About Company
Seeking to make a profound difference in the lives of Burnaby’s most vulnerable? Hiring.zycto provides a unique and impactful environment for an Outreach Specialist – Homelessness. We are a community-focused organization dedicated to fostering hope and stability for individuals experiencing homelessness. Our collaborative approach values innovative solutions and compassionate care, empowering our team members to create tangible, positive change daily. If you’re passionate about direct client support and building strong community connections, you’ll thrive in our mission-driven culture where every interaction truly matters.
Job Description
As an Outreach Specialist – Homelessness at Hiring.zycto, you will be a vital front-line advocate, directly engaging with individuals experiencing homelessness within the Burnaby community. This pivotal role involves actively seeking out, connecting with, and building trust with vulnerable populations, often in challenging and dynamic environments such as streets, parks, encampments, and service hubs. Your daily efforts will focus on understanding individual needs, providing immediate support, and facilitating access to essential resources such as emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, primary health services, mental health counselling, addiction recovery programs, and income assistance benefits. You will work tirelessly to reduce barriers to services, offering compassionate guidance, accompaniment, and practical assistance to help individuals navigate often complex bureaucratic systems. This role demands a high degree of empathy, resilience, and creative problem-solving skills, as you will often be the first point of contact for those in crisis, requiring quick thinking, effective de-escalation techniques, and a non-judgmental approach. Beyond immediate support, you will contribute to long-term solutions by meticulously documenting client interactions, maintaining confidential records, identifying systemic service gaps, and collaborating proactively with internal case management teams and a broad network of external community partners. You will champion the rights and needs of clients, advocating for policies and practices that promote dignity, equity, and access. The work is deeply rewarding, offering the profound opportunity to witness firsthand the positive impact of your dedication as you empower individuals towards greater stability, improved health outcomes, and overall well-being. You will play a critical role in fostering a sense of dignity and belonging, helping to reintegrate individuals into the community and break the cycle of homelessness. This is more than just a job; it’s a calling to serve, uplift, and truly make a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors in need, contributing directly to a more inclusive and compassionate Burnaby.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct street outreach to identify and engage individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Build rapport and trusting relationships with vulnerable populations.
- Assess immediate needs and provide crisis intervention when necessary.
- Connect clients to essential services, including shelter, housing, healthcare, and income assistance.
- Advocate on behalf of clients to overcome systemic barriers to accessing resources.
- Maintain accurate and confidential client records and activity reports.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external community partners to coordinate support services.
- Participate in case conferences and team meetings to review client progress and strategies.
- Provide harm reduction supplies and education, as appropriate.
- Educate community members and stakeholders on issues related to homelessness.
Required Skills
- Minimum 2 years of experience in social services, outreach, or a related field.
- Demonstrated understanding of the systemic issues contributing to homelessness.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to build rapport quickly.
- Proficiency in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Excellent organizational and documentation skills.
- Valid BC Driver's License and access to a reliable vehicle.
- Flexibility to work in various outdoor and community settings.
- Commitment to harm reduction principles and client-centered care.
Preferred Qualifications
- Post-secondary education in Social Work, Psychology, Community Development, or a related discipline.
- Experience working with diverse populations, including Indigenous peoples, newcomers, and individuals with mental health and substance use challenges.
- Knowledge of local Burnaby social services and community resources.
- Fluency in a second language relevant to the Burnaby community.
Perks & Benefits
- Comprehensive health and dental benefits package.
- Generous paid time off and sick leave.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.
- A supportive and collaborative team environment committed to making a difference.
- Meaningful work with direct impact on community well-being.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about advocating for individuals experiencing homelessness and possess the required skills and experience, we encourage you to apply. Please click on the application link below to submit your resume and cover letter. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.