Community Outreach Worker, Vancouver (Permanent, Full-Time) at Union Gospel Mission (Vancouver)

Do you have a heart for serving others and a passion for sharing hope in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside?

This position involves ministering to community members living in the neighbourhood of Vancouver’s Downtown East Side (DTES). ‘Ministering’ entails forming relationships, loving, praying, declaring the good news of Jesus Christ and making disciples, as well as assisting the guests with material needs. The job may include making referrals for housing, clothing, shelter, recovery and a wide variety of other sundry duties as dictated by the needs of the community we serve. From time to time, the Outreach Worker will assist Outreach at other UGM locations in Vancouver.

This is a permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week) position. The starting range for this position is $26.26 to $28.70 per hour.

Who We Are

Demonstrating the love of Christ, UGM feeds hope and changes lives through a faith-based continuum of care. We are a proud member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities and have earned the Best Christian Workplace award again in 2021. We provide competitive salaries, generous vacation and sick leave, an RRSP matching program, as well as the potential for educational assistance and flexible work arrangements. In addition, our extensive benefits plan is fully employer-paid and includes extended dental and medical, as well as $4,500 per year in pooled paramedical expenses. A focus on employee resilience, support for professional development, engagement in meaningful work, and a fun and caring environment are all part of being a member of the UGM team. If you are someone who desires to learn and grow, has a passion to serve and make a difference, and connects with others with both humility and humor, then you will be a great fit at UGM.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Model Christ in word and deed.
• Provide support and spiritual guidance to community members, including internal and external referrals.
• Build strong relationships with community members and encourage them to explore Christianity. Plan programs and initiate activities. Facilitate a Chapel service or devotional service and lead Bible studies when required.
• Make intentional connections with community members through a visible presence in the DTES.
• Monitor the safety of community members accessing our services. Performing block/perimeter checks regularly, maintain daily security, e.g., secure all gates and doors when no events are occurring.
• Participate in staff meetings, training and spiritual development opportunities to provide support and training within the team.
• Complete administrative responsibilities (i.e. daily log, reports, stats). Maintain accurate records, including important information of community members for future reference. Maintain the centre and office space in a clean and presentable condition.
• Perform other duties as required by your supervisor. Adhere to all UGM published policies, practices and procedures, including Occupational Health and Safety.
• Liaise with other service agencies in the area; recommend and assist community members in finding suitable resources.
• Complete administrative responsibilities (i.e. time log, stories, reports, stats).
• Adhere to all UGM published policies, practices and procedures, including Occupational Health and Safety.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

KSA’s

• Mature individual, committed to UGM’s Mission Statement, Core Values, and Statement of Faith.
• Vibrant and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Understanding of the importance of a high level of confidentiality within the organization and its clientele.
• 2-3 years of related work experience is required.
• Related post-secondary education preferred.
• Consideration may be given to alternate combinations of lived experience and education.
• Experience working in a community organization, foundation or ministry.
• Experience working in a multi-ethnic and socially diverse community is required. Experience with Indigenous clients is an asset.
• Experience navigating and adapting to complex situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Valid Class 5 drivers’ license required
• Intermediate computer skills (Excel, Word and Outlook)
• Ability to work independently under the direction of a supervisor.
• Identify and solve problems and follow through on initiatives.
• Complete UGM Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Course.
• Complete UGM Outreach Worker Orientation Course.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Work Location
  
  

Work is generally performed indoors, with up to 50% of the time spent outdoors in all types of weather.

• Physical Requirements
  
  

Duties require extended periods of standing and/ or walking. Duties require occasional periods of climbing, pulling/pushing items, lifting/carrying items, keyboarding, reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Employees are required to look at a computer screen for up to 10% of the time. Must be able to lift to 40lbs occasionally.

• Work Conditions
  
  

Working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate. Work is performed amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, and noises. Regular environmental exposures to cold, heat, and water. This position is required to work in an environment that often deals with clients in crisis situations brought about by diverse problems. The ability to function independently and frequently under pressure, while managing multiple concurrent tasks, including emergency situations, is an ongoing expectation of this position.

• Hours of Work
  
  

Shifts may include day, afternoon, evening, and weekends. Work on statutory holidays may be required. Moderate overtime may be required.

• Hazards
  
  

The job requires frequent interaction with the public, some of whom may be upset, abusive, and/or violent. The job requires working frequently with people in unhealthy conditions and may include exposure to bodily fluids, lice and bedbugs. Employee is required to hear information about clients’ lives, which may be troubling or upsetting, and may cause emotional issues, including vicarious trauma.

• Other
  
  

Due to the nature of the job and our commitment to a safe environment, the candidate is subject to a criminal record check and must submit a current Driver’s Abstract.