Outreach Support Worker

Overview

Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) was established in 1972 and is a non-profit organization with a status free open-door policy. KAFS is dedicated to empowering the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities of Kamloops and surrounding areas. KAFS provides culturally appropriate programs and inclusive services that meet the needs of urban Indigenous people to become healthier, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Under the supervision of the General Manager of the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society, the Outreach Support Worker provides essential services to Urban Indigenous individuals experiencing homelessness, including women, men, and vulnerable youth. The role involves conducting assessments to identify specific needs, developing individualized case plans, and guiding clients to appropriate resources such as shelters, food services, healthcare facilities, and social services. Additionally, the Outreach Support Worker prepares and submits monthly progress reports, documents client-related data, collaborates with healthcare and legal professionals to ensure comprehensive care, distributes harm reduction supplies, and offers support during crisis situations.

A DAY IN THE LIFE – ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare and send a monthly progress report to the General Manager. Submit final activity reports to the funding agency. Attend monthly staff meetings.
• Assist clients or answer general inquiries by guiding them to the appropriate agencies, resource persons, and community services.
• Document assessment and treatment plan results, write reports, progress notes, and discharge summaries. Maintain records of client-related data.
• Collaborate with healthcare and legal professionals, as well as co-workers, to discuss client treatment, ensuring comprehensive and quality care.
• Facilitate links to established services and establish connections to the home community.
• Distribute harm reduction supplies and provide education and promotion on harm reduction strategies.
• Conduct assessments to identify the specific needs of individuals experiencing homelessness or facing other challenges.
• Guide individuals to available resources such as shelters, food services, healthcare facilities, and social services.
• Provide immediate assistance and support during crisis situations, collaborating with emergency services when necessary.
• Develop and implement individualized case plans for clients, addressing short-term and long-term goals for stability and well-being.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to provide basic medical care, vaccinations, and referrals to individuals on the streets.
• Offer support and referrals for mental health services, recognizing and addressing mental health challenges.
• Provide information on substance abuse treatment options, harm reduction strategies, and access to rehabilitation programs.
• Assist individuals in accessing job training programs, employment opportunities, and resume-building resources.
• Conduct educational sessions on topics such as health and hygiene, job readiness, and financial literacy.
• Connect individuals with legal aid services and provide information on their rights, particularly in relation to homelessness.
• Build relationships with local communities and organizations to foster collaboration and create a network of support.
• Maintain ongoing contact with clients to track progress, offer support, and address emerging needs.
• Facilitate access to housing resources, transitional housing, and support services to help individuals secure stable living arrangements.
• Participate in public awareness campaigns to educate the community about homelessness and advocate for supportive policies.
• Other related duties as assigned or required.

REQUIREMENTS – WHAT YOU BRING TO KAFS:  

• Diploma in the field of human services is preferred.
• 2-4 years’ outreach support experience in working with Urban Indigenous people.
• Experience in completing reports to funding agents.
• Knowledge of local First Nations/Aboriginal cultures and or a demonstrated ability to work with First Nations/Aboriginal peoples.

OUR MUST HAVES THAT MAKE YOU GREAT:

• In-depth understanding of Indigenous health issues, homelessness, and addictions.
• Proficient in working independently, adept at organizing schedules and meetings for efficient workflow.
• Skilled in documenting comprehensive client notes and maintaining detailed records of interactions, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Capable of establishing strong relationships with clients and the homeless population, fostering a supportive and empathetic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and devise effective solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of clients.
• Take ownership of tasks and be accountable for outcomes, both positive and negative
• Proficient in navigating available resources for clients and providing appropriate referrals to enhance their well-being.
• Collaborative mindset, capable of working with co-workers, support staff, and other services to ensure a holistic approach to client care.
• Enthusiastic about community engagement, actively participating and contributing to community initiatives.
• Strong advocacy skills, committed to championing clients’ needs and ensuring they have access to essential services.
• Culturally sensitive, with the ability to incorporate diverse cultural aspects into interactions with clients.
• Possessing a high level of empathy and compassion, with a genuine understanding of and concern for clients’ challenging situations.
• Proficient using Microsoft Office Suite, especially Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Well-established plan for maintaining personal well-being, resilience and work-life balance.

COMPENSATION: $27.00 – $30.00 per hour, based on skill set and experience.

WORKING SCHEDULE: 4 days per week, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm, 28 hours per week.

POSITION TYPE: Contract opportunity until March 31, 2025.

KAFS is committed to equity and diversity, and we strongly encourage applications from, but not limited to, folks who identify as Indigenous Persons, persons of color, racialized, persons living with a disability, persons who use/d drugs. Preference will be given to applicants of Aboriginal ancestry as per section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code (please self-identity in your cover letter). We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.