Outreach Worker

The Mustard Seed’s Street Advocacy program supports individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness and poverty who face multiple barriers to stable housing and services. Through consistent, visible, and relationshipbased outreach, the Street Advocate Outreach Worker engages community members to build trust, promote safety, and connect individuals to essential resources. 

In this role, the Outreach Worker provides basic needs support, system navigation, education, and guidance while maintaining a strong presence in the community. The position also emphasizes collaboration with local businesses and stakeholders by fostering relationships and facilitating learning opportunities that increase awareness and understanding of homelessness and poverty. 

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract - Full-time 
Position End Date: April 6, 2027 
Schedule: Monday to Friday (7:30 AM to 3:30PM)
Reporting to: Director of Operations
City:  Kamloops, BC
Number of Positions to Fill: 1

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Prepare, organize, and maintain outreach supplies and backpack according to route needs 

• Connect and build rapport with street populations sleeping rough through intensive outreach 

• Creating and fostering relationships with local businesses to increase awareness around issues of poverty and homelessness 

• Provide short-term problem solving, and basic needs 

• Identify needs, provide support, make referrals, and share knowledge of local resources  

• Provide advocacy and goal support as needed 

• Maintain accurate documentation regarding client interactions, services provided, and files as well as tracking outcomes, goals and statistics  

• Refer and connect individuals to appropriate resources and access points, including emergency shelters, external agencies, and The Mustard Seed Wellness Clinic for additional clinical or advocacy support 

• Attend, contribute, and collaborate in meetings and training when required, including with other agencies and stakeholders 

• Maintain privacy and confidentiality in accordance with PIPA and FIOPPA legislation 

• Abide by all The Mustard Seed policies and procedures, including Health and Safety policies and protocols, and complete a report for all incidents in a timely manner  

• Other duties as assigned 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS 

• Degree or equivalent in Social Work, Psychology and related fields is considered a strong asset 

• 1-year front line experience in a social serving agency working with vulnerable populations 

• Current Standard First Aid and CPR certification, as well as training in NCVI, VI, ASIST, and safeTALK, is considered an asset 

• Experience using HIFIS (Homeless Individuals and Families Information System) and or vulnerability assessment tools (VATs) is considered an asset 

• Experience with case documentation using FDARP (Focus, Data, Action, Response, Plan) is considered an asset. 

• Empathy for the homeless and a desire for greater understanding concerning poverty and justice issues in an urban center 

• Capacity to work effectively in complex and evolving situations while maintaining empathy, boundaries, and selfawareness. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills   

• Strong conflict resolution skills and de-escalation techniques 

• Strong digital literacy, with proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications including Outlook, Excel, and Teams 

• Strong digital literacy, with proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications including Outlook, Excel, and Teams 

• A self-starter with the ability to work in a cross-functional team 

• Ability to work respectfully and collaboratively in a team environment 

• Proven ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of cultural backgrounds 

• Demonstrated knowledge and application of traumainformed care practices 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• As The Mustard Seed is a Christian ministry, we require our employees sign an agreement indicating that they will respect and not detract from our Statement of Faith 

• Moderate physical effort is required, including standing, walking, sitting, and lifting. The role involves primarily walking outdoors on foot for the majority of the shift, yearround 

• The position will require ongoing compassionate care, frequent manual labor, conflict resolution, de-escalation, and organizational ability while working directly with a vulnerable population  

• This position is often fast-paced and requires moderate amount of mental effort to analyze information and problem solve, with the ability to adapt to change  

• Employees are to be aware that many of our clients may experience difficulties or impairment at times, which could result in them uttering threats, discriminatory statements, and other insults at your person.  This may in a raised voice, or in seeing unpredictable behaviour up to and including the possibility of them becoming aggressive. 

• Training on how to respond is provided, but this is to be considered typical working conditions as many of our clients are unaware of the impact of these comments.