Outreach Worker – Hospital Focus

Job Description

Outreach Worker – Hospital Focus  

Niagara Assertive Street Outreach 

Collective Agreement Title: Outreach Worker Program: Niagara Assertive Street Outreach (NASO) Report to: Team Supervisor / Team Manager 

Work Hours: Monday – Sunday from 7 pm – 12 am   

Rate of Pay: $25.59 – $29.03 

Role Type: Relief (Zero Hour)  

Length of Contract: March 31, 2026 

About Gateway Residential and Community Support Services 

At Gateway we believe in a community where all are offered respect, dignity, and hope for recovery. We believe in enabling people we support to achieve the highest quality of life possible. 

The philosophy of Gateway Residential and Community Support Services of Niagara Inc. is rooted in a desire to serve others. We support and encourage the individual’s right to independence, personal decision-making, and involvement in all aspects of planning, implementation, governance, and evaluation. 

Job Summary 

The Outreach Worker – Hospital Focus, will provide on-site outreach services in the Niagara Falls Emergency Department during evening hours. The worker will support individuals who are unhoused and present at the hospital, assisting with immediate needs, safety planning, connection to shelter and support services, and next-day follow-up with the NASO team. 

The Outreach Worker will be working collaboratively with hospital staff and the Niagara Assertive Outreach Team, the Outreach Worker will contribute to an effective, coordinated response for individuals experiencing homelessness 

Responsibilities 

Hospital-Focused  

• Check in with the Emergency Department Charge Nurse upon arrival 

• Provide support to clients who are unhoused and presenting at the Emergency Department, including: 

• Connecting to shelter placements 

• Completing VISPDAT assessments 

• Conducting ongoing assessment for program eligibility 

• Facilitating connection to NASO services for next-day follow-up 

• Complete HIFIS documentation for all clients served 

General Outreach  

• engaging people experiencing unsheltered homelessness at the hospital 

• Provide meaningful, creative engagement strategies to build rapport 

• Assessment (including risk, needs, goals, and strengths) 

• Case planning, implementation, evaluation, and review  

• Referrals to appropriate accommodation resources and housing providers 

• Facilitating access to physical and mental health support services 

• Consideration for cultural and spiritual well-being 

• Work in collaboration with the Niagara Assertive Outreach Team and the hospital  

• Collaborate with substance-use harm reduction services, healthcare providers, and the criminal justice system 

• Collaboration towards social inclusion 

• Person centered advocacy 

• Reconnecting people with family, friends, and social support 

• Ensuring the client is informed of the Housing First principles 

• Attend and participate in all team/staff meetings or training as required 

This position description reflects the general duties of the position, but it is not intended to be a detailed description of all duties that may be inherent in the position. Street Outreach Workers may also be asked to perform other duties as required or assigned. 

Requirements 

• Community College Diploma or a University Degree in social services or other closely related field or a combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities as determined by the employer  

• One-year experience working with people experiencing homelessness 

• One-year experience in the community mental health field and/or addictions 

• A valid G drivers’ license with a reliable vehicle and permission to carry rider attached with 2-million-dollar liability  

• Valid CPR Certificate/First Aid and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training 

• Availability to work evenings and weekends  

• Knowledge of homelessness service system and outreach community resources 

• Good organizational, problem solving, time management and prioritizing skills 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 

• Excellent interpersonal skills with good oral and written skills 

• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills 

• Computer literacy, including effective working skills of HIFIS, MS Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, and Outlook Calendar 

• Understand and work within a person-centered approach, maintaining political and cultural sensitivity 

• Strong morals and ethics, along with a commitment to staff and client privacy 

• Demonstrated ability to function within and contribute to a fast-paced team environment 

• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional education 

• Physically able to perform all assigned tasks 

• Ability to work under minimal supervision 

• Bi-lingual in both French and English is an asset  

Police Clearance and Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements 

To ensure the safety of the individuals we serve, all successful candidates for this position will be required to provide a Police Clearance and Vulnerable Sector Check from their local police service. A clear Vulnerable Sector Check is a condition of employment. Any prior convictions or offenses (outside the scope of the Vulnerable Sector Check) will be assessed in accordance with applicable privacy and human rights legislation. A criminal record may be considered in the hiring decision, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Applicants will have the opportunity to discuss any relevant information once the check is requested. 

Work Conditions: 

• Working directly with individuals living in poverty 

• Working directly with individuals experiencing crisis, living roughly or living in public spaces 

• Working in a stressful environment where there are mental and emotional demands – a high level of unpredictable work that could include life threatening situations 

• May be exposed to infectious waste, communicable diseases, and other conditions 

• Interacts with residents, family members, staff, visitors, government agencies/personnel under all circumstances 

• Exposure to traumatic situations, intermittent weather, and environmental extremes 

• Travel is required.  Client travel in ones’ own vehicle may be required  

• Manual dexterity is required to use desktop computers and peripherals 

• Intermittent physical activity including walking, hiking, standing, and sitting 

• May be required to attend remote work area 

• May be exposed to environments that have cigarette smoke, drug paraphernalia or illegal substances   

• May be required to work in inclement weather May be exposed to environments that have cigarette smoke, drug paraphernalia or illegal substances  

To Apply  

If you are interested in applying for the above position, please forward your resume to hr@gatewayofniagara.ca by December 9, 2025, by 4:00 pm. 

Additional Information 

Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Gateway is committed to supporting a culture of diversity and inclusiveness across the organization. We believe in equal opportunity, and it is our priority to ensure a barrier-free recruitment and selection process.  If you are contacted for an interview, please notify Human Resources of any accommodation needs you may have during the selection process. Information received regarding the accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially. We thank all respondents for their applications but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.