Outreach Worker (202507029)
Mission Community Services Society is dedicated to helping people, changing lives, and building community. With a legacy dating back to 1972, MCSS has continuously strived to support community members in need.
An Outreach Worker provides support, direction, assistance, and advocacy services to clients including, but not limited to, those facing challenges with stable housing, addictions, mental health, and HIV & Hep C. The Outreach Worker provides support, advocacy for treatment, and follow up services for those who do not adequately utilize needed services.
These services will include referrals for housing, shelter, medical treatment, food, counselling, and other necessary services. The Outreach Worker will also accompany clients to appointments when needed and assist clients directly when possible. This position will be responsible for providing services to assist at risk clients maintain housing and transition from supportive housing to market housing when economically feasible.
What you’d be doing:
- Build and maintain trusting relationships with clients to assess their needs and provide appropriate support.
- Advocate for clients to access services such as shelter, food, healthcare, addiction treatment, and mental health support.
- Assist clients in adapting to stable living environments and developing life skills for tenancy maintenance.
- Provide direct support or coordinate assistance for clients’ daily living activities.
- Conduct outreach to connect with individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including those in encampments.
- Operate the MCOU in an Outreach capacity, in addition to street outreach, walkabouts and as needed.
- Operate and support the Mobile Community Outreach Unit (MCOU) and drive the unit during mobile clinic days as needed.
- Act as a visible, vocal, and trusted presence in the community, maintaining strong relationships with clients, service providers, and recovery networks.
- Maintain and grow partnerships with housing providers, including private landlords, to support effective housing navigation for individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Provide crisis response and de-escalation in high-pressure situations such as overdoses and mental health crises, with calm, informed decision-making.
- Represent the Outreach program at public events, community forums, and in media when required; uphold a strong public-facing presence that reinforces client and community trust.
- Transport clients to essential appointments using a personal vehicle (mileage reimbursed).
- Demonstrate adaptability by responding to changing community needs, shifting schedules, and attending impromptu outreach events as necessary.
- Make appropriate referrals to other programs, services, and community resources.
- Maintain collaborative relationships with partner agencies, health care providers, and social service organizations.
- Participate in case management, staff meetings, training sessions, workshops, and conferences.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records and reports.
- Collect and report monthly data in compliance with BC Housing requirements.
- Comply with all organizational policies, procedures, and privacy regulations.
What you bring:
- Diploma in Human or Social Services or a related field.
- Minimum two years of experience in a similar outreach or case management role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience working with vulnerable populations, including youth, women, Indigenous persons, and individuals leaving correctional facilities or hospitals.
- Valid B.C. Driver’s License, reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance, and willingness to transport clients.
- Current First Aid certification and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training.
- Successful completion of a criminal record check.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and electronic record-keeping systems.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain professional boundaries.
Job Posting #: 202507029
Schedule: Outreach office, Monday – Friday, Full Time, Permanent
Wage: Grid 10 ($25.95-$29.76)
This position is open to all applicants and Union membership (BCGEU) is required. Find out more about us at: www.missioncommunityservices.com