DATE: August 21st, 2024
LOCATION: Toronto, ON
COMPENSATION: $53,630 - $65,589 Annually Prorated
CONTRACT DURATION: Until March 31st, 2026
LOFT Community Services is a unique and dynamic charitable organization that supports people living with complicated issues such as mental and physical health challenges, substance use challenges, poverty and homelessness. Serving approximately 19,633 annually and providing 1,861 units of supportive housing last year, LOFT is one of Ontario’s largest mental health service providers of its kind. LOFT is also recognized as a Nonprofit Employer of Choice™ Award (NEOC) recipient.
To help fulfill its mission, LOFT is hiring a Street Outreach Worker.
Job Summary
The Street Outreach Worker provides daily mobile outreach (1-9 pm) to individuals throughout the York Region, in partnership with a network of other community partners. The goal of the program is to reach out and develop relationships with individuals who may be unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused and those with mental health &/or substance use issues. The service provides support, information, referrals, and various supplies to those in need.
Crosslinks Street Outreach and Services Network provides a mobile van service that operates seven days a week from 2 pm – 9 pm, except for statutory holidays in York Region.
Using a harm reduction approach, the program provides services to residents of York Region experiencing homelessness and those living at low and moderate-income levels. Clients are able to receive support from the van for basic needs and life-saving services in a manner that fosters self-worth and dignity.
What You Will Do:
Provide services from a mobile outreach van 1-9 PM including:
• Information and referrals
• Mental health &/or substance use support
• Emotional support
• Harm reduction supplies
• Food and clothing
• Access to temporary housing
Note: When not providing mobile outreach staff are engaged in obtaining and maintaining provisions for the van, preparing food, gathering resources for distribution, providing community outreach, advocacy for clients and system.
What You Bring
Must Haves
· Relevant degree/diploma in Social Service
· Three years of experience working with the client population in order to apply theories to a practical setting
· Knowledge of issues faced by this population
· Valid driver’s license and good drivers abstract
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to engage clients in highly personal areas.
• Highly developed problem solving and crisis intervention skills.
• Knowledge of community resources and services
• Harm reduction skills
• Knowledge of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Principals
• Computer literacy for statistical data collection
Note: This position involves lifting and bending, working in a mobile van setting, exposure to weather conditions and may be exposed to secondhand smoke while working outdoors.
What We Offer:
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
• E-learning program available all year round
• Starting vacation time above minimum standard,
• Additional paid personal and paid sick days
• Professional development budget available to help you nurture and shape your career
• Corporate Gym membership rate with GoodLife Fitness
• Access to Perkopolis, a comprehensive corporate discount program
• Access to unlimited DEI trainings through partnership Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Tuition reimbursement program
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
LOFT Community Services is a values-driven organization with a deep belief that each person has the ability to grow and change. We value compassion, collaboration, and community delivered with dignity, innovation, and excellence. LOFT’s vision is that together, we can all live successfully in our community. Our client population reflects Ontario’s diverse community and it is LOFT’s goal to build a workforce who reflects that diversity. At LOFT, we hold the deep belief that skills and expertise can be cultivated in various ways. Therefore, even if you don't perfectly align with every listed criterion but feel you could flourish in this role, we highly encourage you to apply.
Note: A satisfactory vulnerable sector check (VSC) is also required.
CLOSING DATE: September 4th, 2024