Outreach Worker (Community Outreach & Support) – $26 – $28 an hour – Full Time

Full job description

Job Posting: Outreach Worker (Community Outreach & Support)

Hours: 35 hours per week – Full-time

Wage: $26.00 – $28.00 (depending on qualifications & experience)

Posted: March 2, 2026

Closing: Open until Filled

Description of Position:

The Outreach Worker provides frontline, community-based support to individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use challenges, and complex barriers. This role focuses on building trust, meeting people where they’re at, and supporting access to services through a trauma-informed, culturally safe, and client-centered approach.

Duties:

• This position plays a key role as a first point of contact for individuals accessing services, including completing initial intakes, identifying needs, and connecting clients to appropriate supports.
• The Outreach Worker works closely with internal staff and external organizations across Kelowna to ensure coordinated, wraparound support for clients.

Outreach & Engagement:

• Conduct street-based and community outreach (encampments, shelters, public spaces, drop-ins)
• Build and maintain trust-based relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness
• Provide consistent, respectful, and non-judgmental support
• Apply harm reduction and trauma-informed approaches in all interactions

Intake & First Point of Contact:

• Act as a first point of contact for new and returning clients
• Complete initial intakes and basic needs assessments
• Identify immediate risks, priorities, and appropriate next steps
• Triage and connect clients to internal programs and external services

System Navigation & Service Connection:

• Support clients in accessing services such as income assistance, ID, healthcare, and food programs
• Provide referrals and warm hand-offs
• Accompany clients to appointments when appropriate

Collaboration & Coordination:

• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external service providers
• Support coordinated responses for individuals with complex needs
• Participate in team meetings and case discussions
• Maintain strong working relationships to improve service access

Housing Support (Frontline Role):

• Provide initial support to clients seeking housing assistance
• Assist with applications, communication, and preparation
• Share updates with housing staff
• Support engagement while housing case management is handled by housing staff

Cultural Safety & Learning:

• Provide services grounded in cultural safety and respect
• Be open to learning and incorporating Syilx/Okanagan cultural perspectives
• Support access to cultural connections and programming

Crisis Response & Safety:

• Respond to crisis situations using de-escalation techniques
• Support individuals experiencing mental health or substance use challenges
• Maintain safety for clients, staff, and community

Documentation & Reporting:

• Maintain accurate case notes and data collection
• Support reporting requirements
• Participate in team debriefs

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma/Degree in Social Work, Human Services, or related field (or equivalent lived experience)
• Experience working with complex clientele
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and harm reduction
• First Aid Certification (required)
• Class 5 Driver’s License (preferred)

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong relationship-building skills
• Ability to work independently
• Crisis intervention skills
• Strong communication and teamwork
• Organized and able to manage time effectively

Working Conditions:

• Community-based role (outdoors, shelters, encampments)
• Physically active role
• Exposure to high-stress environments and complex clientele

Why Join Us:

• Culturally grounded organization
• Supportive team environment
• Meaningful community impact
• Opportunities for growth

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00-$28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

License/Certification:

• Driving License (preferred)
• First Aid Certification (required)

Work Location: In person

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.