Position: Outreach Worker
Required Shifts: Days, evenings, nights, & weekends
Hours of Work: 1.0 FTE
Location: Centre Hastings, ON
Job Status: Temporary Full-Time
Vacancy Type: Existing Position
Reports to: Program Manager
Hourly Rate: Union Grade 7 ($34.39 to $39.58)
Union/Non-Union: Union
Please note that this is a temporary position with an anticipated contract end-date of December 31st, 2027.
About Us:
The Canadian Mental Health Association Hastings Prince Edward (CMHA HPE) provides a wide range of services and programs to support individuals aged 16 and older in achieving their mental health and addiction recovery goals. Committed to promoting mental wellness and resilience, CMHA HPE offers crisis intervention, addiction services, and mental health support, ensuring everyone in the community has access to the resources they need to feel well. By fostering inclusive and supportive environments, CMHA HPE empowers individuals to lead fulfilling and healthy lives.
Position Summary:
The Outreach Worker plays a crucial role in connecting the community with mental health and addiction services, particularly vulnerable populations who face barriers like stigma, limited awareness, or socio-economic difficulties, which may prevent them from seeking help directly. The Outreach Worker engages in community outreach, as a member of a multidisciplinary team often containing designated community partners, to not only identify and assist individuals in need of social services programs, but also to work towards destigmatizing mental health and substance use issues and to promote mental well-being within our community. The role is proactive and responsive, meeting people in need where they are - geographically, emotionally, and philosophically. The Outreach Worker engages in community outreach to raise awareness about mental health and substance use issues, conducts needs assessments, provides emotional support and crisis intervention, and connects individuals with appropriate services. With their strong communication skills, compassionate approach, and resourceful problem solving for building connections with people in need, the Outreach Worker plays a vital role in promoting mental wellness and facilitating positive change. The Outreach Worker may also work collaboratively on the street directly with partner agencies (i.e. Paramedics) to maintain a presence at various community locations including warming centers and public spaces (i.e. parks).
The HART Hub is a community-based support center providing coordinated access to health, social, and housing services for individuals experiencing complex challenges. This position is part of a 24/7 HART Hub operation and requires availability to work days, evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts. This position is primarily stationed in Centre Hastings, but will require travel throughout Hastings Prince Edward based on operational needs.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Post-secondary degree or diploma in social service, social work, nursing, or other related discipline.
- Two years of recent and relevant clinical work with vulnerable people who are marginalized, street-involved, and struggling with mental health/addiction issues.
- Experience working in an outreach setting with a strong demonstrated understanding of outreach evidence informed practice is an asset.
- Current First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (FA/CPR) Certification.
- Current Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), Suicide Intervention training (i.e., Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)), and Naloxone training.
- High emotional intelligence including an awareness of one's response to negative emotional circumstances, ability to handle stressful situations, and demonstrate resilience.
- Well-developed and demonstrated knowledge of mental health, mental illness, stress management, anti-stigma, workplace wellness, mental health and addiction systems issues, and health promotion principles.
- Demonstrated experience in applying a harm reduction, trauma-informed, and person-centered service philosophy to the provision of services for marginalized people with serious addictions and mental health issues.
- Demonstrated diversity and cultural competency, with an understanding of the impact of oppression and social determinants of health.
- Familiarity and knowledge of services offered by CMHA HPE, partnering agencies, and outside referral sources.
- Problem-solving and community resource coordination.
- Case management and counselling experience.
- Crisis intervention skills including de-escalation techniques, ensuring safety, and coordination of emergency services, when necessary.
- Ability to develop positive relationships and rapport with marginalized individuals, building trust with ease, and working to assist the vulnerable population.
- Able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team, and have good organizational, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to plan and organize one's own activities and work flexible hours.
- Experience and ability to adhere to a high level of confidentiality.
- Must possess a valid Ontario Driver's License, have regular access to a reliable vehicle, and provide proof of adequate vehicle insurance.
- Must have a satisfactory driving record free from automobile insurance claims and be able to produce a clean Uncertified Driver's Abstract.
- Required to provide a satisfactory criminal record check (CRC) with vulnerable sector screening prior to hire.
Benefits & Perks:
At the CMHA HPE, we prioritize the well-being and professional growth of our employees. For part-time and temporary employees, we offer a percentage of pay in lieu of the health, dental, and vision insurance benefits enjoyed by our permanent full-time employees. Our part-time employees also have the option to enroll in extended health and dental benefits. We also offer a generous paid time off policy, and an employer-matched pension plan through HOOPP. Our team members enjoy flexible work arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance, ongoing professional development opportunities, and access to wellness programs and resources. Additionally, we provide a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and fosters a culture of collaboration and respect. Join us and be part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on mental health and well-being.
How to Apply:
Please submit a resume and cover letter quoting competition number 2026-046 to [email protected].
Accessibility Statement:
CMHA HPE is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace for all employees. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), we strive to ensure that our recruitment and hiring processes are barrier-free and provide accommodations for candidates with disabilities. If you require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please inform us and we will work with you to meet your needs. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that respects and values the diversity of our team and the communities we serve.
Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Statement:
At CMHA HPE, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity is valued and celebrated. We welcome applicants from individuals of historically underrepresented, disadvantaged, marginalized, and equity-deserving groups, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, those who identify as women, and others who bring unique perspectives and experiences.
Pay: $34.39-$39.58 per hour
Work Location: In person
