STREET OUTREACH WORKER

Job ID: 48136

Job Category: Community & Social Services

Division & Section: Toronto Shelter & Support Services, Outreach and Access

Work Location: 51 Lisgar Street, Toronto (Streets to Homes Office) 

Job Type & Duration: Part-Time, Ongoing 

Shift Information: On an "as required basis" including days, afternoons, overnights and weekends. Please see Shift Work Schedule below for more information. 

Affiliation: L79 Unit B PT

Number of Positions Open: 40

Posting Period:14-June-2024 to 28-June-2024

Join Us!
Interested applicants are recommended to join us for a virtual information session. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the role, working for the City of Toronto and  ask questions related to the position and application process. 

For dates, times and Webex info please see below:
Wednesday, June 19th, 2024 10:00am to 11:00am
https://toronto.webex.com/toronto/j.php?MTID=m25addfbc7eb12a319a9c049d7fa3bcff

Major Responsibilities:
As a Street Outreach Worker you will be responsible for assessing and addressing client needs as a member of a team in a client focused, holistic fashion. The primary functions associated with this position include:

• Conducts assessment/intake interviews with clients in a variety of locations: public (e.g., on the sidewalk, public transporation, in public squares, parks and ravines, etc.), homeless and low-income service settings (e.g., hostels, drop-in centres, etc.) and institutional settings (e.g., hospitals, court houses, etc) and assess client's functional, income, employment and housing status to determine program eligibility.
• Provides potential clients with orientation to the Streets to Homes program by describing services, policies and philosophy of the program.
• Responds to and investigates enquiries, complaints and emergency situations involving clients. Assesses the situation and presents and implements short-term and long-term solutions, and documents outcomes.
• Collects, documents and evaluates information to determine client's initial eligibility, including verifying client information through personal interviews and liaison with client supports, relevant service providers, community agencies, landlords, other Ministries and institutions. Updates and revises intake files at each point of contact, ensuring availability of current information.
• Initiates case files by completing applications and required forms and transfers case files and ongoing case management to Street Outreach Counsellor or Supervisor, Social Assistance.
• Advocates on behalf of clients for support, services and benefits with internal and external resources, and engages in active problem solving around each client's difficulties
• Identifies and executes referrals for services and supports to outside agencies, purchased services and City services informing involved staff of information required to assist individuals.
• Engages in active listening and problem solving around client's difficulties and/or recommends appropriate resources to address client needs.
• Participates in case conferences.
• Ensures service delivery to the client by documenting information/observations/impressions that may impact on a client's case plan.
• Participates in recording information in the development of client profiles and service needs by inputting data.
• Ensures safety and well being of clients accessing the program.
• Responds to initial conflict situations by listening, providing problem solving and support. Documents outcome.
• Maintains current knowledge of legislation, community services, resources, policies, programs, procedures and issues affecting client population.
• Logs shift occurrence information.
• Accompanies clients to medical, service and/or housing appointments.
• Compiles, maintains and retrieves records and submits activity data.
• Participates on internal committees and external comittees such as Joint Health & Safety Committee.
• Responds to inquiries from the general public, business operators and street involved persons as encountered on the street requesting a services response and/or forwards to the Street Outreach Counsellor.
• Develops and nurtures neighbourhood connections and recognition within catchment area served using community development principles.
• Liaises with staff from other programs and community agencies (e.g., hospitals, social workers, doctors, courts, immigration, shelters, drop-ins, health clinics, legal programs, other City Programs, etc) to provide program information or in advocating for transfers/placements of clients.
• Assists and/or participates in conducting research activities.
• Assists with service delivery of the Streets to Homes walk-in program related to initial intake information.
• Assists in responding to street emergencies by calling in the situation.
• Provides support to individuals and groups as required at emergency reception centres and other locations related to intake.

Key Qualifications:

Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:

1. Degree or Diploma in Social Services or related field or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
2. Experience addressing the needs of homeless clients or clients at risk of homelessness which may include assisting in obtaining housing, identification, social assistance, health and mental health services.
3. Must possess and be able to maintain a valid Province of Ontario Class "G" Driver's License and must qualify for the City's equipment operating permits and requirements.

You must also have:

• Knowledge of resources and services provided by the Toronto Shelter and Support Services Division, the community and various government entitlement programs and ability to assist in program development.
• Knowledge and assessment skills related to activities of street involved people, including understanding of addictions issues and harm reduction approaches.
• Lived experience as an Indigenous person, and/or experience working with Indigenous families and community organizations.
• Working knowledge of applicable legislation, such as the Ontario Works Act and Ontario
• Disability Support Program, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), Residential Tenancies Act and the Mental Health Act, Occupational Health and Safety.
• Ability to appropriately assess, respond, problem solve situations based on available information, to de-escalate interpersonal conflicts in an effective fashion through crisis intervention techniques and effectively perform job duties with minimum supervision.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the job including extensive walking, outdoor work in a variety of public locations, including streets, parks, ravines, under bridges and taking public transit, while carrying a backpack with outreach gear in order to provide services and supports to people who are homeless.
• Ability to work as a team member in a dynamic, complex environment and organize time and workload effectively, with ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff, community agencies and the public.
• Ability to prepare and write reports/records and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all levels of staff, the public and clients while maintaining objectivity.
• Proficiency in using MS Office and/or knowledge of computer systems, including familiarity with use of mobile applications.
• Ability to work shifts in a 24 hour a day operation, 7 days per week including statutory holidays.

Shift Work Schedule:

For all programs in the Toronto Shelter and Support Services which operate 24 hours a day / seven days a week, part-time employees are expected to be available to work all shifts (days, afternoons & overnight shifts) four (4) separate days a week, of which two (2) days must include Saturdays & Sundays. Hours of work will be determined based on operational needs. Please note: Work schedules are posted six (6) weeks in advance.

A Vulnerable Sector Police Reference Check will be required as a condition of employment.

• For more information on Shelter Services, please visit our website at http://www.toronto.ca/housing.
• A Police Reference Check program brochure is available at http://www.toronto.ca/housing/employment.htm.
  

NOTE TO INTERNAL FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME CITY OF TORONTO EMPLOYEES:

City of Toronto employees must apply to full-time or part-time employment opportunities posted on the City's Internal Job Posting Portal.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.