Outreach Worker

**Job Summary**

As part of the UBCM Team, the Outreach Worker at Phoenix Society supplies harm reduction supplies and information in the community. The Outreach Worker provides housing and case management services to clients experiencing homelessness within a harm reduction housing model. This position also supports community partners and other organizations within the Tri-Cities and is accountable for: community support and engagement, as well as statistics collection.

**Organizational Status**

The Phoenix Society is a multi-service agency located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia dedicated to providing accessible services and opportunities to people who face barriers related to addiction, mental health, housing, education, criminal justice involvement and/or employment. The Outreach Worker provides information, support and referrals related to housing and is involved in case management.

**Work Performed**

**Client Services**
- Report to and discuss case concerns with supervisory positions and the integrated services team
- Ensure harm reduction supplies are accessible to members of the community, despite living circumstances or other factors that limit access to services
- Provide appropriate referrals/follow up to high-risk clients, or any individual at risk due to substance misuse
- Maintain accurate statistics throughout practice and provide monthly reports
- Provide client transportation when needed or directed to do so
- Provide immediate outreach assistance to meet our clients where they are at. This may include referrals to other emergency shelters
- Accompany clients to appointments, shopping, recreational activities and/or housing viewings
- Assists with more permanent housing options including supportive housing and subsidized housing
- Discharge planning services and ongoing case management
- Provide support for clients to develop life skills and support community engagement
- Provide support to all individuals served in a judgement-free and client-centered approach
- Act as a back-up to other outreach or support staff as needed
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

**Operations**
- Ensure the van is clean, well-maintained and well-stocked with supplies and adequate resource materials. Remember to safety check and clean the van after each outing
- Identify areas for improvement and increased efficiency in building and program operations, technology, services offered, reporting and reports to supervisory positions
- Follow and implement universal precautions and infection control
- Ensure safe handling of sharps containers and other equipment
- Ensure sharps are disposed of in a safe and correct manner
- Ensure that program regulations, policies and procedures are followed
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of internal fire safety policies and procedures, as well as other emergency procedures
- Organize and assemble monthly administrative reports
- Maintain agency standards of work quality

**Community Relations**
- Attend public and organizational events as required
- Establish and maintain appropriate community partnerships within the Tri-Cities
- Provide community Naloxone training
- Respond to community calls to pick up inappropriately discarded sharps. Work with community to identify high sharps risk areas and organize safe clean up
- Participate in liaison activities with stakeholders and the broader community in a professional manner
- Maintain a thorough knowledge of social, economic, recreational, and educational resources in the community
- Foster teamwork within the Phoenix Society and with service stakeholders. Take action required to foster teamwork and resolve problems that may arise

**Qualifications**
- Post-secondary diploma (e.g., 2 to 3 years) in social sciences, counselling, social work, community services, etc.
- 3 to 5 years of experience working with marginalized populations, substance use services, mental health, corrections, etc., or equivalent
- Ability to administer Narcan and respond effectively to overdose. Knowledge of infection control standards and ability to follow infection control policies
- Satisfactory completion of a criminal records check with vulnerable sector screening is required
- Satisfactory completion of Tuberculosis Screening form is required
- Satisfactory completion of Employee Immunization Record form is required
- First aid certification with CPR is required
- Valid driver’s license is required

**Skills & Knowledge**
- Knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, and database management systems
- Knowledge of case management processes and procedures; trained and experienced in professional record keeping, report writing and statistics
- Experience in administering medication using a Medication Administration System
- High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation
- Strong problem solving, analytical, and creative skills with the ability to exercise sound judgement and make