Housing Outreach Worker – Women's Mobile Primary Care (WMPC)

Location: Downtown Eastside (DTES), Vancouver, BC
Program: Women's Mobile Primary Care (WMPC)
Position Type: Temporary Part-Time (0.3 FTE, 1-Year Term)
Hours of Work: 12 hours per week, Tuesday to Thursday between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM (flexible based on program needs)
Wage: $26.89 per hour
Union: BCGEU

About Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS)

Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS) is a proud Indigenous-led, not-for-profit organization that has served the Downtown Eastside community for over 30 years. Our programs and services are designed by and for urban Indigenous people and are grounded in Indigenous culture, community, and wellness.

VAHS offers a range of culturally safe and holistic services including:

  • A Cultural Wellness Program supported by Elders, Traditional Healers, and Knowledge Keepers

  • A Comprehensive Primary Care Clinic

  • A By-Donation Dental Clinic

  • Indigenous Early Years programs for children and families

At VAHS, we are committed to supporting the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our community through compassionate, non-judgmental, and culturally grounded care.

Program Overview

The Women's Mobile Primary Care (WMPC) program addresses the healthcare and social support needs of women in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, particularly those experiencing homelessness, housing instability, physical health concerns, mental health challenges, substance use, and systemic barriers to care.

Through a mobile health unit and community-based outreach, WMPC provides low-barrier, culturally safe, trauma-informed, and relationship-based services that improve access to healthcare, housing supports, and community resources.

Position Summary

The Housing Outreach Worker plays a key role in supporting women and gender-diverse individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability to access and maintain safe, appropriate housing.

Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, the Housing Outreach Worker provides housing-focused case management, advocacy, systems navigation, tenancy support, and referrals to community resources. This position focuses on building trusting relationships with clients and helping them navigate complex housing systems, including emergency shelters, transitional housing, supportive housing, subsidized housing programs, income assistance, and related services.

The Housing Outreach Worker works closely with WMPC healthcare providers, community partners, housing providers, and social service agencies to support positive housing outcomes and improved health and wellness.

This position reports to the Program Supervisor and Program Manager.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct housing-focused intakes and assessments to identify client needs, strengths, barriers, and housing goals.

  • Support clients in accessing emergency shelters, temporary accommodations, supportive housing, transitional housing, and permanent housing opportunities.

  • Assist clients with housing applications, BC Housing documentation, income assistance forms, identification replacement, and other required paperwork.

  • Provide advocacy with landlords, housing providers, shelter staff, healthcare providers, government agencies, and community organizations.

  • Support clients in obtaining and maintaining housing through tenancy support, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and connection to community resources.

  • Assist clients in navigating income assistance, disability benefits, and other income support programs that contribute to housing stability.

  • Accompany clients to housing-related appointments and meetings as required and in accordance with outreach protocols.

  • Build respectful, trusting, and culturally safe relationships through outreach and engagement.

  • Participate in case planning and interdisciplinary care discussions to support holistic client care.

  • Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client documentation within the electronic medical record (EMR) system.

  • Ensure housing plans, referrals, follow-up activities, and client records are maintained and up to date.

  • Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with housing providers, shelters, Indigenous housing organizations, government agencies, and community partners.

  • Identify and communicate emerging housing trends, barriers, and service gaps affecting WMPC clients.

  • Assist with outreach activities, mobile clinic setup and takedown, and other program operations as required.

  • Follow all organizational policies, procedures, safety protocols, and outreach guidelines.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Community Support, Indigenous Studies, or a related field.

  • Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

  • Minimum two (2) years of experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, mental health challenges, substance use, or complex social needs.

  • Demonstrated knowledge of housing systems, BC Housing programs, shelter systems, supportive housing, and homelessness services in Vancouver.

  • Experience providing outreach, advocacy, case management, or housing support services.

  • Strong understanding of the social, economic, and systemic factors contributing to homelessness and housing insecurity.

  • Knowledge of trauma-informed practice, harm reduction principles, and culturally safe approaches to service delivery.

  • Experience working with Indigenous individuals and communities and an understanding of the impacts of colonization, intergenerational trauma, and systemic inequities.

  • Strong interpersonal, communication, advocacy, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills.

  • Excellent organizational, documentation, and time-management abilities.

  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within an interdisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with community resources and service providers within the Downtown Eastside.

  • First Aid and CPR certification.

  • Lived or living experience related to homelessness, housing insecurity, substance use, or the DTES community.

  • Experience working within Indigenous-led organizations or community-based programs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

  • Strong knowledge of housing resources, tenancy supports, and housing systems in British Columbia.

  • Understanding of trauma-informed, culturally safe, strength-based, and harm reduction approaches.

  • Ability to build trust and establish meaningful relationships with vulnerable populations.

  • Strong advocacy and systems navigation skills.

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high-quality client support.

  • Experience working collaboratively within interdisciplinary and community-based teams.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) systems and Microsoft Office applications.

  • Sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to maintain client confidentiality.

  • Commitment to equity, inclusion, cultural safety, and community wellness.

Why Work at VAHS?

Joining VAHS means becoming part of a dedicated team committed to advancing Indigenous health and wellness through culturally grounded care. We value respect, collaboration, accountability, and community connection while creating meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter to:

[email protected]

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

VAHS is committed to employment equity and strongly encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis candidates. Indigenous-identified applicants are especially encouraged to apply.