Outreach Worker

Location: Viola's Place Society, 189 Marsh Street, New Glasgow, NS

Job Type: Full-Time, afternoons, evenings, weekends, weekdays, holidays, etc.

Salary: Competitive rate/To be discussed at the time of interview

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Start Date: As soon as possible

An Outreach Worker at Viola's Place will be dedicated to supporting unhoused individuals, with a focus on those living in encampments or without an address. Through compassionate, person-centered engagement, our outreach team will work to build trust, provide basic needs, and connect people to vital services. We meet individuals where they are—physically and in their journey—to help reduce barriers and support long-term stability and wellness.

Activities

• Work in a team of two to conduct outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness in parks, wooded areas, makeshift shelters, vehicles, and other locations.
• Support clients in accessing and maintaining financial assistance and housing by helping with housing searches, ID replacement, barrier resolution, and liaising with landlords, government departments, and community organizations.
• Assist clients with completing subsidy and housing applications and address housing instability as issues arise.
• Support clients in maintaining a structured daily routine and provide guidance in essential life skills for those living independently, such as light housekeeping and medication reminders.
• Demonstrate competency in Harm Reduction practices, including the distribution and administration of naloxone when needed.
• Provide supportive case management, information, and referrals to connect clients with appropriate services.
• Transport clients to housing-related appointments, shelter drop-ins, and other safe destinations as required.
• Provide enhanced outreach services during extreme weather alerts
• Assist clients in accessing resources that promote self-sufficiency, resilience, and overall well-being.
• Promote safety by supporting efforts to improve conditions within encampments and encouraging safe, organized living environments
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation using HIFIS and other internal systems.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with the NGPD, NS Health Crisis Team, community partners, and service providers.
• Complete and submit required reports, including daily logs, monthly summaries, semi-annual updates, and year-end evaluations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed, client-centered, and ethical practices
• Experience in complex case management and navigating community resources and social service systems
• Experience in harm reduction strategies and motivational interviewing techniques
• Experience supporting individuals with mental health, addictions, and housing instability
• Knowledge of local services and supports
• Skilled in crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, and providing responsive, appropriate support
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations and an understanding of the social determinants of health
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Well-developed problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining efficiency and accountability.
• Experience with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Comfortable managing a large caseload in a collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• Must be over the age of 19
• Related Post Secondary Education
• Current Class 5 Nova Scotia Driver's License with a reliable vehicle
• A Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check are required
• Previous experience working with adults who are facing mental health challenges or addiction

Work Schedule: Shift work, 8-12 hours per shift, afternoons, evenings, weekends, weekdays, holidays, etc.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00-$55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Work Location: In person