Casual Residential Support Workers

Canadian Mental Health Association; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading community health service in Kenora is seeking a Residential Support Worker to provide critical support to individuals facing mental health challenges. The successful candidate will work closely with a professional team to ensure safety, well-being, and community involvement through direct support and engagement in daily living activities. Strong interpersonal skills and a diploma in social sciences or human services are essential. This role offers a dynamic and compassionate work environment with opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

Learning & professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals with mental health struggles.
• Ability to manage conflict and crisis situations.
• Cultural competence for diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Support clients in daily living activities and recovery plans.
• Ensure safety and security of all residents during shifts.
• Document all shift changes using electronic scheduling software.

Skills

Empathy

Interpersonal communication

Crisis management

Teamwork

Computer proficiency

Education

Diploma in social sciences or human services

High School Graduation Diploma

Job description

Overview

Why join CMHA Kenora?

We are a team committed to our vision of mental health support for all. We offer an inclusive, innovative, and high-performance work culture that helps us deliver transformational impact. The organization cares about the growth, safety and well-being of employees and offers:

• Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• Learning & professional development opportunities

Deadline to apply: September 8, 2025

Residential Support Worker

Kenora Supportive Housing & Safe Bed

Employer: CMHA Kenora Branch

Job Title: Residential Support Worker

Work Location: Kenora Supportive Housing & Safe Bed

Employment Status: Casual

For more information, please visit cmhak.on.ca

Overview

The Residential Support Worker is responsible for supporting individuals while facilitating an atmosphere of safety, independence, social interaction, and community involvement. The Residential Support Worker will work twelve-hour shifts to facilitate 24/7 shift coverage.

For the Kenora Supportive Housing Program this includes participating as a member of a team of professionals whose focus is safety, stability, and support for individuals with serious mental illness who would otherwise experience homelessness or near homelessness. The team will include the resident/client, residential support worker, Case Manager of the Kenora Supportive Housing Program, community case manager or ACT Team and other residential staff members.

For the Safe Bed Program, the individual will participate as a member of a team of professionals whose focus is safety, stability and support for individuals who are medically stable, not a safety risk to themselves or others, and are therefore, not suitable for hospital admission or criminal detention. The Residential Support Worker will work the following shifts: twelve-hour shifts to facilitate 24/7 shift coverage, eight-hour shifts in the evening to facilitate overnight shift coverage from 7:00 p.m.– 3:00 a.m. and eight-hour shifts on the weekends from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. They will participate as a member of a team of professionals whose focus is safety, stability, and support for individuals in a mental health crisis and in immediate contact with the police. The team will include the resident/client, residential support workers, Team Lead, nursing staff (both internal and external), Counseling & Treatment Team staff, Case Manager for the Safe Bed Program and Addiction Specialist from the Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch, community services providers and other residential staff members.

Qualifications

• Diploma in social sciences or human services an asset; High School Graduation Diploma minimum
• Experience working with individuals with mental health struggles and/or demonstrated ability to work with vulnerable populations
• Personal qualities of empathy, understanding, patience
• Ability to participate side by side with individuals to accomplish tasks and develop meaningful activities
• Ability to carry out and role model activities of daily living
• Case management, advocacy and recording skills
• Understanding and applied knowledge of Recovery Model
• Understanding of trauma informed practice and implementation
• Good interpersonal communication and relationship building skills
• Ability to communicate professionally with community agencies
• Knowledge of community resources
• Cultural competence for diverse populations
• Good documentation skills an asset
• Proficient in computer skills
• Demonstrated understanding of personal space and the ability to role model healthy boundaries
• Ability to manage conflict and crisis situations
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Valid Driver\'s License

Duties

• Adherence to all policies of Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch
• Side by side support/teaching in activities and skills of daily living
• Ensure medications are appropriately stored and delivered to clients at the appropriate times and dosages, and documented
• Supporting clients with developing, participating, and following through with recovery plans/coordinated care plans
• Outreach and support with clients as directed by the Safe Bed Program Team Lead & Chief Executive Officer
• Ensure the safety and security of all residents during shift, including interpersonal safety and security of the residence
• Monitor individual recovery plan/coordinated care plan compliance and changes in mental health symptoms
• Interface with community services and programs with and on behalf of residents
• Plan for groceries, meals, household maintenance and supplies in conjunction with other residential support staff
• Ensure the completion of shift responsibilities and routines as identified in agency policy and procedures
• Maintenance of client files and data files including updating of client information consistent with agency policies and procedures
• Attend monthly staff meetings and educational/training opportunities as required
• Documentation of all shift changes using the electronic scheduling software and follow agency policies and procedures
• Participate on specific committees or working groups as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer
• Provide a safe environment by ensuring adherences to Workplace Health and Safety Regulations and Policies, Infection Control Guidelines, WHMIS and Safe Work Procedures; including but not limited to Fire, Disaster and Evacuation Plans
• Ensure client safety and client safety activities are emphasized throughout orientation of new staff members
• Support an environment which avoids, prevents, and corrects all activities or actions which may result in patient safety incidents in the delivery of mental health services
• Responsible for self care
• Other duties as directed

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume to: [e-mail]

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.