Homelessness Outreach Worker

HOMELESSNESS OUTREACH WORKER (3 POSITIONS)

Job : 6601
Term: Short‑term (≈2 years)/Full‑time
Location: Kamloops (1 position) & Penticton (2 positions)
Base Pay: $64,991.02 – $75,143.40 per year

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. The worker assists individuals in navigating housing and related support systems, and collaborates with shelters, supportive housing providers, and homelessness service agencies to ensure an integrated system of supports. As a core member of the HEART multidisciplinary regional homelessness and encampment response team, the position helps communities prevent, minimize, and 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 working with individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty related to physical, mental, or psychological disability, and/or substance use challenges.
• Sound experience liaising with government, private, and community‑based housing providers and working with diverse socio‑economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Some experience with crisis management and/or de‑escalation techniques.
• Equally acceptable combination of education, training, and experience.
• 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.
• 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.
• Strong de‑escalation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Awareness of traditional, cultural, and holistic wellness and healing initiatives.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer applications and software including MS Office.
• Empathy, confidentiality, and sensitivity when working with diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to partner with community advocates, volunteers, local business owners, neighbors, 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.
• Willingness to travel and work periodic evenings and weekends; valid BC Class 5 driver’s licence and reliable vehicle required.
• Successful applicant(s) subject to satisfactory criminal record search and required to maintain security clearance.

BC Housing welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous People, people with disabilities, and all individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you require accommodations, please contact .

Please review the attached job description for a complete list of duties, qualifications, and competencies. Submit a cover letter and resume that clearly identify how you meet the required qualifications. Your cover letter and resume should be combined into a single document and submitted through our online recruitment system at www.bchousing.org/careers
. An application questionnaire will be available after submission; please allow up to 5 minutes to complete it.

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