Outreach Worker

The KCFN Community Services Dept continues to grow & has a rewarding opportunity for an **Outreach Worker (OW)**. As our new OW, you will be responsible for providing an array of outreach services to youth & adult community members in Campbell River and in Houpsitas (Kyuquot). You will play a critical role by providing assistance/support to individuals with pre
- and post-addiction issues, mental health issues and those who are experiencing homelessness. Working within the unique context of both communities, you will engage with our youth, adults, and local organizations to address the complex challenges related to mental health, addictions and homelessness - with a focus on promoting recovery, stability and overall well-being. This incredibly important role has to ability to significantly impact the lives of KCFN member families in a very positive way. The OW will have a deeply-rooted passion to help people in distress achieve a healthy and balanced quality of life.

**Duties/Tasks/Responsibilities**:

- **Outreach and Engagement**: Conducts regular outreach efforts to connect individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health and those dealing with addiction issues, establishing trusting relationships & assessing their immediate needs and goals for support
- Also helps the Director or Manager build & develop programming to support outreach efforts (ie creating files/paperwork/stakeholder relationships)
- **Community Awareness & Education**: Provides various presentations to the community on a variety of topics such as life skills, drugs, financial management, mental health, etc
- **Needs assessment**: Performs comprehensive assessments to understand the specific circumstances and challenges faced by individuals dealing with mental health issues, homelessness & addiction, identifying culturally appropriate interventions and resources
- **Housing Support**: Provides advocacy & support to help individuals secure safe & stable housing solutions within the community, including accessing emergency shelters, transitional housing options & remote support services
- **Resource Referral**: Connects individuals with essential services & support programs, such as health care, mental health counselling, social or financial assistance, employment training, & life skills development
- **Advocacy**: Advocates on behalf of individuals experiencing mental health issues, homelessness & addiction in the community, addressing systemic barriers & advocating for policy changes to improve access to housing, healthcare, & support services at local & provincial levels. Provides support around prevention of landlord abuse of power & holds to account the agreement to lease/room and board
- **Documentation & Reporting**: Maintains accurate records of client interactions, service referrals, & program outcomes using data collection tools, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements & contributing to program evaluation efforts
- **Case Conferencing**: Attends regular wrap around meetings with the team to discuss individual or family case files to problem solve & support coordination of resources for individuals &/or families in need
- **Interventions**: Works with & supports clients dealing with MCFD, USMA, RCMP, BC Ambulance Service, KCFN Emergency Services, & other public/private agencies
- **Cultural Sensitivity**: Observes cultural practices/norms/protocols and applies each to the scope of outreach practice

**Qualifications**:

- Degree or diploma in social work, psychology, human services or similar area of study
- History of professional development that supports the role
- 3+ yrs of community outreach/advocacy experience
- Experience using Office 365, Google docs, Adobe and other software programs
- Strong organizational, communication & conflict resolution skills (trauma informed)
- Experience working in a “wrap-around” services type of environment with many stakeholders
- Experience working with First Nation organizations (in a remote setting) - _asset_
- An understanding and appreciation of Nuu-chah-nulth culture/Ka:'yu:'k't'h' language/protocols - _asset_
- Strong organizational, communication and conflict resolution skills (trauma informed)
- Strong professional boundaries

**Other**:

- Travel to Houpsitas (Kyuquot) overnights via logging roads/marine
- WHMIS & Violence &Harassment Awareness Training (or willing to obtain)
- First Aid (or willing to obtain) - _strong asset_
- Acceptable vulnerable Police Information Check - _required_

**DATE POSTED**: April 22, 2025 **START DATE**: ASAP

**STATUS**: Permanent, full-time **CLOSING DATE & TIME**: Open until filled

**WAGE**: $60K-$70K per hour + benefits/pension/EAP **BASED OUT OF**:Campbell River or Houpsitas (Kyuquot)
- **In accordance with the**_**Canadian**_ **Human Rights Act, preference may be given to Indigenous applicants.**_
- **We thank all those who apply, however only those shortlisted will be contacted for interviews.**_

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permane