Casual Van Outreach Support Worker

Main Street Project operates a van outreach program 24/7, 365 day a year. The Van Outreach program travels throughout Winnipeg, seeking out community members who may be at risk in extreme weather. Voluntary transport to MSP’s emergency shelter is offered to community members. MSP offers warm clothing, resources and harm reduction supplies. The Van Outreach Program also follow up support individuals living in encampments and conducts wellness checks.

The Van Outreach Support Worker maintains the core values of MSP regarding harm reduction, choice, equity, and diversity and encourages individuals in capacity building. The Integrated Support Worker will work with MSP clients in a manner that encourages self-awareness, self-worth, increased independence, and without judgment.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Ensure that community member’s immediate needs are met through the provision of food, shelter, clothing, harm reduction, and personal hygiene supplies
- Assist participants in planning, problem-solving, and addressing immediate needs
- Drive and operate MSP’s Outreach Vans
- Provide transport to community members as required
- Respond to emergency situations; assessing, intervening, and documenting critical incidents
- Monitor the physical safety of clients to ensure the client receives medical attention for physical injuries, either through on-site basic First Aid, transportation to the hospital, or request for a non-emergency ambulance (depending on severity)
- Visit new encampment structures, or areas being used as shelter. Monitor, locate, and identity, individuals that may need support in accessing services.
- Assist unsheltered community members to reach safety in the event of an emergency weather conditions or health emergencies
- Ensure participants are informed of internal and external resources, services, and programs and if needed, advocate for clients to access services
- Maintain accurate and confidential electronic and file records
- Collect and submit agency-required statistics on time and with accuracy

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Relevant education and experience working in the field of human services preferably with adults experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance use issues
- Experience working in an outreach capacity is considered an asset.
- Post secondary education in the field of addictions and mental health is considered an asset.
- Ability to work with a client-centered care philosophy
- Knowledge of the effects of poverty and the determinants to health
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team
- Knowledge in the addiction and mental health fields
- Knowledge of Indigenous culture, TRC Calls to Action, and UNDRIP
- Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills, both oral and written
- An understanding/experience in working with culturally diverse populations
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office

**ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS**
- Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Clear Vulnerable Sector Search and a Clear Adult Abuse Registry Check are required. Employee is responsible for any service charges incurred.
- Valid driver’s licensee
- Current CPR & basic first aid
- Posting will remain open until filled.

Main Street Project recognizes the importance of building a workforce that is reflective of the community it serves, where culture, language and perspectives drive a high standard of care and service. Therefore, preference will be given to Indigenous people and those who reflect the people/population we serve. Applicants are asked to self-declare in their cover letter along with describing how they meet the above qualifications.

We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.