Outreach Worker

**Job Description**:
**POSITION PURPOSE**
Reporting to the Supervisor, Hostel Programs, is responsible for providing support to individuals and families who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness (including people sheltering outdoors), and people exiting the emergency housing system, to secure and maintain safe housing and to have required supports in place in order to avoid or reduce emergency housing use; assessing eligibility for Ontario Works or other financial benefits in emergency situations, as required; completing assessments and referrals and advocating for appropriate training, employment, health, housing and community services for clients, as required.

**MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Responds and investigates inquiries, complaints and emergency situations involving clients; assesses the situation and presents and implements short and long term solutions and documents outcomes.
- Works with individuals and families and facilitates/mediates the resolution of difficult, complex issues the client is facing which are resulting in barriers to service access, effective service usage and/or autonomy (e.g. social, medical/psychological problems, tenancy, community problems, etc.); investigates and determines the cause, outlines implications regarding their choices and develops options/recommendations to reduce crisis situations and resolve issues.
- Advocates on behalf of clients for support, services and benefits with internal and external resources and engages in active case planning, case management and problem solving around each client’s barriers and difficulties.
- Provides case management through interviews, screening, assessment, and service planning activities; facilitates referrals to appropriate community resources and provides a mechanism for follow-up.
- Manages residents’ financial eligibility through a structured monthly income review and makes adjustments to residents’ eligibility as circumstances change; follows up on concerns and complaints related to eligibility.
- Provides support to individuals sheltering outdoors, including in encampments across York Region, including case management, working in partnership with external and internal partners
- Maintains files and provides case administration in compliance with the Ontario Works Act, Ontario Disability Support Program Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, other regulations and York Region Housing with Supports and the Region’s policies and procedures.
- Utilizes social assistance database (SDMT), Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS), and hostel database to complete documentation, deliver services, manage caseloads and record statistics; maintains data/statistical information for processing payments in accordance with program requirements.
- Develops partnerships and maintains ongoing liaison with Regional delivered services, community and social agencies by facilitating and/or attending multi-agency (e.g. health, social, community, recreation, law enforcement) meetings to facilitate collaboration of services between clients and agency services.
- Supports and encourages Departmental staff to develop and maintain awareness of community issues and programs.
- Provides back-up for co-workers, as required.
- May occasionally be required to respond to emergency situations outside of normal business hours, as related to the Departmental Emergency Plan.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Successful completion of a Community College Diploma in Social Work, Social Science, or a related program or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum one to three (1-3) years experience in a social service environment.
- Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
- Experience in supporting and case managing persons with psycho/social/physical, educational, emotional and environmental difficulties.
- Experience working with and addressing the needs of people at-risk of or experiencing homelessness including making referrals to community agencies, developing case plans and collaboration with community supports.
- Experience working with marginalized individuals and families, mental health and senior population, employment counselling and group/workshop delivery.
- Valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License and reliable vehicle for use on corporate business.
- Excellent assessment, problem solving, conflict resolution and mediation skills.
- Ability to perform financial calculations for the purpose of allowances and benefit calculation.
- Ability to compile statistical data and reports for the purposes of review and evaluation.
- Ability to relate to residents in an empathetic yet objective professional manner.
- Ability to work off-site as required and work outside of normal business hours, as required.