We are seeking an individual passionate about promoting health and wellness equity in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) to join Kilala Lelum Health and Wellness Cooperative as a Housing Support Worker (Outreach). Kilala Lelum provides members (patients) with access to decolonized primary care, Allied Health services, and Elder-led cultural care through an outreach-based, culturally safe, strength-based, trauma-informed, member-centered, and harm reduction approach.
Job Summary:
The Housing Support Worker provides outreach support to members working with the Housing Coordinator, assists with housing placement tasks, and contributes to reporting. Utilizing a housing-first model, this role is integral in fostering supportive and structured relationships with individuals in Vancouver’s DTES to improve access to cultural connections, housing, and healthcare services.
Responsibilities:
- Support members with housing placement tasks in collaboration with the Housing Coordinator.
- Facilitate the use of community services and resources, including housing-related education sessions.
- Assist members with developing housing-related skills (e.g., budgeting, cleaning, communicating with landlords/building managers).
- Utilize the housing-first model to advocate for and support members in securing and maintaining stable housing.
- Provide outreach services to members, including accompanying them to housing-related appointments and temporary accommodation arrangements.
- Document work and updates in relevant systems, including OSCAR Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Lu’Ma Coordinated Access Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS).
- Assist with maintaining relationships with housing service providers and community organizations.
- Work closely with the Allied Health team to coordinate and delegate tasks to Social Navigation Outreach Workers as needed.
- Report on activities, outcomes, and member progress as required.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
- Community Service Worker diploma or a combination of lived/learned experience equivalent to education.
- Valid BC Driver’s License.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed, strength-based practice, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented care.
- Experience working with people affected by houselessness, housing insecurity, and/or health challenges, including chronic disease, substance use, and mental illness.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to coordinate services for a caseload of 20-30 members.
- Experience or willingness to work in culturally safe and appropriate ways with Indigenous peoples. Completion of a cultural competency course or willingness to participate is required.
- Intermediate computer skills for managing documentation, communication, and reporting.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
- Knowledge of the DTES and housing services.
- Previous outreach experience.
- Training in de-escalation, non-violent crisis intervention, or mental health first aid is an asset.
Working Conditions:
- Primary working locations include various Kilala Lelum sites, with time spent offsite conducting outreach services.
- Role requires working outdoors and in shared office spaces.
- Physical requirements include walking up to 5km/day and assisting with tasks such as moving belongings or preparing for pest control.
Supervision Provided:
This position is supervised by the Allied Health Manager and Allied Health Lead and will receive support from the Social Navigation team, the HR & Admin Lead, and the Executive Director.
Additional Information:
- Anticipated start date February 2025.
- Hourly wage is $31.31 (as per Kilala Lelum’s Wage Grid).
- Hours of work will be agreed upon to meet requirements of 0.6 – 0.8 FTE (24 – 32 hours/week).
- Includes robust extended health and dental benefits package after probationary period.
- Kilala Lelum Health Centre is committed to equity and diversity, and we encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or membership or self-identification as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
To Apply:
Please send your resume AND cover letter to [email protected] by January 31st, 2024. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Your cover letter should outline your interest in the role and how your background/experience meet the requirements and make you a good fit for the role. Applications will be assessed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
