Community Outreach Advocate

The Mustard Seed has an opening on our Outreach Team for an individual who is passionate about supporting the most vulnerable in our society. Reporting to the Community Outreach Team Lead, the Community Outreach Advocate is a member of a multidisciplinary outreach team that aims to meet the social determinants of health for community members experiencing multiple barriers, which can result in chronic homelessness and/or increased utilization of emergency health services. The Community Outreach Advocate is committed helping community members who may be experiencing homelessness or vulnerable housing, transition toward and maintain sustainable and healthy lifestyles. The purpose of the Health and Wellness area is to support the social determinants of health through system navigation and advocacy. The Community Outreach Advocate connects guests with any needed external and internal resources. They will respond to emergency situations as needed.

Position Type: Full time; Fixed Term till April 2022
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 3pm - 11pm
Reporting to: Community Outreach Team Lead
Location: Calgary Downtown
Number of positions to fill: 2

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meet with Community members in the community and do the Mustard Seed General Intake getting new guests referred as quickly as possible to other internal and external programs
• Educate and empower community members to understand and achieve their rights and responsibilities, as participating members of society
• Liaise with internal and external resources that will help community members increase their assets. This includes maintaining existing partnerships as well as developing new partnerships
• In regards to community members who have a Caseworker, complement the work of the Caseworkers by acting as a consultant and liaison for issues that require community members access to external resources
• In regards to community members who do not have a Caseworker, refer these guests directly to internal and external resources
• Work in collaboration with the Addictions Mental Health Outreach worker and the rest of the mobile outreach worker to provide comprehensive case management as needed
• Advocate for guests as needed both to access resources within and outside the organization
• Ensure guests accessed external resources by completing follow up with guests and agencies
• Help facilitate the clients’ optimized utilization of all available community supports
• Document client interactions, client referrals and client progress on the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), and the clinic’s electronic medical record (EMR)
• Provide crisis and emergency intervention, as necessary
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships within The Mustard Seed and with external agencies
• Builds a comprehensive library & knowledgebase on community resources related to substance dependency
• Tracks statistics and prepares reports, as required
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• A passion to be part of ending homelessness in Alberta
• BSW or Bachelor in Psychology or equivalent preferred
• Minimum two years’ experience working in Mental Health is an asset
• Experience working with vulnerable populations and people experiencing homelessness is a definite asset
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with clients; members of the multidisciplinary team, and community agencies
• Demonstrated knowledge of Calgary’s community (mental) health and addiction resources, and adept in navigating those systems
• Knowledge of FOIP and ability to observe confidentiality standards
• A self-starter with the ability to work in a cross-functional team & accomplish goals
• Proficient computer skills (Microsoft Office Programs); experience with Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) an asset
• Good organizational, time management skills and advocacy skills
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills
• Valid Driver’s License (Class 5)

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position is a mixture between office working conditions and street outreach
• Local travel will be required
• Lifting, travelling, sitting, standing, walking, driving personal vehicle are required as part of this role
• Moderate physical effort required to successfully accomplish the essential job functions, such as entering data into databases, and responding to a fast-paced work environment
• Moderate mental effort required to successfully accomplish the essential job functions such as counseling, referrals, training, and responding to sensitive and/or highly intense situations

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• An Employment Background Check is required for all positions at The Mustard Seed
• As The Mustard Seed is a Christian ministry, we require our employees to agree to respect and not detract from The Mustard Seed’s Employment Values during their employment at The Mustard Seed.
• Must have legal authorization to work in Canada on a full-time basis for anyone other than current employer

This position requires the use of a company vehicle. Candidate must have and maintain valid driver’s license and will need to consent to a driver’s abstract request.

NOTE

• Your privacy is important to us. The information we collect is used solely for consideration for employment.
• We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The Mustard Seed reserves the right to amend job advertisements. No phone calls please.
• Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.