Outreach Worker - Homelessness (night shift)

Title: Outreach Worker - Homelessness (night shift)
Employee Working Location: In-person (Montreal, QC)
Employment status: Temporary, full-time (5 months)

The Canadian Red Cross (CRC) - an inspirational not for profit organization, helps people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supports them in strengthening their resilience. As a Canada's Best Employers 2024, we are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment.

The CRC is seeking an Outreach Worker - Homelessness to help implement interventions for individuals experiencing homelessness at an overnight warming centre located in the Saint-Laurent borough of Montréal.

Over a four-month period, the incumbent will draw on their recognized expertise in managing shelter sites for people impacted by disasters to respond with compassion and efficiency to a growing emergency situation.

In this role, you will:

• Respond to crisis or conflict situations using de-escalation and tension management strategies.
• Promote well-being and maintain a consistent, reassuring presence in common areas to prevent tensions and foster a respectful environment.
• Listen actively and provide support to meet individuals' immediate needs, including referrals to appropriate resources.
• Ensure that common spaces are welcoming and sanitary throughout their shifts.
• Support the operations team by sharing expertise, promoting best practices, and mentoring colleagues.
• Document and update the intervention tracking tool in accordance with protocols and confidentiality standards.
• Maintain positive relationships and ongoing communication with community partners to ensure a coordinated response.
• Support the integration of new individuals at the warming centre, including by explaining house rules and offering available services.
• Record site traffic using a visitor log.
• Administer naloxone according to established protocols, if required.
• Identify signs of distress or increased vulnerability and alert appropriate resources, including emergency services when necessary.
• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and knowledge-sharing on intervention practices.

What we are looking for:

• College diploma (DEC) in social work, youth intervention, criminology, special education, psychology, or any related field.
• Availability to work night shifts and some weekends, alternating with other outreach workers.
• 1 to 3 years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or living in situations of extreme vulnerability.
• Strong knowledge of best practices in the fields of homelessness, mental health, addictions, and/or social exclusion.
• Ability to respond with calm and discernment in a dynamic, high-stress, and sometimes unpredictable environment.
• Psychological First Aid course is an asset.
• Strong written and oral communications skills in French. Fluency in English or any other language is an asset.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, autonomy, team spirit and a high degree of adaptability.

Working Conditions:

• As we work with and support people (managers, colleagues, beneficiaries/customers, volunteers, donors and external partners) and communities in Canada and around the world, applicants whose first language is not English may be required to perform the responsibilities of the role in English.
• Eligibility to work in Canada: At this time, we welcome applications from candidates eligible to work in Canada. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, we encourage you to carefully review your visa to find out whether you are eligible to work in the job you are considering applying for. Refer to our FAQ for more information.
• If you are selected for this role, you will be required to complete a successful pre-employment screening process which includes a satisfactory Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC).