Job Description

Requisition ID: 46034

Organization

Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Recognized among BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver is seeking colleagues who can help advance our core commitments to exceptional public service, sustainability, equity, and an outstanding quality of life for all residents.

With a strong commitment to being a City of Reconciliation, we invite you to join our dedicated team and become part of an innovative, inclusive, and engaging workplace. A career with the City of Vancouver and within the broader public service, offers meaningful work where you play a key role in ensuring equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and supporting the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

Main Purpose and Function

The primary responsibility of this position is to provide housing relocation and referral services to individuals and families in need, including people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations.

The position assesses clients’ mental health, stability and financial circumstances; assists in accessing income supports and personal identification, advises on procedures for locating housing and on basic rights; makes referrals to appropriate agencies; and, as appropriate, provides direct housing search assistance and advocates for clients. Considerable independent judgement and action are exercised within the framework of established guidelines and procedures. Work is reviewed for quality of services provided and achievement of desired objectives.

Specific Duties/Responsibilities

Client Services:

Under the direction of the Homelessness Outreach Supervisor, the position provides the following services:

• Outreach support to individuals experiencing homelessness at the Outreach Team office (392 Powell Street) and with site visits to the street, park, or field or other outdoor locations where people are sheltering to gain information on client situation and living conditions and supports needed.
• Assesses clients through an interview process for mental health and stability, substance use issues, familial abuse and suicide risk and responds appropriately.
• Assesses the financial circumstances of clients to determine entitlement to government income or housing assistance. Takes action to ensure that clients are receiving their full financial and housing entitlements. Understands the current income assistance and other relevant legislation affecting housing and basic human rights.
• Locates housing and provides direct housing search assistance and arranges for emergency housing; as required, coordinates clients’ moves and oversees the work of movers; advises clients on procedures for locating housing and on basic rights under relevant legislation and bylaws.
• Provides direct assistance in completing applications for housing, welfare and pensions, and identification applications.
• Refers clients to appropriate private and public non-profit agencies, provides encouragement and attempts to motivate clients.
• Makes visits to buildings slated for demolition and landlords evicting tenants to determine tenants’ assistance requirements and to seek landlord support in relocating tenants.
• Advocates for clients with landlords and housing, legal, income and medical resources; testifies in legal proceedings as required.
• Provides assistance to other community services and hospital social workers in locating housing for their clients.
• Attends fires and other emergency building closures to provide support to displaced vulnerable populations.
• Liaises with various community and public agencies providing relocation services or housing; obtains and exchanges information within COV privacy guidelines.
• Supports delivery of programs of an educational, cultural, social and recreational nature provided by the Homelessness Outreach Program.
• Prepares and maintains various files, records and statistics related to the work, including reporting client data gathered through databases, logbooks, paper files and memos according to departmental guidelines, as well as updating the HIFIS database on a daily basis.
• Responsible for reporting work performed, or client information gathered, through databases, logbooks, paper files and memos according to the guidelines provided by the department.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Education and Experience:

Diploma in the field of community service or social science, including or supplemented by some training in addictions, physical and mental illness, conflict resolution and violence prevention, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of market and non-market rental housing resources and programs.
• Considerable knowledge of the counseling, social and medical service requirements of persons experiencing housing displacement and homelessness.
• Considerable knowledge of the social, medical, financial and community resources available to clients.
• Considerable knowledge of the rules, regulations, procedures and policies governing the work.
• Working knowledge of municipal and provincial legislation affecting tenants.
• Ability to recognize and address mental, physical and neurological disabilities in clients, as well as financial and social problems which may complicate tenancy.
• Ability to advise, assist and work persuasively with clients of the housing relocation service.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with outside agencies, public and community resource organizations, landlords, members of the public, other government officials and civic staff.
• Ability to advocate for clients.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and files related to the work.
• Ability to respond to emergencies after regular work hours, walk long distances, climb stairs.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20kg.
• Police record check

Business Unit/Department Arts, Culture and Community Services (1200)

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time

Position Start Date: June, 2026

Position End Date: varied - please see below

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-020: $38.08 to $44.82 per hour

Number of vacancies 4

Position 1 - 12 month term

Position 2 - 12 month term

Position 3 - end date August 31, 2026

Position 4 - end date Nov 30, 2026

Application Close: May 17, 2027

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process.Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion

The City of Vancouver acknowledges that it is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). More about unceded traditional territories

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.