services and connect clients with appropriate resources
• Manage a group schedule on Outlook to ensure clients receive proper follow-up
• Participate in case conferences to update management on progress
• Complete full vehicle checks/inspections at the beginning of each shift and maintain vehicle paperwork
• Ensure outreach vehicle is stocked with basic needs and supplies and returned with a full tank of gas
• In certain circumstances, collaborate with team members on safety plans
• Occasionally may conduct outreach solo during daylight hours with regular check-ins

• Emergency Response
• Conduct wellness checks and provide emergency transports as needed
• Assist Ottawa Police and EMS with diversion calls
• Respond to calls from concerned citizens referred through 311
• Intake new clients onto the prioritization list for housing services
• Disperse emergency supplies to homeless individuals
• When no calls are in queue, assist other teams with workload
• Dispatch/triage calls when queue is long, to other teams if available

• Interim Case Management
• Provide interim case management for homeless clients pending Housing Based Case Manager matching
• Assist clients with initial steps required for Housing Based Case Management, including:
• Confirming eligibility by checking sleep spots and encampments; work with security teams and local businesses as needed
• Completing VI Consent and VI-SPDAT assessments
• Applying for and securing proof of Canadian citizenship and ongoing income
• Completing and submitting registry applications, including priority applications
• Ensuring repayment agreements with previous landlords when needed
• Maintain positive collaboration with community partners (e.g., health centres, Indigenous services, shelters, drop-ins, OW, ODSP)

• Encampment Engagement
• Visit known encampments to assist clients with accessing housing services
• Address community concerns regarding encampments…