Outreach Caseworker

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY

The Outreach Caseworker is responsible for providing trauma-informed outreach, case management, advocacy, and employment support services to individuals facing significant barriers to employment, including homelessness, substance use, mental health challenges, poverty, and social isolation. This role combines community outreach and direct casework support, working alongside participants to reduce barriers, build stability, and move toward meaningful employment, volunteer, and life-skill opportunities. The incumbent will work both in the office and within the community, building trusting relationships with vulnerable individuals while coordinating services, referrals, and individualized case plans. All duties are performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s mission, vision, and values.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Outreach & Engagement
  • Conduct community-based outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, unemployment, mental health challenges, and substance use concerns.
  • Build trusting relationships with participants through consistent, compassionate, non-judgmental presence.
  • Meet participants in community settings, shelters, public spaces, partner agencies, and other safe locations.
  • Assess immediate needs and connect participants to appropriate supports, including housing, healthcare, addictions services, mental health resources, food security, and income assistance.
  • Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, emotional support, and advocacy as needed.
  • Conduct home visits and community visits where appropriate.
  • Support outreach events, meal programs, drop-in services, and community-based programming.
  • Maintain safety standards for staff and participants during outreach activities.
• Case Management & Participant Support
  • Conduct intake assessments and determine participant eligibility for programming.
  • Develop individualized service plans and employment readiness goals in collaboration with participants.
  • Maintain an active caseload and provide ongoing case coordination.
  • Document case notes, progress updates, referrals, and participant outcomes in a timely and professional manner.
  • Assist participants with applications and documentation, including housing, identification, income supports, employment programs, and training opportunities.
  • Coordinate referrals to internal and external services.
  • Support participants in goal setting, problem solving, and life stabilization.
  • Monitor participant progress and adapt service plans as needed.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Employment Readiness & Life Skills Support
  • Support participants in developing skills needed for employment and community reintegration.
  • Assist with resumes, cover letters, job search, interview preparation, and workplace readiness.
  • Facilitate individual and group sessions related to life skills, confidence building, and employability.
  • Support participants in identifying volunteer placements, work experience, and training opportunities.
  • Collaborate with community employers and agencies to identify opportunities for participants.
• Program Administration & Reporting
  • Maintain accurate participant files, case notes, statistics, and program documentation.
  • Collect and report data required by funders and The Salvation Army.
  • Contribute to monthly, quarterly, and year-end reports.
  • Track outcomes related to participant engagement, stabilization, and employment readiness.
  • Assist with program development and evaluation.
  • Participate in community meetings, case conferences, and stakeholder partnerships.
• Team & Community Collaboration
  • Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, community partners, and external agencies.
  • Participate in team meetings, debriefs, and supervision.
  • Help strengthen relationships with community partners, including housing, mental health, addictions, employment, and Indigenous organizations.
  • Represent The Salvation Army professionally in the community.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education
  • Diploma or post-secondary education in Social Services, Human Services, Community Support, or a related field preferred.
  • Equivalent education and lived/professional experience may be considered.
• Experience
  • Minimum 2 years related experience in social services, outreach, case management, or community support work.
  • Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, addictions, mental health challenges, and complex barriers.
  • Experience in crisis intervention and de-escalation.
• Required Skills & Abilities
  • Strong understanding of trauma-informed and participant-centered practice.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and documentation skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
  • Strong professional boundaries and confidentiality practices.
  • Compassionate, non-judgmental approach to vulnerable populations.
  • Cultural humility and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Certifications / Requirements
  • Valid First Aid / CPR certification.
  • Valid BC Driver’s License and access to reliable transportation.
  • Satisfactory Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector Check.
  • Crisis intervention / Non-violent crisis intervention training is an asset.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The incumbent’s work environment includes both office-based case management duties and community-based outreach responsibilities. This position requires a moderate amount of keyboarding, electronic documentation, and manual record keeping, including the preparation and maintenance of confidential participant files, case notes, reports, and statistics. The incumbent will regularly work in community settings, participant homes, shelters, public spaces, and outdoor environments, and must be prepared to be on the move and working outside in inclement weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme seasonal temperatures. The position requires the ability to work independently while remaining part of a collaborative team, establish priorities, manage multiple tasks, respond to urgent situations, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and often unpredictable environment. Those served by the program may share information and experiences that are highly disturbing in nature, requiring intentional debriefing, consultation, and professional self-regulation.

The incumbent may be required to work under the following disagreeable or high-stress conditions: isolation, monotony, odours, dealing with behavioural challenges, verbal abuse, exposure to emotionally distressing situations, exposure to drugs and alcohol, exposure to bodily fluids and bodily waste, working with individuals experiencing crisis, mental health challenges, or substance use, and work schedules that may occasionally affect lifestyle or require flexibility. The incumbent may come into contact with individuals who are angry, agitated, vulnerable, or potentially violent, and must be able to manage these situations effectively.