Van Outreach Support Worker (Casual)

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Van Outreach Support Worker (Casual)

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Title:Van Outreach Support Worker

Program:Van Outreach

Reports to:Program Manager, Van Outreach

Position Type:Casual

About the Company

Main Street Project (MSP) is a community health centre with a mandate to address the social determinants of health which give rise to issues of addiction, physical and mental health issues and homelessness. MSP uses housing-first and harm reduction principles to provide a safe, respectful and accessible place for individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the community. Since 1972, MSP has been providing a range of services to Winnipeg's most marginalized residents, including emergency shelter and nutrition services, drug and alcohol withdrawal management services, health advocacy and support, case management services, housing support services, food bank services and a mobile community outreach program.

Are you seeking a career where you can be part of a dynamic, diverse team, and where the mission is centered around ensuring everyone has access to a safe environment that promotes dignity, respect, and self-determination? Main Street Project is committed to developing impactful and meaningful solutions that drive positive changes in our community. The work you do here will have a lasting, meaningful impact on those we serve.

At Main Street Project, we believe that the best work happens when diverse minds come together. We believe in building and fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Our commitment to diversity, including embracing Truth & Reconciliation, Decolonization and Anti-Oppression, is embedded in our culture and drives the success of the organization. Our team is made up of talented individuals from various backgrounds and life experiences, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives.

Job Summary

Main Street Project operates a van outreach program 24/7, 365 days a year. The Van Outreach program travels throughout Winnipeg, seeking out community members who may be at risk in extreme weather. Voluntary transport to MSP’s emergency shelter is offered to community members. MSP offers warm clothing, resources and harm reduction supplies. The Van Outreach Program also follows up with support for individuals living in encampments and conducts wellness checks.

The Van Outreach Support Worker maintains the core values of MSP regarding harm reduction, choice, equity, and diversity and encourages individuals in capacity building. The Integrated Support Worker will work with MSP clients in a manner that encourages self-awareness, self-worth, increased independence, and without judgment.

During winter, MSP operates an additional van to ensure folks who are houseless have additional outreach and support throughout the extreme weather conditions. These term positions will focus on supporting this initiative.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure that community members’ immediate needs are met through the provision of food, shelter, clothing, harm reduction, and personal hygiene supplies
• Assist participants in planning, problem-solving, and addressing immediate needs
• Drive and operate MSP’s Outreach Vans
• Provide transport to community members as required
• Respond to emergency situations, assessing, intervening, and documenting critical incidents
• Monitor the physical safety of clients to ensure the client receives medical attention for physical injuries, either through on-site basic First Aid, transportation to the hospital, or request for a non-emergency ambulance (depending on severity)
• Respond to services requests from first responders, business owners, and community members, City of Winnipeg, Community Agency or as directed by the manager.
• Visit new encampment structures, or areas being used as shelter. Monitor, locate, and identify individuals that may need support in accessing services.
• Assist unsheltered community members to reach safety in the event of an emergency weather conditions or health emergencies
• Ensure participants are informed of internal and external resources, services, and programs and if needed, advocate for clients to access services
• Maintain accurate and confidential electronic and file records
• Collect and submit agency-required statistics on time and with accuracy

Qualifications

• Relevant education and experience working in the field of human services preferably with adults experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance use issues
• Experience working in an outreach capacity is considered an asset.
• Post secondary education in the field of addictions and mental health is considered an asset.
• Ability to work with a client-centred care philosophy
• Ability to apply Harm Reduction and Housing First philosophies in their day-to-day support of clients
• Knowledge of the effects of poverty and the determinants to health
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team
• Knowledge in the addiction and mental health fields
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture
• Lived Experience: Knowledge gained from personal experiences relevant to the role.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills, both oral and written
• An understanding/experience in working with culturally diverse populations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Additional Requirements

• Valid Class 5 driver’s licence
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Clear Vulnerable Sector Search and a Clear Child and Adult Abuse Registry Check are required. Employee is responsible for any service charges incurred
• Current CPR, Basic First Aid, and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certifications.

Conditions of Employment

• Ability to meet the physical demands required for the role including being on your feet for long period of time, lifting up to 50 lbs., and cleaning duties (bending, reaching, pushing/pulling, crouching), going into encampment
• Exposure to biohazards including but not limited to blood, bodily fluids, and syringes
• Ability to work with individuals who use substances and/or experience mental health challenges
• Ability to provide support in high intensity incidents on occasions including but not limited to medical emergencies and aggressive individuals
• Comfortable working in environment where Indigenous ceremonies and practices are actively taking place including Smudging
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Clear Vulnerable Sector Search and a Clear Adult Abuse Registry Check are required

Values & Competencies
Ability to embody Main Street Project’s Core Values:

• Reducing Harm
• Truth & Reconciliation
• Anti-Oppression
• Trauma-Informed

Key Competencies:

• Crisis Management
• Service Excellence – Meeting people where they are at.
• Collaboration Developing External Relationships
• Accountability
• Decision Making

Main Street Project offers:

• Competitive wages within the nonprofit sector
• Health & Dental Benefits
• Pension Plan
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Paid Sick and Family days
• Shift Premiums
• Employee Assistance Program

Application deadline: Open until filled

Main Street Project recognizes the importance of building a workforce that is reflective of the community it serves, where culture, language and perspectives drive a high standard of care and service. Therefore, preference will be given to Indigenous people and those who reflect the people/population we serve. Applicants are asked to self-declare in their cover letter along with describing how they meet the above qualifications.

We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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