Community Homeless Assistance Team (C.H.A.T)
Level II Outreach Worker
Full Time Term Position until December 31, 2018 with possibility of renewal pending funding

C.H.A.T. provides one on one support to individuals struggling with homelessness, as well as addictions, in the downtown area. Support is consistently delivered from a social model that respects the clients’ right to self -determination as they address the impact of barriers such as mental health issues, alcoholism and addiction in their lives. We strive to develop relationships of trust with our participants and work together to attain and sustain stable housing as well as identify issues from withdrawal management to mental health concerns, from treatment to housing needs. We seek to provide hope through direct service and the promotion of well-being. Through our partnerships with other agencies we seek to remove barriers and reduce duplication of services for our participants.

The C.H.A.T. program employs a housing first approach, working frontline with individuals experiencing mental health and addictions issues. C.H.A.T. Outreach Workers will have knowledge of systems and program referrals within the community that are applicable to the client and his/her case plan. Specific accountabilities will include completing intake assessments, developing action plans, crisis counseling, home visits and goal setting. C.H.A.T. Outreach Workers work independently in the community while being supported by a team with experience working with the population.

We are currently recruiting a full time Level 2 Outreach Workers who will work in collaboration with other agencies to bring an individual from point of engagement to housing. The goal of this position is to assist the individual in maintaining housing by supporting them through this transition from homelessness to housing. This position will involve advocating on behalf of the client and working with a variety of members in the downtown community. The incumbent will work to coordinate a range of services including specialized mental health treatment, crisis response service, general health, housing, income support, protection and advocacy, client outreach services, and general support to family, peer and community networks.

Usual hours of work are Monday to Friday days but will need to be willing to transition to weekend and evening work to accommodate client and program development/transition requirements as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Provide ongoing support for client to attain and maintain housing.
• Treat all participants with dignity and respect, demonstrating empathy and genuine care. Act in a professional, non judgmental, discreet and caring manner with all participants and serve as a role model.
• Provide immediate response to distress or crisis situations.
• Provide individual appropriate support services (as required), to participants who present a unique and often different set of behaviors and challenges.
• Transport clients.
• Ability to assess when a client is in a potentially dangerous situation.
• Provide information and referrals to appropriate agencies.
• Liaise with community agencies and businesses to fulfill program needs.
• Foster and maintain excellent relationships with other professionals involving client’s needs.
• To work closely with Outreach Coordinator, Manager and Supervisor, Safety and Development.
• Maintain positive working relationships with Downtown Winnipeg BIZ and C.H.A.T. team
• members as well as other businesses and agencies as required.
• Maintain files, case notes and daily stats.

Qualifications:

• Minimum high school diploma; preference of Social Sciences degree or a Social Work diploma with at least two years’ experience working with vulnerable populations
• Minimum 2 years outreach and/or related community experience working with severe and persistent psychiatric disabilities, including co-occurring substance use problems; combination of inpatient and community experience will be considered.
• Ability to assume initiative and demonstrate strong problem solving
• Demonstrated support for the client-centered approach in program development.
• Strong knowledge of social services organizations and community support that provide culturally sensitive supports to individuals
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills
• Awareness of diverse Aboriginal cultures
• Awareness of health and social issues faced by high-risk singles
• Effective networking and agency-relations skills.
• Demonstrated ability to function as a team member; working collaboratively across sectors; as an active participant in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in computerized systems including Windows environment, word processing, email and databases
• Current CPR and Mental Health First Aid, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and ASIST training
• Physically able to perform duties required pertaining to outreach work
• Valid Class 5 driver's license *Drivers abstract required

This position is subject to a Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Search, an Adult Abuse Registry Check and a Child Abuse Registry Check. The successful candidate will be responsible for any service charges incurred.

Interviewed candidates may be called upon to participate in a skills assessment and/or to provide evidence of educational achievements.

If this sounds like you, please forward your resume and cover letter with the position title in the subject line by January 24, 2018 to rtvcoordinator at downtownwinnipegbiz.com