Community Engagement and Encampment Response

**JOB DESCRIPTION**

**Title**:
Community Engagement and Encampment Response (CEER) Team Worker

**Reports to**: Program Manager

**Location**: Abbotsford

**JOB SUMMARY**

The Community Engagement and Encampment Response (CEER) Team Worker’s main responsibilities will include: encampment response and relocation support, street outreach and engagement, case management and support services, housing navigation and stabilization and interagency collaboration. This is a part-time position, working 15 hours per week (7.5 hour shifts), Saturday and Sunday at a rate of $29.00 per hour.

**Main Responsibilities**

**1. Encampment Response and Relocation Support**
- Support compassionate, trauma-informed approaches to encampment resolutions and relocations.
- Conduct encampment assessments and offer relocation resources.
- Coordinate transportation or storage of belongings if possible.

**2. Interagency Collaboration**
- Work with service providers, government agencies, and community groups to support client needs and improve systemic barriers to wellbeing.
- Advocate for client access to services.
- Build relationships with shelter staff, healthcare providers, police, etc.
- Help bridge gaps between clients and formal support systems.

**3. Housing Navigation and Stabilization**
- Assist unsheltered individuals with locating, obtaining and maintaining housing.
- Develop Case Plans for clients willing to participate.
- Coordinate with landlords and housing authorities.
- Support housing retention and tenant education.
- Provide eviction prevention and conflict resolution.
- Where clients have been placed as tenants, help them maintain their housing and their ability to live independently by:

- Providing tenancy support and skills training.
- Providing follow up and ongoing support to clients, as appropriate.
- Building and maintaining relations with landlords providing housing to clients.
- Providing education and resources to landlords to support and maintain client tenancies, where appropriate.

**4. Case Management and Support Services**
- Provide individualized support to help clients access services, navigate systems, and achieve housing and stability goals.
- Complete client needs assessment, including the use of the Vulnerability Assessment Tool (VAT) and/or other approved assessment tools, where necessary.
- Assist with obtaining ID, income support and benefits.
- Refer clients to income assistance, using system protocols, where available.
- Refer clients to appropriate local Support Services including support access to mental health, addition and medical care.
- Accompany clients to appointments when needed.
- Assist clients with Pension Benefits, Disability Benefits, obtaining a BC Identification Card, or establishing a back account.

**5. Street Outreach and Engagement**
- Actively engage with individuals experiencing homelessness, living in public spaces, encampments, shelters and engaging with those who are at-risk of homelessness to build rapport and provide basic support.
- Conduct regular and structured outreach in streets, parks, underpasses and encampments.
- Build trust with individuals through a consistent, respectful, non-judgemental presence.
- Distribute basic necessities (food, water, hygiene kits, blankets, clothing).
- Distribute Emergency Weather Response (EWR) supplies.

**Qualifications and Requirements**:

- Consent to a criminal background check. A criminal record with not necessarily prevent employment with CEDAR.
- Knowledge of supportive services and experience navigating various referral processes.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and abilities.
- Ability to use Microsoft 365 and case management software (CAMS).
- Experience and/or education in the field of homelessness and/or substance use is an asset.
- Ability to commute/relocate to Abbotsford, BC.
- A valid class 5 drivers license is mandatory and sufficient driver’s abstract.

**What We Offer and Included Benefits**:

- Extended Benefits and Sick Days
- Vacation Entitlement (after passing probationary period)
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
- On-boarding and other required training
- A Supportive work environment
- Team building activities
- Opportunities for growth and development
- Wages: $29/hour, bi-weekly pay.

**To Apply**:
**About CEDAR Outreach Society**

CEDAR Outreach Society is a leading community-based organization in Abbotsford, British Columbia. We provide compassionate and person-centered support to individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use, poverty-related challenges and more. At our core is a deep commitment to preserving the autonomy and dignity of each person we work with, no matter their current situation. Through our combination of responsive and effective outreach, shelter services, housing navigation, eviction prevention, and basic needs assistance, CEDAR builds trust and guides people towards wellbeing. We are hon