Community Outreach Worker
Community Outreach Worker
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Job Description
Division: Social Services
Job Status: Full Time
Number of Positions: 1
Hours of Work: 8:30am to 4:30pm with the potential to work outside business hours
Wage Rate: $36.78 to $44.12/hour
Posting Date: Monday March 31 2025
Closing Date: Wednesday April 16 2025
Company Biography
The County of Lambton is an urbanrural area in southwestern Ontario that is home to over 126000 residents. The Corporations seven divisions operate programs and services for the residents of Lambton County such as land ambulance provincial offences court three LongTerm Care Homes 25 library branches two museums an art gallery archives local roadways public health services housing services social services building services and planning and development services. Lambton County is a community dedicated to economic growth environmental stewardship and an enhanced quality of life through the provision of responsive and efficient services and collaborative efforts with its municipal and community partners.
Position Summary
Provide streetlevel outreach to a variety of locations throughout the County of Lambton visit encampments and connect with individuals experiencing homelessness to provide support and resources. Assists clientele in meeting their needs linking them to resources and/or referring to other agencies where appropriate. Acts as an advocate on their behalf and aids in improving the quality of life.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Knowledge:
Participate in a multidisciplinary specialized mobile outreach team.
Conduct standardized assessment/intake interviews with clients in a variety of locations: public (e.g. on the sidewalk in public squares parks and ravines etc. homeless and lowincome service settings (e.g. shelters dropin centers etc. and institutional settings (e.g. hospitals court houses etc. and assess clients functional income employment and housing status.
Use a housing first approach consistent with the service model when implementing the program.
Obtain appropriate information and documentation in order to assess situation and determine appropriate course of action to ensure client is adequately housed.
Interpret and apply Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) Housing Services Act (HSA) accompanying regulations and local policies and procedures.
Maintain working knowledge of various income security programs such as Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Employment Insurance (El) Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Old Age Security (OAS) and Ontario Works (OW).
Maintain working knowledge of the Homelessness Prevention Program.
Maintain working knowledge of community resources social service agencies and government departments to provide clients with access to the appropriate programs. Examples would include Canadian Mental Health Association Community Legal Assistance and Inn of the Good Shepherd.
Utilize appropriate skills related to counselling practices community support and integration mental illness and life skills for case planning to move client towards increased selfsufficiency.
Maintain working knowledge of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Technology:
Develop and maintain records reports and statistics necessary for program functioning evaluation and funding.
Collects documents and evaluates information to determine clients initial eligibility including verifying client information through personal interviews and liaison with client supports relevant service providers community agencies landlords other Ministries and institutions.
Use the required County of Lambton programs such as Outlook Word and Excel.
Use the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS).
Communication:
Responds to and investigates enquiries complaints and emergency situations involving clients experiencing homelessness/living rough.
Work closely with County of Lambton and partner service provider teams to enhance connections with local programs with the goal of identifying clients who need support.
Use communication skills to support clients through sensitive issues i.e. life skills mental health homelessness addictions legal matters.
Establish collaborative relationship with clients that provide support through coaching mentoring negotiating intensive case management and the utilization of nonviolent crisis intervention and conflict resolution techniques ensuring adherence to the Code of Ethics.
Support and accompany client to housing and other appointments and services when appropriate.
Engages in active listening and problem solving around clients difficulties and/or recommends appropriate resources to address client needs.
Participates in case conferences.
Act as an agency liaison to advocate on behalf of clients and to determine appropriate course of action.
Issue financial assistance/rent supplements and supports as necessary.
Represents the department on various internal and external committees related to this position.
Participate in program meetings staff education and act as a resource for other staff.
Other Responsibilities:
Conduct regular hotspot mapping of engagements and potential encampments.
Appear before Landlord Tenant Board as witness or support for clients.
Assist in ongoing program development.
Follow health and safety protocols.
General:
Incumbents must keep up to date on all relevant legislation collective bargaining agreements County Policies and Procedures etc. ensuring that these are implemented as prescribed.
Incumbents must possess the physical ability to meet the duties and responsibilities of the job description and/or the requirements identified within the positions Physical Demands Analysis.
These describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents in this classification. They are not an exhaustive list of all job duties in the classification. Other duties may be assigned.
Supervision Requirements
Direct Supervision: None
Indirect Supervision: None
Functional Authority: None
Credentials Required
Minimum Formal Education
A University degree from an accredited postsecondary school institution in Social Sciences.
Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor certificate from the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation an asset.
Cultural sensitivity training an asset.
Experience
Experience in counseling assessment and crisis intervention skills with an understanding of client difficulties related to economics education victims of family violence physical or psychiatric impairments aging addiction and isolation.
Must possess excellent communication and interview skills in dealing with a diverse client group.
Able to work independently and in interdepartmental teams with minimum supervision in a busy and flexible environment.
Exceptional computer skills.
Demonstrated understanding of the psychology of addiction issues underlying addiction trauma and mental health issues.
Ability to work evenings and weekends.
A good understanding of appropriate federal provincial and municipal legislation and regulations related to areas of responsibility.
A valid Ontario Drivers Licence and use of a vehicle.
Employment Type
Full-Time
