WHO IS A HOMELESSNESS OUTREACH NAVIGATOR?

Under the supervision of the Homelessness Services Manager, through a lens of Housing First and Harm Reduction, the Homelessness Outreach Navigator works collaboratively to build relationships with people experiencing, or at significant risk of homelessness, provide advocacy, and assist with connection to benefits and housing. The primary goal is to identify unsheltered homelessness through direct street outreach activities and through community referrals from mental health, hospitals, local law enforcement and other social service agencies. In identifying highly vulnerable homeless neighbors, the Outreach Navigator will administer assessment tools, facilitate placement into emergency housing, if needed, and connect to social services and permanent housing. The navigator will also assist neighbors in obtaining housing readiness documentation and accompany them through housing application process.  This role will also include duties on connecting with individuals who have been successfully discharged from our Intensive Case Management program should they require “light touch” support and short term intervention to support a positive and stable tenancy and housing maintenance.

Working year round along the river paths, parks and streets in and around the core areas of Kelowna, the successful candidate will take initiative, and demonstrate excellent judgment, decision-making, and problem solving capabilities. An ability to take action in a crisis oriented environment, and a proven ability to develop and maintain rapport with individuals who are at-risk or experiencing homelessness, co-workers/community partners and other stakeholders, is essential to success in this role.  The successful candidate will have an ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment and the physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

WHAT DOES A HOMELESSNESS OUTREACH NAVIGATOR DO? 

• Detect and prioritize individuals and families who are new to street culture including those at urgent risk of becoming homeless as a result of harmful substance use and other underlying issues including trauma and mental health; and individuals who are chronically and or persistently homeless;
• Locate individuals and map their locations throughout Kelowna;
• Engage with individuals and families to build a quality working rapport, providing information, improving access to mainstream services and facilitating the process of securing housing for individuals who want housing;
• Alert the Manager of information that could affect the safety and well-being of street involved individuals including bad drugs, dangerous offenders or predators;
• Respond through a housing focused and harm reduction approach;
• Collaborate with community stakeholders such as the Police Service, emergency medical services, hospital emergency department social workers, MSDPR and staff from Interior Health, emergency shelters and drop ins for homeless individuals;
• Engage with local residents and businesses to support outcome focused discussions;
• Administer and complete provincially mandated applications and screening tools (SHR & VAT)
• Provide and facilitate referrals to addiction resources as appropriate;
• Provide referrals and warm transfers to all appropriate social and health related services based on participant wishes;
• Offer harm reduction strategies as well as abstinence strategies based on participants intentions and stated needs;
• Share information about health and community/social services and link participants to same;
• Link participants to harm reduction initiatives available in the community;
• Provide information and services to assist with stabilization.

YOUR STRENGTHS & EXPERIENCE: 

• Post-secondary education in social services or related field;
• Minimum 2 years work experience in addictions and mental health is preferred;
• Experience working directly at street-level with individuals experiencing homelessness is preferred;
• Listens with sensitivity to other people’s feelings, needs, and point of view; demonstrates tact and courtesy in expressing options or ideas, and recognizing opportunities to enhance community relations.
• Completes tasks in a timely and efficient manner, utilizing good organizational skills. Has the ability to manage multiple cases efficiently and effectively.
• Thorough understanding of harm reduction theory and demonstrated ability to implement harm reduction strategies;
• Thorough understanding of Intentional Outreach, Housing First, and Rapid Re-Housing principles;
• Displays appropriate, professional, healthy boundaries and exercises mature judgment and understanding of safety concerns;
• Adapts well to changing priorities and challenging individuals;
• Valid driver’s license;
• Satisfactory Police Records Check and Vulnerable Position Screening.

WHO IS CHMA…?

 At CMHA Kelowna, we are dedicated to Mental Health in our community. No matter how old or how young, we provide support for families and individuals through programs that promote positive mental health and support recovery, while championing the elimination of barriers that can prevent people from thriving. We are a dynamic, innovative and visionary organization. We are looking for someone who shares our vision of a mentally healthy Kelowna and are passionate about making a difference in our community by bringing their particular expertise to our organization. Like what you hear…fantastic, check us out: https://cmhakelowna.com/

CMHA KELOWNA OFFERS YOU…

• A competitive salary
• All of the other Dental, Health & EAP Benefits
• 3 weeks of vacation
• 12 sick days per year
• RRSP matching program
• A work life balance that actually works with you
• A culture that embodies ‘walk the talk’ form our Leadership Team
• As a non-profit, we definitely do NOT have foosball and free snacks, but what we DO have, is the ability to empower our teams, be a part of something bigger…and learning and growing in an organization that fosters transparency and trust.

To apply for this opportunity, please forward a cover letter and resume to John West – HR Coordinator at john.west@cmha.bc.ca.

CMHA is an equity employer and encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others who may contribute to our further diversification. We appreciate and thank all applicants for their interest, however only short-listed candidates and those legally eligible to work in Canada will be contacted.