WHO WE ARE

Are you a Housing Outreach Worker, Encampment Resolution Team Professional looking to make an impact in your community? Do you have endless optimism, ready to move and create change in the community? Through the vision to eliminate poverty in our community and guided by a passionate concern for the dignity and well-being of each individual, Bissell Centre’s work is based on building relationships, hope and trust. Our community comes from all walks of life and so do we.

Through our programs we work to empower people from meeting their own basic daily needs to having sustainable livelihoods, secure housing, and feeling hope for the future and make plans for a prosperous life. By joining Bissell Centre, you will become part of a fast-paced and dedicated team that works together to realize our vision.

Currently, Bissell Centre is looking for an individual wanting to join the Housing Outreach team. Are you ready to be our Housing Outreach Worker, Encampment Resolution Team and make an impact in our community?

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Housing Outreach Worker (HOW) provides support to individuals living in encampments, primarily in the downtown core. The goal of the HOW is to secure permanent housing that meets the needs of the individual. This role is specific to encampment response collaboration efforts between Homeward Trust, Boyle Street Community Services, and the City of Edmonton.

Housing Outreach Workers work with participants to navigate the income system, connect with landlords and facilitate a smooth transition from homelessness to housing. Additional tasks will be assigned to workers based on team need, worker strengths, and caseload. Some post-housing follow-up and case management duties may be required.

NOTE: This is a 12-month full-time, contract role.

Duties and Responsibilities      

Program Delivery

• Target and connect between two and eight participants with appropriate housing monthly
• Outreach to various encampments in Parkland and around the City is required
• Accurately complete the whole process of participant intake and assessments
• Assist participant to find housing by providing location choices and help to secure the apartment within the time frame specified
• Help participant establish housing by assisting with utility set up, furniture acquisition and delivery and completing a Move-in Inspection Report
• Facilitate a smooth transition of participants to the Follow-Up Support Worker
• Recruit and develop good relationships with landlords
• Liaise with Homeward Trust’s Landlord Relations Manager to access rental housing options

Financial

• Manage and record accurate expenses for all participant start up costs
• Maintain accurate mileage and expense logs for reimbursement

General and Administrative

• Maintain accurate written file notes, computer records, program information, and critical incident reports within established time standards
• Provide latest program information & updated statistics and any other reports as required
• Participate in probationary evaluations and annual performance reviews
• Attend scheduled staff and supervision meetings
• Perform other duties as required

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Degree or Diploma in Social Science or related discipline
• Minimum of 3 years related employment experience
• Alberta Class 5 License, satisfactory driver’s abstract and a vehicle

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, result oriented, good time management, strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel programs
• Experience with data management systems
• Familiarity with issues of poverty, houselessness and Edmonton’s urban core
• Familiarity working with high-risk populations and an understanding of Indigenous cultures, history, and current issues

Conditions of Work

• Some evening and weekend work required
• Operation of personal vehicle with required insurance

Personal Characteristics

The Housing Outreach Worker should demonstrate competence in all of the following:

• Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behaviour and business practices and ensure own behaviour is consistent with these standards and aligns with the mission and core values of Bissell Centre.
• Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Focus on Participant Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of participants and the community to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.
• Foster Teamwork: Foster, sustain and role model productive team management practices, and contribute to a positive team environment. Share expertise and knowledge to support, coach and develop others.
• Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions that are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
• Organizational Skills: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities.
• Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement action plans, and evaluate the process and results.
• Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.

Screening Requirements

• Criminal Record Check
• CWIS Check
• Driver’s abstract, valid driver’s license and proof of $1 million PLPD insurance

Training Requirements

• Standard First Aid and CPR
• Conflict Into Calm Training
• Suicide Prevention
• Motivational Interviewing Skills

The above-noted training must be completed during the first six months of employment or as agreed upon by the supervisor.

HOW TO APPLY                         

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to:

Andres Calderon (Team Lead, HOPP/ERT)

Email:

Application Deadline: Until a suitable candidate is found

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, Bissell Centre continues to take action to protect person served and staff. Strategies related to Bissell Centre’s response to COVID-19 are driven by the guiding principle of taking all reasonable precautions and measures to protect the health and safety of both persons served and staff. In keeping with this intentional purpose, COVID-19 full vaccination is a condition of employment for new hires, except due to legitimate, established exceptions.

Bissell Centre is an equal opportunity employer who is committed to diversity within our community and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, or disability. Bissell Centre is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees, in accordance with provincially and federally legislated protected grounds.