Community Outreach Specialist

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL

Job Title:

Community Outreach Specialist Position Type:
Bargaining Unit, Full Time, Reduced Full-Time, and Part-Time, Contract until April 9, 2027 Number of Positions: 15 FT, 1 RFT, 3 PT; anticipated start date – week of December 7, 2026 Reason for Posting:
Existing Vacancy Rate: $21.29 per hour Vacation: 7% Vacation Pay

Hours:

37.5 hours (FT), 22.5 hours (RFT), 15 hours (PT) per week; must be available to work scheduled day, evening and overnight shifts, including weekends and statutory holidays Supervisor:
Senior Manager, Community Safety and Outreach Posting Date:
October 23, 2026

Application

Location:

195 Princes’ Blvd., Toronto and surrounding areas

For 130 years, Fred Victor has been a leader in helping people rebuild their lives in Toronto. Our mission is to improve the health, income and housing stability of people experiencing poverty and homelessness. We are committed to ending homelessness, one person at a time.

The Community Services (CS) department at Fred Victor is a multi-service, multi-site structure that encompasses the 40

Oak Community HUB and community programs, Employment and Training Services, Drop-Ins, Keep Cool Programs and

Food Services. Additionally, it operates social purpose enterprise with catering and community outreach services and

spearheads a significant Peer Training Initiative that prioritizes the involvement of individuals with lived experience.

Drawing on lived experience and training in harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and conflict resolution, the Community Outreach Specialist provides a compassionate and community-centered alternative. The role emphasizes connection, referring individuals to appropriate resources and supports. Through consistent presence and engagement, The Community Outreach Specialist help prevent crises before they upscale, support individuals in distress, and contribute to a sense of safety and dignity for everyone accessing the Hub.

Newly onboarded community outreach team members will participate in a comprehensive Fred Victor training program focused on specific skills development and practical knowledge. Successful incumbents are expected to demonstrate a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous learning.

Does this sound like work you want to be a part of?

We offer a supportive and collaborative environment, an opportunity to join a diverse team of caring professionals and a chance to make a difference. With over 75 programs and 25 sites, there are lots of opportunities to grow your career with us. Many members of the management team started in relief and front-line roles.

• Conduct regular outreach in and around Respites, Warming Centres and Hub locations to promote a safe, and inclusive environment for all tenants, staff, and community members.
• Maintain a welcoming and reassuring presence throughout these locations by engaging in regular walk-throughs focused on connection, wellness, and community-building.
• Monitor perimeter, including the doorways, to ensure that doorways are clear and unobstructed, maintaining safe access and egress. This includes reporting any blockages or hazards.
• Actively address and discourage loitering around program spaces, communal spaces, and the courtyard to ensure these areas remain clear and accessible. Apply trauma-informed and respectful approaches, but prioritize maintaining a safe, unobstructed environment free from lingering or gathering that may impede access or use of shared community spaces.
• Identify safety or wellness concerns within the community and promptly connect individuals to appropriate emergency services or first responders, prioritizing compassionate support and referral.
• Engage with tenants, clients and community members through consistent, respectful presence
  -building trust, connection, and open lines of communication.
• Support with de-escalation during moments of conflict or distress, using trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches to reduce risk and prevent escalation.
• Provide informal referrals and resource navigation, connecting individuals directly to services at that site location and nearby low barrier services.
• Report discarded paraphernalia, or potential overdose to staff promptly, and assist them as required.
• Accurately document all incidents, client engagements, EMS calls, in accordance with established reporting procedures.
• Respond promptly and effectively to building emergencies such as fire alarms, floods, and lockdown…