About this role
Position: Outreach Worker
Program: NASO
Role Type: Zero Hours Relief
Job Classification: Existing Vacancy
Work Hours: Based on program needs
Reports to: Team Supervisor
Union Status: Unionized
Contract End Date: March 31, 2027
Rate of Pay: $26.11 ? $29.61
This position is paid according to a unionized collective bargaining agreement (CBA) wage grid. Successful candidates start at $26.11/hour, increase to $27.70/hour after completing Year 1 requirements, and reach $29.61/hour in Year 2, based on the established hours and progression steps in the agreement.
About Marathon Community Services (formerly known as Gateway Residential and Community Support Services)
Mission
Through a person-centred approach, we empower individuals to live lives of their choosing. To be independent in their way and housed safely and affordably.
Vision
We envision a future free from barriers, where all people are valued, connected and empowered to reach their full potential.
Values
Respect ? We treat everyone with dignity and kindness, recognizing the inherent worth of people
Inclusion ? We honour diversity and actively work to ensure everyone feels seen, heard and valued
Compassion ? We meet each person with empathy, understanding that everyone?s journey is unique
Empowerment ? We support people to make informed choices, take charge of their own growth and persevere in the face of life?s challenges
Job Summary
The Outreach Worker will establish presence and build rapport with clients who are chronically homeless or experiencing unsheltered homelessness (street or in an encampment) in the Niagara Region. Working in partnership with the Niagara Assertive Outreach Team, they will provide outreach case management which increases the effectiveness of a street-based response to facilitate engagement with individuals when and where they are most likely engaged; truly meeting the client where they are at.
Responder / Dispatcher Role
* Address all incoming concerns around homelessness in Niagara * Diversion * Documentation and HIFIS readiness * Referrals to the housing focus team * Community connections and engagement, regionally based support * Encampment engagement * On-call support during off hours * Street-based assertive outreach services, engaging people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in locations they frequent * Creative; meaningful engagement with people experiencing primary homelessness * Assessment (including risk, needs, goals, and strengths) * Case planning, implementation, evaluation, and review (to include relapse prevention, crisis resolution/contingency planning) * Referrals to appropriate accommodation resources and housing providers * Facilitating access to physical and mental health support services * Consideration for cultural and spiritual well-being * Collaboration with substance-use harm reduction services and healthcare providers * Collaboration with criminal justice system * Collaboration towards social inclusion * Person centered advocacy * Reconnecting people with family, friends, and social support * Ensuring the client is informed of the Housing First principles * Work in collaboration with the Niagara Assertive Outreach Team * Provide coordinated case management to clients * Attend and participate in all team/staff meetings or training as required
This position description reflects the general duties of the position, but it is not intended to be a detailed description of all duties that may be inherent in the position. Outreach Workers may also be asked to perform other duties as required or assigned.
Requirements
* Community College Diploma or a University Degree in social services or other closely related field or a combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities as determined by the employer * One-year experience working with people experiencing homelessness, mental health, addictions and/or working with dual diagnosis * A valid G drivers? licen