Outreach Worker I

The Outreach Worker - Safeworks Connect will work as a member of a multidisciplinary team, supporting clients to stabilize in their current environments as an extension of their clinical care service at the Sheldon M Chumir Health Centre Supervised Consumption Site (SMCHC SCS). As an Outreach Worker, you will conduct outreach assessments, determine outreach service goals and develop outreach treatment plans in collaboration with clients and clinicians. You will facilitate client connections with community and government supports and advocate for clients with these external service providers. The role also includes delivery of harm reduction supplies, supervised consumption clinical interventions (e.g. overdose response support), education, Naloxone kit distribution, needle debris pick up and referrals to other health & social services (e.g. housing, financial, food and clothing, transportation). The Outreach Worker - Safeworks Connect may also assist with accompanying clients to appointments, liaising with community and AHS programs, supporting the team, and works side-by-side with a Peer Support Worker. Safeworks Connect is a new program that focuses on building relationships by being present to foster healthy communities. This includes providing services to clients accessing the SMCHC SCS, community-based outreach to residents and business owners surrounding the SMCHC, needle debris pick-up and connecting with community partners (e.g. Calgary Police Service, Alpha House DOAP Team, City of Calgary, SMCHC Programs). This position has transitioned to Recovery Alberta effective September 1, 2024. By applying on this posting, if you are the successful candidate, you agree to and will become an employee of Recovery Alberta.

As an Outreach Worker, you will work as a member of a multidisciplinary team, supporting clients to stabilize in their current environments as an extension of their clinical care service. As an Outreach Worker, you will conduct outreach assessments, determine outreach service goals and develop outreach treatment plans in collaboration with clients and clinicians. You will facilitate client connections with community and government supports and advocate for clients with these external service providers. You will focus on establishing housing, financial, food and clothing, transportation and social supports for clients. You will be responsible for providing education and coaching support related to daily living skills and activities (attending appointments, money management, searching for jobs, grocery shopping, etc.), observing and reporting changes in the clients' behaviours, participation and ability to function independently to the interdisciplinary team. You will evaluate client progress and functioning and make adjustments to the outreach treatment plan as required. As a part of your role as an Outreach Worker, you may be required to provide outreach crisis stabilization support for clients, exercising various de-escalation techniques and linking clients with the appropriate supports (EMS, Police and Crisis Team, etc.). You also may be required to enter clients' residences and assist clients to transfer in and out of vehicles, care facilities and residences.

Completion of diploma from a post-secondary program in a related field.

Minimum two-year diploma in a relevant field, such as social work, community health, mental health and addictions studies or equivalent. Knowledge and experience working with both diverse and vulnerable populations. Ability to work independently and within an interdisciplinary team in a collaborative manner. Ability to be organized and self-directed. Knowledge of health care and community services. Established ability to maintain healthy boundaries is necessary. Demonstrates good written skills, computers and computer software. As this is a new program, we are looking for a diplomatic, multi-tasker, who is able to work in a fast-paced environment and work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team. In addition, someone who is able to adapt to change and communicate effectively.

Social Work/Health Science/Social Science degree preferred. Outreach experience. Addictions and mental health experience. Knowledge and experience of the principles and practice of harm reduction, substance use, and social determinants of health. Knowledge of an Indigenous language will be considered an asset. Familiar with Indigenous cultures and practices.