Outreach Worker

Job Description**:POSITION PURPOSE**
Reporting to the Supervisor, Hostel Programs, is responsible for providing support to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, and those exiting the shelter system, to secure and maintain safe housing and to have required supports in place in order to avoid or reduce emergency shelter use; assessing eligibility for Ontario Works 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.
- Initiates referrals to mental health agencies, addictions and detox agencies, hospitals, and other professionals and community agencies, in cooperation with the Supervisor and the Hostel Operator.
- Maintains files and provides case administration in compliance with the Ontario Works Act, Ontario Disability Support Program Act, other regulations and York Region Domiciliary Hostel and the Region’s policies and procedures.
- Utilizes social assistance database (SDMT) 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 shelter residents 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.
**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 Police Criminal Background Check.
- Experience in supporting and case managing persons with psycho/social/physical, educational, emotional and environmental difficulties.
- Experience in addressing the needs of homeless clients or clients at-risk of 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.
- Sound knowledge of issues and barriers relating to activities of street involved people, shelter systems and challenges of sustainable housing for vulnerable persons.
- Knowledge of industry related legislation and regulations applicable to service/program delivery; (i.e. Ontario Works Act or Ontario Disability Support Program Act),
- Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer service, communication, team work, initiative/self management and accountability, and flexibility/adaptability.