Job Information
City of Toronto STREET OUTREACH WORKER in Toronto, Ontario
STREET OUTREACH WORKER
Amendment #1
Amendment Date: 06/07/2024
Amendment Reason: Please note change in number of vacancies
Job ID: 47189
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: 4 Permanent, 20+ Temporary (12 month) Full Time vacancies
Hourly Rate and Wage Grade: $33.34 - $36.55, TFS426, Wage Grade 8
Shift Information: Monday - Sunday. Shifts include days, afternoons, overnights and weekends.
Affiliation: L79 Full-time
Qualified List: Candidate List will be established. For applicability and duration, see below.
Number of Positions Opens: 25 Posting Period: 03-06-2024 to 24-06-2024
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:
Monday, June 10th, 2014 10:00am to 11:00am
https://toronto.webex.com/toronto/j.php?MTID=mba9f86b44c09caca48a9e459c5386020
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:
Degree or Diploma in Social Services or related field or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
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.
You must also have:
Knowledge of resources and services provided by the Shelter, Support & Housing Administration 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.
Possession of a valid Province of Ontario Class "G" Driver's License is an asset
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 toemployment equity (https://jobs.toronto.ca/jobsatcity/content/Hiring-Policies-and-Statements/?locale=en_US) .
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’sHiring Policies and Accommodation Process (https://jobs.toronto.ca/jobsatcity/content/Hiring-Policies-and-Statements/?locale=en_US) .