Housing Outreach Worker
Job Title: Housing Outreach Worker
Company: John Howard Society of Victoria
Location: Victoria, BC
Job type: Full-time, permanent
Work hours: Mon – Fri, 8:00 – 4:30 (40 hours per week)
Work locations: In person
Salary: $26.34 to $28 per hour
Benefits: Employee Engagement Activities, Organization Events, Dental care, Disability insurance, Employee assistance program, Extended health care, Life insurance, Paid time off, RRSP match
About the organization:
The John Howard Society of Victoria is a dynamic, innovative social service organization that strives to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all. Our goal is to help individuals achieve greater independence by providing support with housing, life-skills, education, employment, and community-based services.
At John Howard Society of Victoria, we come from various backgrounds and share a common goal of wanting to make things better in our community, for our community. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that adapts to your needs.
What We Offer:
Competitive Benefits: Enjoy paid vacation, sick and personal time, health and dental plans, long-term disability, critical illness and a registered pension plan / RRSP
Supportive Environment: Our Employee Assistance Program and professional development opportunities are designed to help you succeed both personally and professionally. We invest in our employees' growth through training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities.
Engaging Culture: Be part of a friendly team that values your input! With numerous employee committees, you can make your voice heard and contribute to meaningful change for our clients and our community.
Employee Engagement: We often organize team and social gatherings to strengthen relationships and foster camaraderie to create a supportive network among colleagues.
Impactful Work: Employees at JHS Victoria are driven by a shared mission to make a positive difference in the community. Engaging in meaningful work enhances job satisfaction and connects team members to a greater purpose.
Our Vision, Mission, Goals, and Values
Our Vision: A safe, healthy, and inclusive community for all
Our Mission: We contribute to a safer, stronger and more sustainable communities by supporting people to achieve greater independence
Our Goals:
Service Excellence: Improve the quality of life of the people we service through more relevant, accessible and sustainable services.
Organizational Sustainability: Realize a resilient operational and governance model that supports JHSV to consistently serve the end-to-end client journey.
Capacity: Increase our capacity to work effectively and efficiently as a team.
Our Values:
Our Service Commitments (How we provide services to clients) – Dignity, Advocacy, Empowerment
Team Values (How we work together) – Collaboration, Accountability, Resiliency
About the Role:
This position will provide intensive outreach support and services to eligible individuals transitioning from Regional Supportive Housing sites and who are experiencing homelessness. The Housing Outreach worker will be responsible for both outreach support and landlord support.
Responsibilities:
Assist individuals transitioning from Regional Supportive Hosing Sites and homelessness into permanent safe, affordable housing.
Provide community reintegration service to assist individuals in identifying community support service needs.
Participate in direct support and case planning with community partners.
Work under a person-centered model of support to foster opportunity to achieve measurable short and long-term goals.
Works in collaboration with the client to formulate a comprehensive service plan that is reviewed and modified with client on a regular basis.
Provide outreach, case management, counseling, advocacy, and other needed services to clients in any environment including institutional setting, the streets, shelters, hospitals, housing, and office.
Provide individually tailored services to each client—i.e., housing placement, independent living skills, vocational guidance, appointment escorts, information and access to integrated substance use treatment and mental health services.
Maintain written and computerized records, compile reports and complete other program documentation (including case notes, statistics, letters, available file information and reports.
Support and provide services for all clients who have experienced homelessness and lived experiences of facing multiple barriers such as substance abuse, mental health, poverty, and trauma.
Educate, inform, and advocate for clients regarding benefits and entitlements (social assistance, rental subsidies, employment supports, low-income services i.e., food bank etc.
Participate in employee meetings and meetings with community partners.
Other duties as requested.
Qualifications:
Diploma and/or degree in the social or behavioral sciences.
Minimum of 2 years of work experience in the social services sector, particularly in housing and outreach.
Knowledge of the continuum of housing and barriers to accessing safe and affordable rental markets.
Awareness of the unique needs of individuals from Indigenous ancestry, ethno-cultural groups, and persons with disabilities.
Strong computer literacy, especially with Microsoft Office.
Skills and Abilities:
Ability to successfully complete a Criminal Records Check.
Current Emergency First Aid Certificate.
Class 5 driver’s license.
Travel will be required within the CRD.
Personal transportation that is in good repair, insured for business up to $5,000,000 for liability, and which can be used to transport clients.
Competencies:
Crisis Management: Demonstrated ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations.
De-escalation Skills: Ability to de-escalate potentially violent situations effectively.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with clients and community partners.
Case Management: Skilled in providing outreach, case management, counseling, advocacy, and tailored services to clients.
Collaboration: Experience working collaboratively with community partners and clients to develop comprehensive service plans.
Person-Centered Approach: Ability to work under a person-centered model of support to help clients achieve measurable goals.
Personal Characteristics:
Patience: Ability to remain calm and understanding when working with individuals facing challenges.
Creativity: Innovative in finding solutions and approaches to meet the unique needs of clients.
Flexibility: Adaptable to changing situations and client needs in various environments.
Compassion: Demonstrates empathy and concern for the well-being of clients.
Advocacy: Strong commitment to educating and advocating for clients regarding benefits and entitlements.
Sensitivity: Awareness and sensitivity to the experiences and needs of socially marginalized or disadvantaged populations.
Diversity and Inclusion at JHS Victoria:
At the John Howard Society of Victoria, we proudly embrace the rich diversity of the communities we serve, and we’re excited to invite applicants from all backgrounds to join our team! We warmly welcome candidates who are racialized persons or persons of color, Indigenous Peoples, women, individuals with disabilities, those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, and anyone who brings unique perspectives and ideas to the table.
We understand that everyone’s journey is different, and we are committed to providing the support needed to ensure equal opportunities for success throughout the hiring process. If you require any accommodations during your interview, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We’re here to help!
How to Apply:
If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in people’s lives and meet the qualifications for this role, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your application through our portal. We’ll be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled, so don’t wait—apply today and take the next step in your journey with us!