Outreach Support Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION – Outreach Support Specialist

Title: Outreach Support Specialist (OSS)

Location: Fresh Start Services – 133 Prince Edward Street, Saint John NB E2L 3S3

*Note this position requires visiting multiple locations throughout and across the City of Saint John in various conditions (rain, snow). Applicants should also be prepared for hiking to sites if required.

Department: Homeless Outreach (Supporting Individuals and Families to Transition – SHIFT)

Salary: $23.00 hourly. Transportation allowance is also provided.

*Note position may include evening/weekend and early mornings shifts.

Additional Benefits: Mileage Allowance, access to Blue Cross Benefits after 3 months.

Duration of Work: Approximately 8-9 month contract (end date October Continuing employment offered if contract extended.

Education: Some post-secondary education required; lived experience is considered an asset (homelessness, substance use, trauma, gender bias, etc.)

Computer Literacy: Employees must have experience with Microsoft Office – with a particular emphasis on Excel. The ability to understand and effectively use online CSM system (HIFIS); Survey Monkey and other computer programs and systems as developed and needed including community mapping.

Additional Position Requirements: It is critical employees have an understanding of Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed practice. These are critical determinants to be considered for employment with Fresh Start Services.

A valid NB Drivers License and proof of insurance liability is required.

DESCRIPTION

Supervision: Employee performs duties within established policy guidelines, goals and objectives, and has primary responsibility for delivery of an area of work; specifically the Supporting Individuals and Families to Transition (SHIFT) Housing Focused Outreach program. The project delivery and staff fall under the direction and supervision of the Executive Director of Fresh Start Services. The OSS will work to respond to the needs of those living with homelessness and members of the community of Saint John's "Coordinated Access System". Direct supervision will be provided by the SHIFT Outreach Coordinator.

General Summary & Competencies: The OSS contributes to the overall reduction of homelessness in Saint John and the organization by effectively completing various tasks; relating to clients living with homelessness and their ability to access community supports and options, as well as working with individuals and families living with homeless to explore options to secure and maintain tenancy.

Essential Duties of Position: The OSS advances the vision and mission of Fresh Start Services in addition to reducing overall chronic homelessness through outreach services and ensuring clients have access and intake to various community services and supports; including the By Names List.

Employee Screening: Successful applicants must pass a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check. A Drivers Abstract may also be required.

1. Position Description

The OSS will be responsible for directly identifying those living with homelessness through direct street outreach and engagement. They will also receive referrals from homeless serving organizations and other community-based entities (including self referral from those experiencing homelessness). Staff will conduct intake and assessment (Intake and Service Prioritization Decision Making Assistance Tool – SPDAT) and make referrals for services to the most appropriate agency within the Coordinated Access System (CAS) and provide ongoing case management to assist with various aspects of housing readiness in addition to empowering clients with the ability to self resolve. The position will require community outreach and engagement, client data collection (Homeless Individuals and Family Information System – HIFIS), referral and connection to various supports within the community and Fresh Start.

Fresh Start is a flexible workplace and provides an atmosphere of acceptance and a nonjudgemental approach when working with individuals. Applicants should note that the ability to work within a Harm Reduction model is critical and mandatory in this position and all work is built on a foundation of trauma informed practice.

TRAUMA INFORMED PRACTICE

Trauma-Informed Practice is a strengths-based framework that seeks to understand and respond to the impact of trauma on people's lives. It emphasises physical, psychological, and emotional safety for everyone, and aims to empower individuals to re-establish control of their lives. The main aim of trauma informed practice is to prevent re-traumatisation in therapeutic and medical settings, and to safeguard against the dangers of vicarious trauma for staff.

HARM REDUCTION

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs.

1. Position Responsibilities

a. Directly engage visibly homeless people living in public places, hidden homeless and those at risk of homelessness *NOTE this includes visiting unsheltered encampment sites.

b. Engage with unsheltered individuals presenting to the Fresh Start Office; duties include intake, internal/external referral. Admin duties include phones, messages, passing out various items (including harm reduction supplies).

c. Complete an intake and assessment of each client experiencing homelessness (SPDAT,

BNL placement)

d. Refer people to Services Hub and/or community support services.

e. Refer clients to income assistance and assist with application as required

f. Accompany clients to appointments where appropriate

g. To provide and assist with client led supports for managing and building skills while living unsheltered (for example, assist and encourage garbage pick-up, cleaning of spaces, etc.)

h. To have ongoing contact with NB Housing Corp staff and other application zone staff to provide progress updates

i. Support clients when rapidly re-housed from the street to access local community housing supports.

j. Accept referrals from the faith community, Social Development, Horizon Health and other community partners.

k. Liaise with other partners and agencies to encourage the use of the outreach

l. Build awareness within community as to appropriate CAS streams available; BNL, Diversion, Prevention, Housing Navigation, etc.

m. Identify and develop additional resources for individuals based on their needs.

n. Administer housing readiness supports and resources for clients; including securing income, addition to various waiting lists, procuring ID, etc.

o. Maintain communication with community partners, case managers, etc. with client consent.

p. Attend CAS meetings (HIPSJ monthly meeting). Attend CAS Case Conference when requested or required.

q. Ensure all forms and documents are completed, filed and kept up to date.

r. Work with partners in community to ensure information is shared for unit matching and a soft transfer meeting to support staff is complete (when matched or referred).

s. Maintain and report to the Executive Director

t. Provide and/or assist with InReach services for individuals on the BNL with regard to community agencies involved in CAS to further strengthen capacity and to meet client needs.

u. Track and provide updates to the BNL for clients; reducing incidence of incorrect inactive and ensure updated data.

v. Relay of appropriate information to staff when needed.

Client Intervention Work

a. Active outreach in community to build relationships and identify those individuals who are homeless. Outreach includes community partners, encampment sites if accessible and as referrals from the public.

b. Provide easy access for homeless individuals to be added to the By Names List; both at the priority access and intake location as well as within CAS agencies as needed and/or requested.

c. Engage with clients to explore options for self-resolving their housing needs.

d. Provide active-listening, crisis management, follow-up, as needed when working with individuals.

e. Keep detailed case notes and HIFIS data and ensure timely real time updates of all individuals and changes to their situation to inform the partners of the CAS and BNL.

f. Make appropriate referrals to outside service providers, when and where required.

g. Refer clients to appropriate housing/support services such as Prevention, Diversion, Housing Support Programs such as Rapid Re-Housing, EFRY House, Rose House, etc.

h. Consult with supervisor when needed with regard to individuals progress, behavior, challenges, and supports/referrals required.

1. Outcomes, Data Collection and Reporting

a. The OSS is responsible for ensuring that individuals are added/kept up to date on the BNL each month through their work at Fresh Start and in partnership with community agencies involved with the CAS.

b. Keep and compile statistical data for Fresh Start and the CAS as required.

c. Enter data into HIFIS as well as maintaining geo-location of encampments/tent sites.

1. Additional Duties

a. Effectively and appropriately use technology and social media to meet project outcomes.

b. Participate in agency-related training, outreach sessions, initiatives, or events.

c. Other duties may be requested/required as part of CAS and at the discretion of the Executive Director of Fresh Start Services.

Individuals can apply with resume and cover letter to

Attention: Nick Shepard, SHIFT Outreach Coordinator

Only those applicants selected for interview will be contacted. Thank you for your interest.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person