Job Description

Organization Introduction:

At Margaret's Housing & Community Support Services Inc., our mission is to provide a continuum of housing and support services for individuals who struggle with addiction, substance abuse, and mental health challenges through an array of innovative programs, advocacy, and education which empowers individuals to build and reclaim their lives.

Margaret's hosts a collaborative work environment, built of employees who share our core values of being compassionate, respectful, and innovative and strongly believe in empowering and providing support to vulnerable individuals in need. We support open communication and strongly encourage employees to take a direct, hands-on approach to their work as part of a team that plays an instrumental role in providing support services to our clients and residents.

Job Purpose:

Reporting to the Community & Client Engagement Coordinator, the Community Engagement Team Worker provides supports and assistance to individuals who are experiencing homelessness and are street-involved, directing them to Margaret's Drop-In Centre located at 323 Dundas St. E. and/or Respite Centre at 21 Park Road. The incumbent will also be responsible for assisting the agency in addressing community concerns, and providing support, orientation and information, and referral services to individuals outside and within the Drop-In/Respite Centre. The incumbent must engage individuals in a manner reflective of the organization's mission, vision, and values - operating with a non-judgmental framework that adheres to principles of anti-oppression, anti-racism, and harm reduction.

We believe in providing supports that are client-centered and empower individuals to play a direct role in decision-making, applying a strengths-based approach to help them gain independence by developing essential life skills, and providing services and resources which address the complex nature of challenges our clients may face. The worker must collaborate in a warm and collegial fashion with team members including other employees, volunteers and clients, as well as referral agencies.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Engage individuals who are at-risk, with the hope of providing immediate needs assessment and then, using a triage-like method, working with these residents to access the services best suited to their need

Conduct regular patrols throughout the day in various locations including streets, encampment areas, and community centers to identify and engage with individuals in need

Conduct initial needs assessments to identify immediate needs and longer-term goals of clients

Distribute essential items (e.g., food, hygiene products) and information about available services and resources

Address congregations at entrances of the Drop-In/Respite Centres, to ensure walkways remain clear and safe

Ensure area near Drop-In/Respite Centres and designated community areas are free of refuse - assist in safe collection of garbage, used harm reduction supplies, and other litter, and ensure proper disposal

Develop and maintain a visible and positive presence within the community to build trust and rapport with individuals

Establish and maintain effective, empathetic, and non-judgmental relationships with clients

Provide emotional support and crisis intervention and counselling, one-on-one supports, and brief intervention as needed

Advocate on behalf of clients to ensure they receive appropriate services and support, referring them to internal and external agency services including housing, employment, mental health and addiction services, and case management

Assist clients in navigating complex systems, including healthcare, social services, and legal systems

Build and maintain relationships with community partners, service providers, and stakeholders

Respond to community concerns from neighbours, businesses, the police and other stakeholders

Act as a community resource for conflict resolution, mediation, facilitation, building consensus and strengthening community relationships

Work proactively and inclusively with all stakeholders to support productive community relations between clients and the Drop-In Centre and/or the Respite Centre
Facilitate positive interaction between the police and those at risk that builds trust and communication

Report any safety issues or serious incidents that arise to management

Identify overdose risk and administer naloxone as required; Provide first aid as required

Provide support to Drop-In/Respite staff for day-to-day operations, outside of outreach activities and patrols, including, but not limited to: Serving meals Cleaning and maintaining the site Addressing client concerns and providing referrals, as needed Providing Harm Reduction Supplies, personal hygiene products, and clothing Engaging in problem solving and conflict resolution to support clients Assisting with other tasks and duties on the Drop-In/Respite floor, as needed
Compile and maintain relevant referral sources and pertinent programs that benefit individual participants

Participate in the development and implementation of outreach strategies and programs to effectively reach and support the target population

Contribute to the creation and dissemination of outreach materials and resources

Identify gaps in services and suggest improvements or new initiatives to address unmet needs

Gather and present program statistics and other pertinent information in daily, monthly, and annual reports

Ensure all data collection complies with organizational policies and confidentiality standards

Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities

Attend regular team meetings and supervision sessions

Represent the organization at community meetings, events, and forums to advocate for the needs of marginalized populations

Collaborate with other agencies to enhance service delivery and address systemic issues impacting clients

Perform other tasks and duties as assigned and required

Qualifications:

Post-secondary education in social work, psychology, community development, or a related field

Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in community outreach, engagement, or related work, preferably with marginalized populations

Strong understanding of issues related to homelessness, poverty, mental health, addictions, trauma, and abuse

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and build relationships with diverse individuals

Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, sometimes challenging environment

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with data entry and management systems

Good knowledge of community resources and services in the GTA

Ability to speak French or another language is an asset

Working Conditions:

This position involves regular travel on foot within the community, including outdoor settings in various weather conditions

The role requires interaction with individuals who may be in crisis or experiencing significant distress

Use of PPE such as face masks, gloves, litter grabbers, and other equipment when picking up litter and used harm reduction supplies - PPE will be provided

Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Fixed term contract, Casual

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Ability to commute/relocate:

Toronto, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

Are you legally authorized to work in Canada?
Education:

DCS / DEC (required)
Experience:

Community Outreach and Engagement: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person