Outreach Worker

**The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS)** is a non-profit community-led charitable organization serving the Urban Aboriginal community with a mandate to provide programs and services that will contribute to the cultural, educational, social, economic, and recreational development of Urban Aboriginal people. The Society manages over twenty programs through four locations in Vancouver aimed at creating a meaningful change of the Aboriginal population it serves; the Friendship Centre is located at 1607 East Hastings.

Qualified Aboriginal applicants will be given preference (in accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code).

**Outreach Worker**

The Outreach Worker reports to the Reaching Home Program Manager and works in accordance with Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society’s mission, values and philosophy.

This position is hands-on and very demanding, engaging one-on-one, providing support services and alleviating barriers that might otherwise contribute to homelessness or lead to housing loss. The Outreach Worker’s primary responsibilities include engaging with people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and providing a variety of supports which will help individuals progress in their lives; supporting housing searches; accessing available funding; connecting with community resources, housing assistance and follow-up life skills support. In addition, the position will meet with 201 Central and 1660 E Hastings Shelter residents and Skeena House residents residents to connect them with housing and other supports including medical supports and metal health. Must be a reliable, self-starter committed to connecting people to supports and services. To be successful in this position you must have previous experience working with individuals that are experiencing homelessness.

**Knowledge, Skills and Abilities**
- Post secondary education plus a minimum of 2 years of social work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated understanding of available housing, income support and related agency/government assistant programs in the GVRD
- Ability to provide community-based outreach and engagement to individuals experiencing homelessness in Vancouver area as well as the DTES.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills to connect with individuals, funded agencies and other stakeholders to meet Reaching Home reporting requirements and standards.
- Ability to exercise discretion, compassion and empathy and maintain confidentiality.
- Must be results focused to meet high standards of performance
- Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures and tradition and ability to work with culturally diverse people.
- Familiarity with Urban Indigenous, First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities in GVRD and understanding issues and challenges facing those choosing to move to urban centers is an asset.
- Must have or be able pass to obtain a Criminal Record Check for the vulnerable sector
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. There will be instances where you will be carrying a backpack while on Outreach.
- Lived experience
- Demonstrated experience working with individuals with serious mental illness, substance use and other complex needs
- Demonstrated experience working at the street level with marginalized people
- Understand and support harm reduction principles
- Class 5 Driver's License preferred (with a clear driving abstract)

**Job Types**: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: $34.18 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Vision care

Application question(s):

- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Licence/Certification:

- Class 5 Driver's License (preferred)

Work Location: In person