Outreach Worker
Status: Full-Time, 40 hours/weekCompensation: $28/hour plus health and dental benefits and RRSP matchingLocation: Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
The Outreach Worker plays a critical frontline role in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, and other barriers to well-being throughout the South Shore region. Working from a Housing First, harm reduction, and trauma-informed perspective, Outreach Workers build trusting relationships with community members and provide practical support, advocacy, referrals, and system navigation.
SSODA's Outreach Program consists of four Outreach Workers and one Outreach Team Lead. Outreach Workers operate in teams of two to ensure safety, collaboration, and effective service delivery while conducting outreach throughout the community. The Outreach Team Lead provides day-to-day operational coordination, transportation, logistics, scheduling support, and field supervision. Outreach Workers report directly to the Coordinated Access System Manager, who provides overall program oversight, supervision, performance management, and strategic direction.
Outreach Workers engage individuals where they are—on the street, in encampments, temporary accommodations, hospitals, and throughout the community—to connect them with housing, healthcare, income supports, identification, and other essential services. This role requires strong relationship-building skills, sound judgment, flexibility, and a commitment to supporting people with dignity and respect.
Why Work With Us?
At SSODA, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where staff can grow professionally while making a meaningful difference in the community.
Working with SSODA means being part of a dedicated team advancing innovative, community-driven housing solutions across the South Shore region.
We offer:
- A collaborative and mission-driven work environment
- Opportunities for professional development and training
- Meaningful work that directly impacts housing access and stability
- Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and RRSP matching
- Ongoing support and supervision within a multidisciplinary team
SSODA is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.
Key Responsibilities1. Community Outreach & Engagement
- Conduct outreach throughout the community as part of a two-person outreach team
- Identify and engage individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability
- Build trusting, respectful relationships through consistent and compassionate engagement
- Provide support in encampments, public spaces, hospitals, and other community settings
- Maintain regular contact with individuals to support goal setting and service engagement
- Work collaboratively with assigned outreach partners to coordinate service delivery and ensure staff safety
- Maintain communication with the Outreach Team Lead regarding outreach activities, emerging concerns, transportation needs, and operational requirements
- Participate in outreach shifts that may include evenings, weekends, and adverse weather conditions
2. Service Navigation & Advocacy
- Assist individuals in accessing healthcare, mental health services, addiction services, income assistance, employment supports, legal services, and other community resources
- Support individuals in obtaining identification, banking services, transportation, and essential documentation
- Advocate on behalf of individuals experiencing barriers to accessing services
- Provide information and referrals tailored to individual needs and goals
- Accompany clients to appointments when appropriate
3. Crisis Intervention & Safety
- Respond appropriately to crisis situations using de-escalation and trauma-informed approaches
- Conduct wellness checks and safety assessments when required
- Support individuals experiencing mental health challenges, substance use concerns, or other acute needs
- Collaborate with emergency services, healthcare providers, and community partners when necessary
- Follow all organizational safety procedures and incident reporting requirements
- Participate in paired outreach practices designed to enhance worker and client safety
- Provide Harm reduction supplies and respond to community concerns about harm reduction supplies
4. Case Management & Documentation
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records
- Develop and monitor individualized support plans in collaboration with clients
- Track outcomes, referrals, and service utilization
- Participate in case conferencing and multidisciplinary team meetings
- Complete required reports and documentation in accordance with organizational policies
5. Community Collaboration
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with community agencies, healthcare providers, government departments, and other service partners
- Participate in coordinated access processes and community planning initiatives
- Collaborate closely with fellow Outreach Workers, the Outreach Team Lead, and the Coordinated Access System Manager to support coordinated service delivery
- Promote awareness of available services and supports
- Contribute to system-level responses aimed at reducing homelessness and improving service access
6. Program Support
- Assist with the delivery of outreach-related programs and initiatives
- Participate in organizational events, training, and community engagement activities
- Support continuous improvement efforts and program evaluation
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Required Qualifications & ExperienceEducation
- Diploma or degree in Social Work, Human Services, Community Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Addictions, or a related field preferred
- Equivalent combination of education, lived experience, and relevant work experience may be considered
Experience
- Minimum 2 years of experience working with vulnerable populations in community, housing, shelter, outreach, healthcare, or social service settings
- Experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, mental health challenges, or substance use concerns is strongly preferred
- Experience providing crisis intervention and community-based support services
- Experience working within Housing First, harm reduction, and trauma-informed frameworks is considered an asset
Skills
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Excellent communication and active listening abilities
- Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in dynamic environments
- Effective crisis intervention and de-escalation skills
- Strong organizational and time management abilities
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building trust
- Knowledge of community resources and service systems
- Strong documentation and record-keeping skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace
Additional Requirements
- Valid Nova Scotia Driver's License
- Ability to travel throughout the South Shore region
- Current First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain
- Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check satisfactory to SSODA requirements
Working Conditions
This position is based in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia and primarily involves community-based outreach work throughout the South Shore region.
The position is an hourly position at 40 hours per week and includes:
- 2 weeks vacation
- 6 sick days
- 3 personal days
- Health and dental benefits
- RRSP matching
The role requires regular travel throughout the community and may involve working outdoors in various weather conditions, visiting encampments, shelters, hospitals, and other community locations. Outreach Workers conduct most outreach activities in teams of two and work closely with the Outreach Team Lead to coordinate transportation, scheduling, and operational logistics. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required based on operational needs.
SSODA staff work in a dynamic, collaborative environment and must be able to respond with flexibility, professionalism, and a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, harm reduction, and housing stability.
Pay: $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
Work Location: In person
