Homelessness Outreach Worker - Richmond, Canada - City of Richmond

Description

The City of Richmond is a diverse and dynamic community in pursuit of our vision
to be the most appealing, livable and well-managed community in Canada.

People l Excellence l Leadership l Team l Innovation

Imagine a career with the City of Richmond, a dynamic environment for growth and continuous improvement, fostered by our collective strengths and creativity. We are a vibrant, diverse cosmopolitan city, supported by a strong economy and recognized as leaders in innovation and service delivery excellence. The City of Richmond is committed to be the most appealing, livable, well-managed community in Canada, a goal that is only made possible by developing our most valuable asset – our people. This is a great opportunity to join our team and shape our community.

Homelessness Outreach Worker

Overview
The City of Richmond is seeking a compassionate and experienced Homelessness Outreach Worker to join our expanding integrated Homelessness response team. As an integral team member, you will engage with and offer support to community members experiencing homelessness through outreach and referral to provincial and community-based support services. Working in collaboration with other City staff and agencies and reporting to the Acting Manager, Community Social Development, the Homelessness Outreach Worker role works closely with community safety personnel and first responders, health and social service agencies, and various departments within the City of Richmond.
As a Homelessness Outreach Worker, you will support a proactive and strategic response and provide coordinated outreach to support individuals who are unhoused and sheltering outdoors either alone or in groups. You will be involved in relationship building, assessment of individual needs, offering and researching resources, programs or services and will facilitate referrals related to housing, income and health services. You will be required to communicate regarding sensitive topics with members of the community, internal City departments, and external organizations and agencies with a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality. You will be responsible for adhering to municipal policies and procedures, including safety and municipal bylaws related to this area of work; and providing leadership within the integrated homelessness response team, which may include bylaw liaison officers, community safety personnel, first responders and/or members of community health teams and community outreach workers. Using trauma-informed and risk-mitigation approaches, the Homelessness Outreach Worker will liaise with individuals experiencing homelessness, assess individual needs, and support the coordination of service provision and resources within the broader system of resources in the community.

Examples of key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Working collaboratively and cooperatively with representatives from various City departments and community organizations to respond to strategic and emerging priorities that enhance connections between individuals experiencing homelessness and relevant social services and supports. This work will involve cross-functional committees and initiatives.

Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with, and understanding of, individuals in Richmond who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

Assessing individuals' needs and providing up-to-date information, resources, and referral assistance, supporting individuals with provincial and community-based service navigation, where needed.

Identifying and monitoring trends with regard to community need and providing recommendations for enhancing city-wide resource and service supports.

Meeting with individuals experiencing homelessness to provide awareness and support a clear understanding of expectations and requirements of City bylaws, including those related to sheltering.

Providing culturally appropriate, safe, trauma-informed and competent services in a variety of environments dependent on the needs of the individual.

Supporting integrated response initiatives and short-term strategies to deal with various homelessness situations.

Dealing confidently and respectfully with potentially volatile and unpredictable environments, including those in which mental health and substance use issues are factors, worker safety being the first consideration.

Identifying and developing effective relationships and working collaboratively with organizations and service providers that support individuals at risk or experiencing homelessness in the community.

Collecting data, communicating clearly and reporting on program outcomes and challenges to inform progress and overall design and direction of the City's homelessness response.

Monitoring city-wide trends and assisting in ongoing planning and response to the diverse needs of Richmond residents experiencing homelessness.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of relevant sections of the Canadian legal system, bylaws and regulations related to municipal operations, court procedures and rules of evidence, as well as other applicable Acts and related provincial statues.

Knowledge of legislation such as the Mental Health Act and the Guardianship Act.

Ability to coordinate, prepare and maintain a variety of correspondence and records related to the work, including reports, letters, educational and resource materials, procedural documents.

Ability to communicate effectively, diffuse hostility, assess personal/public risk and take appropriate action, when required.

Ability to work with culturally diverse and vulnerable populations.

Knowledge of available programs, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering care in the community.

Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Ability to build and foster positive and effective relationships in the community.

Ability to work independently and seek direction when necessary.

Effective time management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple, varied and complex priorities simultaneously.

Ability to use Microsoft Office, Tempest, Amanda and Richmond Enterprise Document Management System (REDMS) or a similar Records Management System.

Ability to work non-standard hours, which may include evenings and weekends.

Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position including working outdoors in a variety of conditions.

Ability to successfully pass and maintain a clear Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check.

Ability to speak multiple languages is an asset.
Qualifications and Experience:

Diploma in Psychology, Social Work, Community Mental Health or other social science or health-related discipline or equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience. A degree in a related field is an asset.

Two years recent related experience working with unsheltered individuals and those living with mental health and substance use issues or an equivalent combination of work experience.

Experience working in a municipal environment is an asset.

Valid BC Class 5 Drivers' License.

Current First Aid & CPR including proper administration of naloxone.
The City of Richmond offers a competitive pay and benefits program, attractive incentives and a compressed work day schedule. If you are looking to make a difference, and to share our vision "to be the most appealing, livable, and well-managed community in Canada," please submit your application by following the instructions below:

The City of Richmond uses an applicant tracking system for candidates wishing to view and apply for available career opportunities. For further information regarding position details and to apply, please visit our website at

We are accepting applications until the positions are filled

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The City of Richmond is an inclusive employer committed to employment equity objectives and invites applications from all qualified individuals. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those under consideration will be contacted. If you are unsuccessful, please accept our appreciation for your interest. No telephone inquiries please.

This position is restricted to those legally entitled to work in Canada.