Housing Outreach Worker (Contract, 1-year)

About Us

Homeward Trust Edmonton (HTE) is a not-for-profit organization charged with ending homelessness in Edmonton. Our efforts are guided by community needs and priorities as outlined in A Place to Call Home: Edmonton's Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. Homeward Trust has a dynamic work environment, filled with high-energy, dedicated, and passionate people.

Homeward Trust embraces the Housing First philosophy. This philosophy follows the principles of finding housing accommodations first and then establishing the supports required by the client to remain in a home. Homeward Trust Edmonton's programs involve both housing (capital project funding, property management, and sourcing access to new or existing units for client use) and supportive services to individuals in or seeking access to housing programs.

For further information visit: http://homewardtrust.ca/.

Position Summary

The Housing Outreach Worker (HOW) is responsible for engaging with people experiencing homelessness and providing support services to assist in finding permanent, safe and suitable housing. These support services include engaging with people to help them access housing programs, overseeing/conducting rental applications, conducting housing searches, facilitating moving into housing, and ensuring the transition to a Housing First team or other appropriate supports so that the individual can remain housed.

The Housing Outreach Worker is a member of the Programs team and works closely with individuals/families in need of housing, funded agency housing teams, other community agencies, landlords, and government representatives.

The successful candidate will demonstrate an energetic and proactive approach in working with individuals experiencing homelessness, supporting the rapid resolution of their housing circumstances.

Education and Experience

• Diploma or degree in human services, social work or community planning, with an emphasis on meeting the needs of vulnerable populations. This includes disciplines and fields of study as psychology, sociology, human geography, native studies.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in case management, community outreach, mental health, addictions or housing programs in a front-line capacity.
• Exposure to or direct work history with principles of evidence-based practice, client centered, and harm reduction models.
• Prior experience on meeting the needs of vulnerable populations relative to housing is preferred.
• Prior work with Indigenous cultures (understanding of history of Colonization of indigenous people, knowledge of culture, training).
• Strong grasp of current technology including web-based resources and teleconferencing tools.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Sound understanding of available housing, income support and related agency/government assistance programs in the Edmonton community.
• Demonstrated ability to perform proactive community outreach activities.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills to connect with individuals, funded agencies, and other stakeholders to meet Homeward Trust reporting requirements and standards. Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, participants, and community agencies.
• Experience working independently in a fast-paced environment with competing demands and frequently tight timelines.
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions and the ability to work with culturally diverse people. Familiarity with First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities in Alberta and issues and challenges facing those choosing to move to urban centers is an asset.
• Able to exercise discretion, compassion, and empathy, and maintain confidentiality.
• Able to work independently and utilize sound judgment to perform all assigned duties with minimal supervision.
• Results-focused to meet high standards of performance, able to monitor progress towards goals and make adjustments when necessary, including the ability to review and adjust plans as required.
• Ability to build organizational trust in his or her own professionalism, integrity, and expertise.
• A confident self-starter, able to meet challenges, and to overcome obstacles.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office software, "Efforts to Outcomes" (ETO) or other related Access and database programs.

Key Responsibilities

Housing Work

• Collaboratively work to support individuals in accessing appropriate housing options, based on their needs and in a client centered, trauma-informed capacity.
• Establishing professional working relationships with all funded agency Housing First Teams to assist in housing their identified clients.
• Support team of housing workers as needed.
• Conducting assertive outreach to connect with participants.
• Assess client needs to determine the appropriate housing response. -budget needs, level of housing, ensuring that housing meets standards.
• Secure placement in bridge housing for participants while they are engaging in the housing process if needed.
• Establish and maintain professional working relationships with landlords.
• Transport participants to viewing appointments in apartments in community.
• Engaging with clients to secure housing including rental unit, damage deposits, setting up utilities, signing of leases, & arranging for furnishings.
• Ensuring appropriate warm transfer to our partnering Housing First Teams or other support.
• Providing regular reports/updates on progress with participants, housing placements, and retention.
• Working with the Housing Support Worker (HSW) to support access to housing/support services from referrals from community programs.
• House 4 participants per month.

Administrative Work

• Accurately document all activities on ETO software within 48 hours of interaction.
• Conducting housing searches.
• Keep outlook calendar up to date with day-to-day work for safety and accountability.
• Signs in and out with team lead at beginning and end of every day.
• Request cheques for damage deposit, first month's rent, pro-rated rent to secure housing for participant.
• Working with landlord relations to support access to housing for participants.
• Providing regular reports/updates on progress with participants, housing placements, and retention.

Support Work

• Provide resources/referrals to individuals/families that assist with problem solving and addressing immediate needs.
• Participate in duties outside of our normal roles when special projects arise or times of emergency
• Other duties may be as assigned as required.

Measures of Success and First Year Deliverables

• Work within focus areas as identified in Community Plan to End Homelessness including encampments, shelters, drop-in spaces, healthcare providers, and others as required.

Working Conditions

• Must pass criminal record check including vulnerable sector clearance.
• Possess a valid driver's license (Class 5) and willing to travel (within the City of Edmonton).
• Possess mechanically sound vehicle and willing to transport program participants.

While we evaluate all applications based on merit, we especially appreciate and recognize the unique insights that come from personal lived experiences, such as homelessness or houselessness. We are deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Applicants from marginalized groups, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ2S+, women, and newcomers, are encouraged to apply.

This competition will close at 4:30 p.m. on April 12, 2024. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.