Outreach Navigator

CMHA Kelowna is currently seeking to hire a full-time Outreach Navigator in our Community Roots Program. This position offers a 37.5 hour work week, Monday – Friday.

WHAT DOES AN OUTREACH NAVIGATOR DO?

As the Outreach Navigator, your primary responsibility will be to increase outreach efforts to individuals sheltering outdoors, particularly those not utilizing Outdoor Sheltering Site 4 (OS4) or other mainstream services. Your role will involve building and maintaining positive relationships with individuals sheltering outdoors and providing comprehensive case management support, including advocacy and facilitating connections and referrals to other community services when appropriate. Additionally, you will be expected to administer government-mandated screening tools and offer crisis-oriented assistance to those experiencing emergencies, such as de-escalation and support during mental health crises or overdoses outside of the formal shelter setting.

 Key Responsibilities:

1. Outreach and Engagement:

• Conduct proactive outreach efforts to locate and engage individuals who are sheltering outdoors, focusing on those who have not accessed Outdoor Sheltering Site 4 or mainstream services. 
• Develop strategies to establish trust and rapport with individuals to encourage their participation in support services. 
• Approach each interaction with sensitivity, empathy, and cultural awareness to create a safe and supportive environment. 

• Identify individuals' needs in various domains, including hygiene, food, housing, medical, substance use, and mental health. 
• Create individualized service plans to address specific needs and goals, working collaboratively with clients to determine appropriate action steps.
•  Regularly monitor and review clients' progress, adjusting support plans as     needed. 

• Facilitate connections and referrals to other community services, including medical facilities, mental health services, social assistance programs, and substance use services. 
• Collaborate with relevant service providers to ensure seamless and coordinated support for clients. 
• Stay informed about available resources and services in the community to provide up-to-date information to clients.

• Respond to crisis situations among individuals sheltering outdoors, including de-escalating tense situations and providing immediate assistance during mental health crises or overdoses.
•  Collaborate with emergency response teams, law enforcement, and medical personnel when necessary. 

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all interactions, assessments, and services provided to clients.

YOUR STRENGTHS & EXPERIENCE:

• Post-secondary education in social services or related field;
• Criminal Record Check in the Vulnerable Sector is required;
• Minimum 2 years work experience in addictions and mental health is preferred;
• Experience working directly at street-level with individuals experiencing homelessness is preferred;
• Listens with sensitivity to other people’s feelings, needs, and point of view; demonstrates tact and courtesy in expressing options or ideas, and recognizing opportunities to enhance community relations.
• Completes tasks in a timely and efficient manner, utilizing good organizational skills. Has the ability to manage multiple cases efficiently and effectively.
• An understanding of harm reduction theory and demonstrated ability to implement harm reduction strategies;
• An understanding of Intentional Outreach, Housing First, and Rapid Re-Housing principles;
• Displays appropriate, professional, healthy boundaries and exercises mature judgment and understanding of safety concerns;
• Adapts well to changing priorities and challenging individuals;
• Valid class V BC driver’s license;

WHO IS CMHA KELOWNA?

At CMHA Kelowna, we are dedicated to Mental Health in our community. No matter how old or how young, we provide support for families and individuals through programs that promote positive mental health and support recovery, while championing the elimination of barriers that can prevent people from thriving. We are a dynamic, innovative and visionary organization. We are looking for someone who shares our vision of a mentally healthy Kelowna and are passionate about making a difference in our community by bringing their particular expertise to our organization. To learn more, check out our website at www.cmhakelowna.org

CMHA KELOWNA OFFERS YOU:

• A competitive wage of $24.36/hr - $28.01/hr
• Dental, Health & EAP Benefits
• RRSP matching program
• Vacation & Personal Health Days
• A workplace culture that fosters learning, transparency, trust and team work

As an employer, CMHA Kelowna strives to create a workplace that respects and values all individuals, minimizes bias, and promotes the equity, diversity, and inclusion of different perspectives and ideas. At CMHA Kelowna that means welcoming diversity in mental health, race, ethnicity, and culture. It also means diverse abilities, age, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, gender identities, education, marital status, language, and physical self-expression. These values are embedded in the work CMHA Kelowna does every day.

We appreciate and thank all applicants for their interest, however only short-listed candidates and those legally eligible to work in Canada will be contacted.

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.