Outreach Support Worker

Job Title: Outreach Support Worker

Part-Time – 4 month contract with possibility of extension
Location: Community-based in Edmonton

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Northern Alberta’s mission is to advance the dignity and worth of women, girls, and gender-diverse people who are criminalized. To address the significant over-representation of Indigenous women criminalized due to poverty-related factors, and those facing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges in our communities, we are establishing a winter-response Community Outreach Team. This team will provide essential support to those most affected during the challenging winter months, ensuring access to resources and advocacy for those most at risk.

Job Summary:

The Outreach Support Workers will provide essential services and compassionate support to individuals who are unhoused and battling addiction and mental health challenges. As part of an outreach team, this role involves engaging directly with people living rough in the community, providing immediate support, resources, and referrals, and fostering trust and respect. The Outreach Support Worker will offer advocacy, harm reduction guidance, and basic needs support to improve clients' quality of life and, whenever possible, facilitate pathways toward housing, treatment, and social stability.

This Community Outreach Project is a short-term winter emergency response project at this time. There is a strong possibility of extension of employment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Outreach and Engagement
• Conduct daily outreach visits to areas known for high populations of unsheltered individuals, building rapport and trust.
• Engage with community members in a compassionate, non-judgmental manner to offer immediate support, harm reduction, and basic necessities.
• Maintain a visible and approachable presence within the community, identifying and assessing client needs through trauma-informed practices.
• Client Support and Case Management
• Work with clients to develop individualized support plans, addressing immediate needs and longer-term goals related to housing, healthcare, and addiction services.
• Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, and emotional support as needed, responding to emergency situations with a calm and solution-oriented approach.
• Facilitate access to essential services such as healthcare, mental health support, detox programs, shelters, and addiction treatment, advocating for clients’ needs.
• Harm Reduction and Health Promotion
• Promote and educate clients on harm reduction practices, such as safe needle use and overdose prevention, including the distribution of harm reduction supplies.
• Assist with basic health assessments and connect clients with medical resources and treatment options as appropriate.
• Provide referrals and guidance to clients for addiction treatment and mental health services in line with their readiness and willingness to engage.
• Resource and Service Coordination
• Liaise with local agencies, shelters, healthcare providers, mental health services, and community organizations to coordinate comprehensive client care and support.
• Facilitate connections to shelters, housing programs, food banks, clothing services, and other community resources.
• Track client progress and report updates to the Program Manager, ensuring seamless service delivery and coordinated support.
• Documentation and Reporting
• Maintain accurate, confidential records of interactions, services provided, and case notes in compliance with agency policies and privacy regulations.
• Prepare reports on client progress, outreach activities, and service gaps to help inform program improvements.
• Participate in regular team meetings, training sessions, and supervision to improve service delivery and address emerging needs in the community.

Qualifications:

• Education and Experience
• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Community Support, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. We will always consider lived-experience equivalency.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, addictions, and mental health challenges.
• Knowledge of harm reduction principles and experience with trauma-informed care practices.
• Strong respect for and understanding of Indigenous ways of Knowing and Being.
• Skills and Abilities
• Strong crisis intervention skills with a calm and solution-focused approach in high-stress situations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect with diverse individuals in a respectful and non-judgmental manner.
• Strong organizational skills for case documentation, scheduling, and managing multiple priorities.
• Other Requirements
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive for all work related purposes. Clear drivers’ abstract and proof of insurance may be required.
• Current First Aid, CPR, and Naloxone administration certifications.
• Background check and Vulnerable Sector check clearance.

Working Conditions:

This position involves outdoor work, extensive walking, and direct engagement with individuals in a variety of public settings. Outreach Support Workers should be comfortable with variable weather conditions – including harsh winter climates when the people we serve need us the most - and the challenges associated with serving a vulnerable population.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges.
• Collaborative team environment with supportive management and comprehensive training.
• An organization dedicated to promoting equity, safety, and dignity for all community members.

This position is ideal for compassionate, resilient individuals passionate about advocacy and community support. Outreach Support Workers will play a key role in supporting some of the community's most vulnerable individuals by connecting them to vital resources and improving their quality of life.

How to Apply:

Submit a resume and covering letter to hr@efrynorthernalberta.com

Deadline: this posting will remain open until all positions are filled.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $23.38-$24.46 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 30 per week

Schedule:

• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Application question(s):

• Do you have up to date Naloxone Training?

Licence/Certification:

• First Aid Certification (required)
• CPR Certification (required)

Work Location: In person