Overnight Winter Response Outreach

Job Summary:

Alpha House's Outreach programs are comprised of several 24/7 high intensity teams that work with individuals with addiction issues, and are experiencing mental health and homelessness out in the community. We have several have dedicated partnerships with CPS, EMS, Calgary Bylaw and Calgary Transit, and provide an alternative response to public intoxication, along side working in crisis situations with a wide range of social services and community partners.

This position will entail driving, walking, lifting, actively engaging with community members, and local businesses, providing transportation to safe locations, advocating on behalf of vulnerable individuals.

Outreach staff assist individual's in a variety of ways, therefore independent thinking and decision making is vital. Being persistent, empathetic and personable is vital for this role.

Responsibilities:

• Act in a professional, non-judgmental, empathetic and caring manner with clients, treating them with dignity and respect
• Conduct community sweeps, engage with clients who may not otherwise seek out services, provide transportation, or other resource connections
• Using independent thinking and sound decision making, assist clients in meeting their needs, especially in inclement weather
• Advocating on behalf of the client and working with partner agencies, both in social services and housing
• Daily driving of an Agency Van, transporting clients when appropriate.
• Provides immediate response to distress or crisis situations
• Conduct and complete housing assessments with clients (NSQ's)
• Provides an ethical, efficient and responsible with staff and clients alike
• Provides support services (as required), to clients who present a unique and often different set of values, behaviors and challenges.
• Role model Alpha House's value's and be a positive ambassador when interacting with the public, partners and businesses
• Provides educational sessions as requested as well as liaising with community partners
• Conduct administrative tasks including preparing reports, case notes and daily stats
• Works a part of collaborative team in support of each other and the agencies mission, including assisting in training new staff
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures and the ability to reference them from appropriate sources
• Ensures compliance with all regulatory standards (Act, Laws and Policies) including but not limited to maintaining confidentiality at all times.

Required Qualifications

• A 2-year Diploma or a Degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Health Sciences or related from a publicly funded post secondary educational institution. Those in progress may be considered
• 1-year experience with conducting client assessments and/or case management
• Experience in Crisis Counseling and/or Outreach work, working with vulnerable populations and a desire to work with socially disadvantaged persons.
• An understanding of addictions including: withdrawal management, harm reduction, stages of change, trauma informed-care, crisis management and crisis counseling, and impact of mental health issues.
• Must be tolerant, non-judgmental with a high degree of compassion and empathy towards the homeless and those struggling with addictions and or mental health
• Proven crisis management, problem solving skills, rapport-building and advocacy skills
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to communicate showing respect and dignity as well as with discretion and maintain confidentiality of clients
• Team player with strong oral and written English communication skills
• Resourceful and knowledge of Community Development.
• Understanding of issues related to mental health and addictions
• An open, accepting attitude with the ability to read situations and respond appropriately
• An understanding and appreciation of the Protection of Persons in Care Act

Position Requirements

• Provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID
• Steel-toed foot wear
• Class 5 drivers license (non-GDL)- (Proof of license is required at the time of interview)
• Willingness and ability to obtain a Class 4 within 45 days of hire.
• Be able to physically assist clients from prone to sitting or standing, and vice versa;
• Be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, as well as hiking through rough terrain
• Able to provide a current Vulnerable Sector Search ( Valid within the last 6 months)
• FOIP Certification
• "It's your Move" training, or equivalent Patient Lift training
• Computer literacy, including effective working skills in MS Word, Excel and Outlook
• Be able to work early mornings, days and late evenings