PT - Outreach Worker - (Cowichan Valley Mobile Shower Program)

ROLE PURPOSE 

This position provides mobile outreach and hygiene services to individuals experiencing homelessness within the Cowichan Valley. Working from a trauma-informed, person centered, and culturally safe approach, the Mobile Outreach Worker promotes dignity, health, and community inclusion by providing access to shower facilities, hygiene supplies, and meaningful engagement.  The position supports participants by building trusting relationships, providing information and referrals to community resources, monitoring participant safety, and fostering a welcoming environment that encourages connection to broader health and social services.  The role also ensures efficient day-to-day operation through program set-up, coordination, documentation, inventory management, and adherence to Connective policies and procedures.  

STATUS AND CLASSIFICATION

Unionized. This position is open to applicants of all genders.

This position is Temporary – 12-month term, with the possibility of extension subject to program funding/approval and operational requirements.

 HOURS 

14 hours per week; Monday & Thursday 1300-2000 

REPORTING AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS 

• Reports and is accountable to the Program Manager or their designate 

• Works collaboratively with the Peer Support Worker 

• Develops collaborative relationships with other municipal and community service providers. 

• Participates as a member of the Connective team to ensure coordinated service delivery 

• Liaises with emergency services, outreach providers, health professionals and community agencies as required.  

• Participates in staff meetings and program planning as required.  

CLIENT ENGAGEMENT & SUPPORT 

• Welcomes participants in a respectful, inclusive, and non-judgmental manner. 

• Builds positive working relationships with individuals accessing the program. 

• Promotes participant dignity, privacy, and choice throughout service delivery 

• Provides information regarding community supports, housing resources, health care, income assistance, and other available services.  

• Makes referrals and facilitates connections to community partners where appropriate.  

• Utilizes trauma-informed, culturally safe, and person-centred practices in all interactions.  

• Assists in managing conflict and utilizes de-escalation techniques to support a safe environment.  

PROGRAM OPERATIONS 

• Coordinates participant flow using established program procedures.  

• Monitors shower time limits while maintaining a respectful and client centred approach.  

• Conducts regular wellness and safety checks during program operations 

• Prepares program supplies and transports materials to community location  

• Assists with daily program setup and takedown.  

• Maintains adequate inventories of towels, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, PPE, and program materials.  

• Ensures laundry is completed and supplies are replenished between program days.  

HEALTH, SAFETY & SANITATION 

• Maintains a safe and welcoming environment for participants and staff 

• Identifies and reports maintenance or equipment concerns.  

• Adheres to universal precautions, infection control procedures, and WorkSafeBC requirements. 

• Responds appropriately to emergency situations.  

• Administers Naloxone and First Aid within training and organizational policies, where required. 

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS 

• Represents Connective in a professional manner within the community.  

• Builds collaborative relationships with community partners.  

• Coordinates with partner agencies participating at the program site.  

• Communicates program schedules and service availability to participants and community stakeholders.  

ADMINISTRATION 

• Completes program statistics and required reporting 

• Maintains accurate documentation and data collection 

• Participates in quality improvement initiatives. 

• Completes incident reports and required documentation 

• Performs other duties as assigned.  

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Frequent travel between working locations 

• Regular exposure to varying inclement weather conditions, including rain, wind, heat and cold temperatures.  

• Frequent standing, bending, lifting, carrying program supplies.  

• Functions independently, while remaining a crucial member of the care team 

• Adheres to Connective policies and procedures 

• Is available to work flexible hours as needed, which may include some evenings/weekends, as determined by program/client needs and schedules 

• Is a member of CUPE Local 1936-11 

• Receives benefits and works within the working conditions as outlined in the collective agreement and personnel manual 

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS 

• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, substance use or complex barriers.  

• Demonstrated understanding of harm reduction principles 

• Knowledge of trauma-informed and person-centred practice.  

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills 

• Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment 

• Strong conflict resolution and deescalation skills 

• Ability to establish positive working relationships with community partners 

• Strong organizational and time management skills 

• Comfortable working in community settings and adapting to changing priorities 

REQUIREMENTS 

• Ability to successfully complete a Criminal Records Check 

• Current Emergency First Aid Certificate  

• Class 5 driver’s license 

• Personal transportation that is in good repair, insured for business up to $1,000,000 for liability, and which can be used to transport clients 

 COMPENSATION

As Connective is a unionized environment, the starting wage is $27.53 per hour. Plus benefits enrollment as per the Collective Agreement.