Outreach Navigator - FT Term

CMHA Kelowna is currently seeking to hire a full-time term Outreach Navigator in our Community Roots Program until March 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension based on funding. This position offers a 37.5 hour work week, Monday – Friday.

WHAT DOES AN OUTREACH NAVIGATOR DO?

The Outreach Navigator increases outreach efforts to individuals sheltering outdoors. Navigators build and maintain positive relationships with individuals sheltering outdoors and provide light case management support, including advocacy and facilitating connections/referrals to other community services when appropriate. Additionally, Navigators 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:

Outreach & Engagement

• Conducts 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
• Organizes supplies to create care kits including food, hygiene, and harm reduction items
• Performs regular food bank pick-ups to collect food for kits, also picking up clothing or other supplies when donated in the community
• Develops strategies to establish trust and rapport with individuals to encourage their participation in support services
• Approaches each interaction with sensitivity, empathy, and cultural awareness to create a safe and supportive environment

Case Management

• Identifies individuals' needs in various domains, including hygiene, food, housing, medical, substance use, and mental health
• Creates individualized service plans as needed to address specific needs and goals, working collaboratively with clients to determine appropriate action steps
• Regularly monitors and reviews clients' progress, adjusting support plans as needed
• Assists Case Managers as needed with moving clients in and out of their homes including packing, carrying, and moving client belongings

Referrals & Community Connection

• Facilitates connections and referrals to other community services, including medical facilities, mental health services, social assistance programs, and substance use services
• Collaborates with relevant service providers to ensure seamless and coordinated support for clients

Crisis Intervention

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

Administration

• Maintains accurate and up-to-date communication log of all interactions, assessments, and services provided to clients
• Completes provincially mandated housing applications and screening tools (Supportive Housing Registry & Vulnerability Assessment Tool)
• Provides information for reporting on grants and funding to the Manager as needed

Performs other related duties as assigned

YOUR STRENGTHS & EXPERIENCE:

• Valid Class 5 driver’s license and reliable vehicle required
• Grade 12 required
• Diploma in Human Service Worker or related field considered an asset
• Certificates in First Aid, CPR, Naloxone and Food Safe considered an asset
• Minimum 2 years work experience in addictions and mental health is preferred
• Experience working directly at street-level with individuals experiencing homelessness is preferred
• Ability to engage respectfully and develop rapport with individuals, with multiple barriers, through a harm reduction lens
• Listening and communication skills
• Understanding of and commitment to working with people experiencing mental health concerns and substance use
• Working knowledge of community-based resources
• Ability to complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner, utilizing good organizational skills
• Ability to maintain consistent professional boundaries, exercising mature judgment and understanding of safety concerns
• Understanding of Harm Reduction theory and demonstrated ability to implement harm reduction strategies
• Understanding of Intentional Outreach, Housing First, Rapid Re-Housing, and Shelter Diversion principles
• Understanding of working with a Trauma Informed lens
• Familiar with or ability to learn Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS)
• Proficient understanding of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel
• Strong attention to detail
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills

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
• Wellness Spending Account
• 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.