Street Outreach Worker

About this position

Street Outreach Worker
Job Classification TitleSTREET OUTREACH WORKER
Job ID #2307225 X
Division & SectionShelter, Support & Housing Admin , Homelessness Initiatives & Prevention Services
Work LocationSTREETS TO HOMES, 625 CHURCH ST.
Job Type & DurationPart-time, Part-Time , Indefinite Term
Salary/Rate$30.87 - $33.84 / Hour
Shift InformationOn an as required basis; up to 70 hours bi-weekly
Number of Positions Open20 +
Posting Period16-Jul-2018  to  30-Jul-2018

Job Description
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Consistently ranked one of the world’s most livable cities, we are a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture. Join the award-winning Toronto Public Service as Street Outreach Worker within our Shelter, Support & Housing Administration Division.
  
NOTE TO CURRENT CITY OF TORONTO LOCAL 79 PART-TIME EMPLOYEES:  If you are a current City of Toronto Local 79 part-time employee, you must indicate that you are a "Current Part-time employee" in the "Custom Information" section of your on-line application form, and provide your "Employee Number" in order to be considered for this job opportunity.
  
NOTE TO ALL CANDIDATES: For all programs in the Shelter, Support & Housing Administration Division, which operate 24 hours a day / seven days a week. Part-time employees are expected to be available to work all shifts (days, afternoons & overnight shifts) 4 separate days a week, of which two (2) days must include Saturdays & Sundays. Hours of work will be determined based on operational needs
Major Responsibilities:
 
As a Street Outreach Worker you will be responsible for assessing and addressing client needs as a member of a team in a client focused, holistic fashion. The primary functions associated with this position include but are not limited to:

• Conducts assessments and intake interviews with people who are homeless, street involved and/or panhandling in a variety of public locations: (i.e. on the sidewalk, in public squares, in parks and ravines, etc.), homeless and low-income service settings (e.g. hostels, drop-in centres, etc.) and institutional settings (e.g. hospitals, court houses, etc.) and assesses clients functional, income, employment and housing status to determine program eligibility. These services are provided throughout a 24 hour a day operation, 7 days per week including all statutory holidays
• Provides potential clients with orientation to the Streets to Homes program by describing services, policies and philosophy of the program
• Responds to and investigates inquiries, complaints and emergency situations involving clients. Assesses the situation and presents and implements short-term and long-term solutions, and documents outcomes
• Collects documents and evaluates information to determine client’s initial/ongoing eligibility, including verifying client information through personal interviews and liaison with client supports, relevant service providers, community agencies, landlords, other Ministries and institutions, etc. Updates and revises intake files at each point of contact in a timely manner to ensure the availability of up to date information
• Initiates case files, completes applications and required forms and transfers case files and ongoing case management to Shift Leaders, Street Outreach Counsellors or the Supervisor Social Assistance
• Identifies and executes appropriate referrals for services and supports to outside agencies, purchased services and City services informing involved staff of information necessary to assist individuals
• Advocates on behalf of clients for support, services and benefits with internal and external resources, and engages in active problem solving around each client’s difficulties
• Participates in case conferences where necessary and appropriate
• Ensures effective service delivery to the client by documenting information, observations and impressions that may impact a client's case plan
• Participates in recording information in the development of client profiles and service needs by inputting data
• Ensures safety and well-being of clients accessing the program
• Responds to initial conflict situations involving client complaints and disputes by listening, providing problem solving and support and documents outcome
• Maintains current knowledge of legislation, community services, resources, policies, programs, procedures and issues affecting client population
• Documents shift occurrence information
• Accompanies clients to medical, service and/or housing appointments
• Participates in program development and delivery
• Compiles and maintains electronic records and related statistics. Submits activity log and other reports as required
• Participates on internal and external committees as requested by Manager
• Handles inquiries in person or on the telephone from members of the general public, business operators and street involved persons, requesting a service response
• Develops and nurtures neighbourhood connections and recognition within catchment area served using community development principles
• Liaises with staff from other programs and community agencies (e.g. hospitals, social workers, doctors, courts, immigration, shelters, drop-ins, health clinics, legal programs, other City Programs, etc.) to provide program information or in advocating for transfers/placements of clients
• Responds to questions from the general public, business owners etc., if encountered on the street
• Participates in conducting research activities
• Assists with service delivery of the Streets to Homes walk-in as required
• Assists in responding to emergency situations on the street
• Provides support to individuals and groups as required at emergency reception centres and other locations as required

 
Key Qualifications:
 
Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:

• Degree or Diploma in Social Services or related field or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience in assisting persons with psycho/social/physical, educational, emotional and/or environmental problems in a variety of locations (i.e. on the sidewalk, in public squares, in parks and ravines, hostels, drop-in centres, hospitals, court houses, etc.)
• Experience addressing the needs of homeless clients or clients at risk of homelessness including assisting in obtaining housing, identification, social assistance, health and mental health services
• Advanced knowledge of issues relating to activities of street involved people.
• Demonstrated ability to assist in program development.
• Working knowledge of applicable legislation, such as the Ontario Works Act and Ontario Disability Support Program, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), Residential Tenancies Act and the Mental Health Act.
• Extensive knowledge of resources and services available within the division, the community and various government entitlement programs.
• Proficiency using MS Office and/or knowledge of the divisions automated systems.
• Ability to work as a team member in a dynamic, complex environment and organize time and workload effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all levels of staff, the public and clients while maintaining objectivity.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff, community agencies and the public.
• Ability to appropriately assess and respond to situations based on available information and past experience.
• Ability to prepare and write reports/records and maintain same.
• Ability to effectively perform job duties with minimum supervision.
• Ability to de-escalate interpersonal conflicts in an effective fashion through crisis intervention techniques.
• Demonstrated problem solving ability.
• Ability to work shifts in a 24 hour a day operation, 7 days per week including statutory holidays.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the job including extensive walking, carrying a backpack with outreach gear, taking public transit, etc.
• Ability to travel and work outdoors in a variety of public locations, including streets, parks, ravines and under bridges bringing services and supports to people who are homeless.
• Excellent assessment skills with thorough knowledge of addictions issues and harm reduction.
• Familiarity with government legislation in the area of occupational health and safety.
• Possession of a valid Ontario Driver's License is an asset.

We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. 
Communication:  Please note that we communicate to applicants via email. Therefore, please ensure that your email address is up to date in your TalentFlow account, and that you check your email regularly.
 
Accommodation:  If you are an individual who requires accommodation, due to disability under the Ontario Human Rights Code, to apply for this position, please email us at application.accommodation1@toronto.ca, quoting job ID #2307225 and the job classification title.  The City is committed to providing Code-protected accommodation throughout its hiring process. Please visit Hiring Policies and Statements for further details.

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