Homelessness Outreach Worker

Position overview

BC Housing is hiring two Homelessness Outreach Workers for a short-term appointment of approximately up to 2 years on a full-time basis. One role is assigned to the North Shore/Sea to Sky area, and the other to Sunshine Coast/Powell River, BC.

Reporting to the Coordinated Access and Assessment Manager, this role works directly with people who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of losing housing. The position helps individuals connect with housing options and related support services, while also working closely with shelters, supportive housing organizations, and homelessness service agencies to strengthen coordinated responses across the region.

As part of a multidisciplinary regional homelessness and encampment response team, the job contributes to preventing, reducing, or resolving encampments and supports people sheltering outdoors through fast, coordinated assistance.

About BC Housing

BC Housing is a provincial Crown corporation that develops, manages, and administers a broad range of subsidized housing solutions for people with the greatest need across the province. Its work spans the full housing continuum, from emergency shelter and rent assistance in the private market to affordable home ownership.

The organization describes its mission as helping people access safe, quality, accessible, and affordable housing so they can live in strong and inclusive communities. It also emphasizes competitive pay, strong benefits, professional development, and work that directly supports British Columbians.

Key duties

• Build relationships with people experiencing homelessness or housing instability in community settings.
• Help individuals navigate housing pathways and support systems.
• Coordinate with shelters, supportive housing providers, and homelessness service agencies to ensure services are aligned.
• Participate as a core team member in regional homelessness and encampment response work.
• Support rapid, practical responses for people living outdoors or facing encampment-related challenges.
• Work with community partners to strengthen prevention and housing-related outcomes.

Candidate profile

The successful candidate will bring a mix of education, frontline housing or social service experience, crisis response ability, and strong interpersonal skills. The role requires comfort working with people facing poverty, disability, mental health concerns, substance use challenges, and complex social barriers.

Education and experience

• High school completion, plus post-secondary coursework in social housing, community development, mental health, trauma counselling, or another relevant field.
• Substantial progressive experience supporting people experiencing homelessness and poverty related to physical, mental, or psychological disability, and/or substance use challenges.
• Practical experience working with government, private-sector, and community-based housing providers, as well as people from varied socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Some background in crisis management and/or de-escalation methods.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may also be considered.
• Tier 4 criminal record check required.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Strong understanding of the causes and drivers of homelessness, mental illness, and/or addiction.
• Awareness of how cultural and community connections can support recovery, housing stability, and overall well-being.
• Good understanding or lived awareness of the effects of residential schools, intergenerational trauma, and/or abuse.
• Working knowledge of government, private, and community-based housing services.
• Well-developed de-escalation, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Understanding of traditional, cultural, and/or holistic wellness and healing approaches.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfort using computers and MS Office tools.
• Ability to show empathy, discretion, and sensitivity when working with diverse communities.
• Collaborative approach when engaging advocates, volunteers, business owners, neighbours, and community members.
• Capacity to build and sustain partnerships with service providers and community organizations.
• Willingness to learn and stay current on BC Housing’s mandate, programs, and services.
• Ability to form trusting relationships with people facing homelessness and multiple barriers.
• Ability to travel and to work occasional evenings and weekends as operationally required.
• Valid Class 5 BC driver’s licence and access to a vehicle are required.
• A satisfactory criminal record search is required, and security clearance must be maintained throughout employment.
• A valid Class 5 driver’s licence, satisfactory driving record, and reliable vehicle access are necessary because of the nature of the role.

Recruitment and application notes

Applications must be submitted online. Candidates need to provide a cover letter and resume combined into one document, and the questionnaire that appears during application must also be completed for the application to be considered. The organization states that only applications submitted through its online recruitment system will be accepted.

Indigenous candidates may connect with an Indigenous team member to discuss the recruitment process and workplace experience by contacting the HR team. BC Housing also notes its commitment to a healthy, safe, inclusive, and barrier-free workplace, and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous people, people with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and others committed to meaningful work.

Eligibility for benefits depends on employment status.

Additional information

• Job ID: 6827
• Number of positions: 2
• Employment term: short-term, approximately up to 2 years
• Work arrangement: full-time, onsite
• Salary range: $64,991.02 to $75,143.40 annually
• Location options: North Shore/Sea to Sky or Sunshine Coast/Powell River, BC