Housing First Outreach Worker

Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people! At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.

When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.

About the Role:

The Housing Outreach Worker (HOW), under the Housing First model, houses individuals who have recently transitioned into the Housing First program. This role focuses on intake and assessment, collaborates with the participant to find and secure appropriate housing, and ensures participant(s) are moved in and set up before warmly transferring the participant to a Follow Up Support Worker. The HOW may manage with the FSW any re-housings that may occur. The HOW is responsible for the effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of program services. The HOW carries out their duties in a professional manner and in accordance with all YMCA policies and procedures, standards of practice, health and safety standards, child protection standards, and contractual, legal, and regulatory requirements.

We're hiring for 2 roles: Full-Time Permanent/On-going, Full-Time Contract ending March 31, 2027.

Both roles are full-time with 37.5 hours per week and includes benefits.

Responsibilities:

• Provide client-centered, trauma-informed housing placement to individuals through the Housing First program.
• Intake and assess each participant and determine eligibility for the program.
• Collaborate with the participant to find appropriate, affordable, and safe housing that meets participant’s needs and funder requirements. Ensure participant understands the rules and expectations of each potential home.
• Liaise with landlords to secure viewings and leases. Speak to the housing first model and the support the program provides to the participant and the landlord.
• Educate participants on tenant rights and responsibilities, rent budgeting, and apartment maintenance.
• Collaborate with participant to set up housing for move in including furniture, utilities, food, and necessities require to live successfully in a new home.
• Transport clients to appointments. Work with participants to learn City transit system.
• Work within defined program budgets.
• Maintain accurate participant files in accordance with funder and YMCA guidelines.

Qualifications:

• Post secondary degree/diploma in Social Work, Human Services, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, addictions, or other barriers to housing.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle. Clear driver’s abstract and proof of liability insurance is needed upon hire. Travel in Edmonton and area.
• Excellent organizational, time management skills, communication, interpersonal, and team skills.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends as needed for community events or meetings.

Working knowledge in a variety of social work areas, including:

• Issues/practices related to social determinants of health, individual and family assessment, group work, group facilitation, program promotion, program planning and outcome evaluation.
• supportive counselling skills.
• related community, housing, education, employment, and human services resources.
• Culturally sensitive and trauma-informed practice, and strength-based approach.
• Computer skills (Windows, Microsoft Teams, Office and Outlook).

Certifications:

• Annual registration in a professional organization as required by law
• Standard First Aid and CPR-C, Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search, and Child Intervention Check
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Suicide Intervention Certification preferred.

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine! Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.