Community Engagement Worker

**Organization Introduction**:
At Margaret’s Housing & Community Support Services Inc., our mission is to provide a continuum of housing and support services for individuals who struggle with addiction, substance abuse, and mental health challenges through an array of innovative programs, advocacy, and education which empowers individuals to build and reclaim their lives.

Margaret’s hosts a collaborative work environment, built of employees who share our core values of being compassionate, respectful, and innovative and strongly believe in empowering and providing support to vulnerable individuals in need. We support open communication and strongly encourage employees to take a direct, hands-on approach to their work as part of a team that plays an instrumental role in providing support services to our clients and residents.

**Job Purpose**:
Reporting to the Community & Client Engagement Coordinator, the Community Engagement Team Worker provides supports and assistance to individuals who are experiencing homelessness and are street-involved, directing them to Margaret’s Drop-In Centre located at 323 Dundas St. E. and/or Respite Centre at 21 Park Road. The incumbent will also be responsible for assisting the agency in addressing community concerns, and providing support, orientation and information, and referral services to individuals outside and within the Drop-In/Respite Centre. The incumbent must engage individuals in a manner reflective of the organization’s mission, vision, and values - operating with a non-judgmental framework that adheres to principles of anti-oppression, anti-racism, and harm reduction.

**Key Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Engage individuals who are at-risk, with the hope of providing immediate needs assessment and then, using a triage-like method, working with these residents to access the services best suited to their need
- Conduct regular patrols throughout the day in various locations including streets, encampment areas, and community centers to identify and engage with individuals in need
- Conduct initial needs assessments to identify immediate needs and longer-term goals of clients
- Distribute essential items (e.g., food, hygiene products) and information about available services and resources
- Address congregations at entrances of the Drop-In/Respite Centres, to ensure walkways remain clear and safe
- Ensure area near Drop-In/Respite Centres and designated community areas are free of refuse - assist in safe collection of garbage, used harm reduction supplies, and other litter, and ensure proper disposal
- Develop and maintain a visible and positive presence within the community to build trust and rapport with individuals
- Establish and maintain effective, empathetic, and non-judgmental relationships with clients
- Provide emotional support and crisis intervention and counselling, one-on-one supports, and brief intervention as needed
- Advocate on behalf of clients to ensure they receive appropriate services and support, referring them to internal and external agency services including housing, employment, mental health and addiction services, and case management
- Assist clients in navigating complex systems, including healthcare, social services, and legal systems
- Build and maintain relationships with community partners, service providers, and stakeholders
- Respond to community concerns from neighbours, businesses, the police and other stakeholders
- Act as a community resource for conflict resolution, mediation, facilitation, building consensus and strengthening community relationships
- Work proactively and inclusively with all stakeholders to support productive community relations between clients and the Drop-In Centre and/or the Respite Centre
- Facilitate positive interaction between the police and those at risk that builds trust and communication
- Report any safety issues or serious incidents that arise to management
- Identify overdose risk and administer naloxone as required; Provide first aid as required
- Provide support to Drop-In/Respite staff for day-to-day operations, outside of outreach activities and patrols, including, but not limited to:

- Serving meals
- Cleaning and maintaining the site
- Addressing client concerns and providing referrals, as needed
- Providing Harm Reduction Supplies, personal hygiene products, and clothing
- Engaging in problem solving and conflict resolution to support clients
- Assisting with other tasks and duties on the Drop-In/Respite floor, as needed
- Compile and maintain relevant referral sources and pertinent programs that benefit individual participants
- Participate in the development and implementation of outreach strategies and programs to effectively reach and support the target population
- Contribute to the creation and dissemination of outreach materials and resources
- Identify gaps in services and suggest improvements or new initiatives to address unmet needs
- Gather and present program statistics and