Connective is a dynamic non-profit organization that provides innovative programming in the social services sector. We strive to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all.
ROLE PURPOSE
This position will provide outreach and in-reach services to individuals who are housed at the Lighthouse resource under the Reaching Home Program. The position includes receiving referrals, completing intakes, teaching life skills, referring to community resources, crisis management, building skills in relapse prevention, and building support networks. Many of the individuals served have complex needs with overlapping mental health and substance use and require urgent or crisis support to secure/and or maintain their housing.
STATUS AND CLASSIFICATION
Unionized; this position will require union membership. It is open to all genders.
This is a temporary role until return of incumbent.
HOURS (35 HOURS PER WEEK)
Monday to Friday, 0830 - 1630
REPORTING AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
- Reports and is accountable to the Manager of Community Supports or their designate
- Function as a multi-disciplinary team member both within Connective and externally with stakeholders
- Liaises with staff and volunteers of community and government agencies as required
- Liaises with the staff, managers, and on-call manager of Connective as necessary
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Receive and review referrals from community and internal partners for service users
- Ensure that the bed usage for Reaching Home meets the contract deliverables
- Organize intakes/move ins, work 1-1 with the client, research background material, and seek the input of other professionals and family members, to provide the assessment that will ascertain needs and postulate intervention possibilities
- Provide coordinated case management services, physical health, mental wellness and substance use supports, social, emotional and community supports, personal care and personal living supports, food security supports, indigenous cultural supports
- As dictated by each participant’s needs and abilities, participate in the implementation and facilitation of programming that will allow each participant to develop life skills such as nutrition and food preparation, banking, shopping, and recreational and social opportunities
- Complete required monthly reporting, and maintain client records
- As part of an organizational team this position will respond as needed to support individuals at risk of losing their housing due to overlapping mental health and substance use or behaviour related to a complex mental health diagnosis
- Support individuals in obtaining and receiving medical, psychiatric, and physical health services
- Network to build working relationships with community and health services providers including health authority, acute care and community mental health and substance use support services
- Make referrals to other programs or agencies as required
- Model effective interactions with service users, including positive rapport building and support with service plan goals
- Effectively utilize various agency systems and technology platforms
- Support individuals in searching and securing permanent housing
- Transport service users to appointments or meetings with community partners, and between agency locations as required
- Perform other related duties as required
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Function independently, while remaining a crucial member of the support team
- Adhere to Connective’s policies and procedures
QUALIFICATIONS
- Diploma in Behavioural Science, Social Work, Counselling, Criminology, or a related field, plus at least one year of experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and housing challenges (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Experience supporting individuals with complex mental health, substance use, and behavioural challenges.
- Experience developing, implementing, and monitoring individualized care or support plans.
- Knowledge of community resources, housing supports, income assistance programs, and healthcare services.
- Understanding of harm reduction, trauma-informed practice, and crisis intervention strategies.
- Demonstrate clear ability to respond well in crisis situations
- An understanding of providing service to people with different learning abilities
- Demonstrate an ability to deal with potential violence
- Strong assessment, advocacy, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to maintain accurate case notes, reports, records, and confidential information.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, databases, electronic record-keeping systems, and other computer applications.
REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to successfully complete Criminal Records Checks
- Current WorkSafe approved First Aid Certificate
- Mental Health First Aid
- BC Class 5 driver’s license
- Personal transportation that is in good repair, insured for business use with a minimum of $1,000,000 for liability, which can be used to transport clients
COMPENSATION
As Connective is a unionized environment, the starting wage is $29.22 per hour plus benefits as per the collective agreement. The wage will increase with every 2,000 hours worked up to a maximum of $33.55 per hour.
CLOSING DATE
Friday, September 4, 2026, by 1600
Important: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada, observe their weekly hours limit if under a temporary or study visa, and provide proof of eligibility if selected for the role.
WHAT WE OFFER?
- Committed Living Wage Employer
- 2022, 2023 and 2025 Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice Award from NEOC
- 2023 High-Performance Culture Award from Supporting Lines
- Competitive benefits package, including health, wellness, and pension plan
- Career and personal development, with the ability to grow in a diverse range of programs and departments
- Access to a range of staff mental health supports, including an in-house counsellor, Employee Family Assistance Program, and Critical Incidents Stress Management
- Access to On-Demand Pay to withdraw earned wages before payday
- Connective is part of a portability program where employees moving from a CSSEA-member employer to Connective will port their service hours for vacation and wage purposes (within last 12 months)
INCLUSION
At Connective, we value and accommodate unique differences to ensure that our staff have the opportunity and are supported to thrive. To build a strong and representative workforce, we strongly encourage applications from BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+ people, immigrants, and people with disabilities or other marginalized communities.
For more information on Connective’s services and locations, visit our website at https://connective.ca/
