STREET OUTREACH WORKER

at  City of Toronto

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: 1 Permanent, 10+ 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
Number of Positions Opens: 10+
Posting Period: 03-06-2024 to 24-06-2024

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.

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.