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Outreach Worker - Operation Safe Haven

Ottawa Innercity Ministries (OIM) – Ottawa, ON
Part-time | Contract until 19 March 2027

Deadline to apply: May 15th, 2026

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Ottawa Innercity Ministries is a Christian, interdenominational ministry serving people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and marginalization in downtown Ottawa. We do this through a variety of outreach programs, and supportive relationships that reflect the love of Christ. We are seeking a Volunteer and Program Coordinator to help ensure our volunteers and programs are well supported so that our street friends experience consistent, compassionate care.

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The aim of the IVOS program is to improve the quality of life of socially isolated Veterans who may also be experiencing poverty or homelessness. We come alongside these Veterans to offer community, referrals, and ongoing support to build resilience long-term.

Operation Safe Haven Outreach Worker (OSHOW) Position Summary:

Reporting directly to the Executive Director and under the day-to-day supervision of the IVOS program lead, the OSHOW supports the implementation of Operation Safe Haven. This initiative, funded by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and delivered under OIM’s IVOS program, is designed to respond to the complex needs of homeless and at-risk Veterans in Ottawa. This position will support the initiative until March 19, 2027.

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The OSHOW position is a part-time position (22.5 hours/week) and will provide support in several areas.

Key responsibilities

Direct Outreach & Engagement

  • Providing ‘boots on the ground’ daytime street outreach independently, and evening street outreach with OIM’s trained street outreach teams, to locate and connect with homeless and at-risk Veterans, including those not currently receiving services.

  • Building trust and rapport with vulnerable Veterans through consistent, compassionate, and trauma-informed engagement.

  • Addressing immediate and emergency needs of Veterans directly on the streets by distributing food, clothing, hygiene products, sleeping bags, tents, cell phones, and other essential supplies as required.

  • Assisting street-engaged Veterans in accessing shelters, transportation, and other urgent supports as needed.

  • Conducting regular visits to shelters, drop-ins, Indigenous centres, women’s centres, and other community agencies to identify Veterans in need and promote IVOS services.

  • Under the guidance of the IVOS team lead actively connect with women Veterans, who are often underrepresented and underserved within the Veteran community, with the goal of fostering participation and supporting the development of a women Veterans’ support circle in Ottawa.

Referrals and Program Support

  • ​Referring and connecting Veterans to the IVOS team lead for individualized, ongoing support throughout the week, including advocacy and referrals to social services, health care, local shelters, and veterans benefits available via Veterans Affairs Canada.

  • ​Referring and connecting Veterans to OIM’s Operation Road Home (ORH) program.

  • Collaborating with OIM’s street outreach teams by sharing information about Veterans encountered, ensuring continuity of care and consistent identification practices via Outreach Logbook.

  • Encouraging participation in IVOS weekly and monthly peer support gatherings to reduce social isolation and build community among Veterans.

  • Working collaboratively with staff, volunteers with other IVOS activities and events to fulfill program objectives and effective service delivery.

Administrative Responsibilities

  • Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of all OSHOW outreach activities, including contacts made, services provided, and referrals made.

  • Assisting with program data collection, tracking outcomes, and providing statistics as requested to support evaluation and reporting requirements.

Program Awareness

  • Promoting awareness of IVOS services and other Veterans’ services to participants, community partners, and other service providers in Ottawa.

Qualifications

Ottawa Innercity Ministries is a Christian organization and employees must agree and support with OIM’s Mission, Vision, Values and Statement of Faith; as well as be supportive of OIM’s employment policies and leadership.

Preference will be given to candidates with:

  • Lived experience as a female Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (strongly preferred).

  • Post-secondary education in social services, community development, or a related field, and/or equivalent lived and/or professional experience.

  • Experience working with vulnerable populations, particularly individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or addictions.

  • Knowledge of issues affecting homeless and at-risk Veterans.

  • Knowledge of local community resources, including shelters, social services, and Veterans supports.

  • Training in trauma-informed care, or willingness to be trained including OIM’s Street Engagement Training.

Abilities

  • Ability to build trust and engage effectively with vulnerable individuals.

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

  • Ability to work independently in community-based settings.

  • Ability to assess needs and provide appropriate referrals and supports.

  • Ability to maintain accurate records and contribute to data collection.

  • Ability to collaborate with staff, volunteers, and community partners.

  • Crisis intervention and problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment.

Personal Suitability

  • Compassionate and empathetic.

  • Reliable and self-motivated.

  • Flexible and adaptable.

  • Strong sense of integrity and professionalism.

  • Non-judgmental approach.

  • Commitment to supporting marginalized populations.

Position details

  • Term: 10-month contract position (funded through March 19, 2027).

  • Start: Immediate.

  • Hours: Part-time (22.5 hours/week; flexible schedule, including daytime and evening outreach).

  • Compensation: $28-$35/hour plus vacation pay (6% of wage) depending on qualifications and experience.

How to apply

  • Please submit the following:

    • Your resume​

    • A cover letter explaining your interest in OIM and how your experience aligns with this role

  • Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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