Classification: Program Coordinator 2. Grid/Pay Level: 38
Collective Agreement: Community Sub-sector.
Union: BCGEU Job Family: Client Services
Program: Homelessness Services. Benchmarks 82902
Reporting to: Programs Manager or designate
Shift Times: Monday - Friday
Note: Work site location and days off may change due to operational needs as outlined and in compliance with the BCGEU collective agreement.
SCOPE AND LEVEL DEFINITION
Reporting to the Programs Manager or designate, the Homelessness Services Coordinator provides leadership and support to outreach based community support services and the employees therein by providing skills training, coaching, advocacy and advice. Operating within a program that engages with a population of individuals with substance use, with or without mental illness that have experienced significant challenges related to poverty and homelessness, the Outreach Coordinator oversees all modalities, staff activities and program interactions within the community.
Assists in the development and implementation of program services and participates in the planning and program service delivery by responding to identified program needs within the program guidelines. Liaises with other members of the leadership team, front-line staff and community service teams. Performs duties such as supporting adherence to organizational policies and procedures, supervising staff, ensuring safety and creating statistical reports and completing administrative tasks required by the program.
The Outreach Coordinator works within housing first, harm reduction and trauma-informed principles and in alignment with CMHA values to guide the development and ongoing management of the model. They will engage with community members, external agencies, partners and internal stakeholders to identify opportunities, maintain service levels, and facilitate ongoing staff engagement for long-term sustainability, workers and client management.
Six primary philosophical perspectives guide the development of the model of care. These include: 1) health equity; 2) social justice; 3) strengths-based including empowerment; 4) lifespan development; 5) community collaboration; 6) systems integration.
TYPICAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Engages positively with people in the community to assist staff in client relations in interviewing clients to identify barriers and needs, obtaining required documentation from a variety of sources and assisting to determine appropriate programs.
Engages positively with community partners to create and maintain professional and collaborative relationships and identify opportunities within the community.
Attends community events, meetings and other activities as a representative of CMHA Mid-island to communicate the priorities of the organization and on behalf of clients.
Supervises staff by assigning work, providing feedback and evaluation, determining training requirements, participating in selection of staff, orienting new staff, and providing input within an employee life cycle as needed in alignment with functions and responsibilities of roles under their supervision.
Builds rapport, provides support and advocates for a diverse range of clients who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. Engages with staff and guides principles of relationship, rapport building and the benefits thereof
Applies sound judgement, stays grounded and uses creativity, exibility and assertiveness when working through often unpredictable situations and emergencies. Furthermore, creates and maintains a grounded and safe environment for staff members in consideration of similar scenarios
Facilitates regular and ongoing staff check ins and coaches staff within a variety of circumstances using evidence based modalities when appropriate.
Observe staff in client interactions and assists to identify and assess potential emergency situations. Is involved in the development of short-term strategies to deal with such situations. Reports medical, behavioural, and other problems as required. Provides feedback and input regarding facilitation of clients’ needs, performance, and progress and directs staff when necessary.
Continually identifies available social, economic, recreational, and educational services and resources in the community that will meet clients’ needs. Provides staff and clients with information, identifying and creating processes with the help of management for utilization within the program.
Engages with management as required to identify, collaborate and solve internal and external challenges, concerns or general matters as an ongoing process
Able to meet the expectations of all positions within the program and work in the community as required.
Carries out administrative tasks such as related records and documentation for CMHA metrics and reports as required.
Works professionally and ethically in a team setting, including the ability to maintain condentiality, and stay focused on the team’s needs.
Communicates and collaborates with other CMHA staff and programs.
Participates in a rotating on-call schedule.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Typical Education, Training and Experience
Degree in social services, social work or relevant program
Minimum five (5) years' recent related experience working with populations impacted by homelessness, substance use, and mental health concerns and/or barriers to stable housing
A minimum two (2) years related experience in a leadership/managerial role
or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience;
or other Qualifications determined to be reasonable and relevant to the level of work
Has a robust understanding of Provincial and Municipal programs and legislation as they relate to homelessness, substance use and activities of the Homelessness Services Street Reach program.
Valid BC Driver’s License
Certificate(s) in First Aid
Comfortable observing people injecting or inhaling drugs
Naloxone Training
Valid Criminal Record Check
Must have the physical, mental and emotional competencies and psychological stamina to perform the duties of the position
Typical Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of current social issues related to homelessness, mental health and substance use
Knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation principles
Demonstrated ability to develop effective relationships
Demonstrated knowledge of community resources
Good interpersonal skills including the ability to display tact and diplomacy
Ability to interact with people of all ages, identities and cultural backgrounds
Ability to problem solve and deal with conict effectively
Excellent written and oral communication skills to deal with a broad range of professionals
Ability to work constructively as a part of team
Comfortable working independently, and in cooperation with others
Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position
Ability to operate related equipment
Ability to organize and prioritize
Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients and employees
Ability to promote independence and safe practises
Proven leadership skills in directing and motivating staff
Effective conflict communication and proven ability to provide constructive feedback
