SCOPE AND LEVEL DEFINITION
Reporting to the Homelessness Services Coordinator or designate, in partnership with Vancouver Island Mental Health Society (VIMHS), the Community Navigator provides community based support to individuals. Provides life skills training, coaching, advocacy and advice to a population of individuals with substance use and mental health challenges. Individuals that the Community Navigators engage with have experienced significant challenges related to poverty and homelessness, substance use past and current as well as limited access or engagement with the traditional system of care.
Community Navigators work independently and collaboratively and are be the primary connection between tenants of 1030 Victoria Road and community service teams, including; housing referrals, community health teams, employment support, outreach teams, and other community partners.
Transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the CMHA Mid-Island in accordance with the service assignment and will require the use of a personal vehicle.
TYPICAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Engages positively, builds rapport and provides support and advocacy to people who live with mental heath challenges, use illicit substances, experience homelessness, and other stigmatized populations using a trauma informed and harm reduction approach.
Participates in case planning with clients and/or healthcare and housing providers by performing duties such as interviewing clients to identify problems and needs, obtaining required information from a variety of sources such as families and care providers, documenting client needs and wants, and assisting clients to determine appropriate programs and services
Identifies and promotes available social, economic, recreational and educational services and resources in the community that will help meet clients’ needs. Supports clients to connect with various community teams including; peer teams, health service teams,
Observes clients, identifies and assesses potential emergency situations, and develops short-term strategies to deal with such situations. Reports medical, behavioural, and other problems as required. Provides feedback and input regarding clients’ needs, performance, and progress.
Apply sound judgement, stay grounded and use creativity, flexibility and assertiveness when working through often unpredictable situations and emergencies.
Responds to changeable and sometime volatile behaviours utilizing non-violent communication and deescalation techniques.
Receives client feedback, inquires and complaints and responds as required.
Accompanies and supervises clients out in community to connect with resources and community partners.
Applies sound judgement, stays grounded and uses creativity, exibility and assertiveness when working through often unpredictable situations and emergencies.
Completes and maintains related records and documentation such as intake forms, incident reports, daily stats and logbooks.
Works professionally and ethically in a team setting, including the ability to maintain condentiality, and stay focused on the client’s needs.
Communicates and collaborates with other CMHA MI staff and programs
Communicates and collaborates with VIHMS staff and programs
Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Typical Education, Training and Experience
Diploma in Community Social Service, Activity Assistant Program or related program
Minimum two years related work experience working with populations impacted by homeless, substance use and mental health concerns and/or barriers to stable housing
Valid class 5 Driver’s License and access to a personal, reliable vehicle
Certificate(s) in First Aid
Comfortable observing people injecting or inhaling drugs
Recent, related experience of one year
Naloxone Training
Valid Criminal Record Check for working with vulnerable populations
Must have the physical, mental and emotional competencies and psychological stamina to perform the duties of the position
Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Or other Qualifications determined to be reasonable and relevant to the level of work
Typical Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of current social issues related to homelessness, mental health and substance misuse
Knowledge of harm reduction and psychosocial rehabilitation principles
Demonstrated ability to develop effective relationships
Demonstrated knowledge of community resources
Good interpersonal skills including the ability to display tact and diplomacy
Ability to interact with people of all ages, identities and cultural backgrounds
Ability to problem solve using scant resources creatively
Excellent written and oral communication skills to deal with a broad range of professionals
Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills
Comfortable working independently, and in cooperation with others
Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position
Ability to operate related equipment
Ability to organize and prioritize
Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients
Demonstrated ability to promote positive change and independence while maintaining client dignity and autonomy.
Strong ethical and personal boundaries
This position is posted in accordance with the Community Subsector of the BCGEU Collective Bargaining agreement and will be filled following Article 12.
Classification: Activity Worker Job Family: Client Services Benchmark: 81002 Pay Grid 21
