Client Support Worker (2024-561-CC)

Program Overview – Street to Home, Community Care Unit

The Streets to Home Program provides housing for vulnerable people who have been street involved, experiencing mental health and/or addictions issues. The program provides onsite psychosocial, primary care support and services including intensive case management; harm reduction and addiction supports; therapeutic and supportive counseling; 24-hour staffing; assistance with activities of daily living; nursing services; life skills development; social and recreational activities; volunteer opportunities; and follow up support etc.

What You Will Do

• Interact with individuals in the program in person, providing emotional support and feedback and encouraging and facilitating their participation in the program.
• Provide one to one support to individuals as outlined in their Coordinated Care plans, supporting the social worker with implementation of transactional case management activities including form filling and navigating formal systems.
• Support intake process through applicant selection process, interview participation, intake management and follow up with new participants.
• Monitor participants’ progress and well-being and assists the team in evaluating the effectiveness of Coordinated Care Plans, providing suggestions for modification as required.
• Inform goal setting and Coordinated Care planning process.
• Plan, create, and implement relevant individual and group programming with participants.
• Assist participants to function more independently while in the program and the community.
• Use the ADL/IADL tool on a regular basis.
• Participate and facilitate housing stabilization planning for participants through securing applications, helping to monitor wait list, and liaising with housing help organizations for housing options.
• Engage in skill development to assist individuals to carry out activities of daily living such as grooming, hygiene, shopping, banking, and informal safety training and/or behavior management as outlined in Coordinated Care plans.
• Support individuals to carry out activities that enhance their independence and participation in the community, identifying services and activities that will meet the participants’ needs and provide support, guidance, and instruction to facilitate successful participation.
• Liaise with other service providers and the broader community to build and establish networks.
• Recognize and assess potential aggressive behaviour or crisis situations and develop strategies to deal with such situations and inform team and Management when such incidents arise.
• Perform delegated tasks as directed by health care professionals, such as managing medication for individuals in accordance with primary care instruction.
• Arrange transportation for participants and may accompany individuals to appointments and community activities when necessary.
• Complete and maintain documentation and case note entries efficiently.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of internal fire regulations and procedures, and other emergency procedures and ensure health and safety standards are maintained.
• Provide input to the development of the program and participates in program evaluations.
• This position will include some evening and weekend shifts monthly and is subject to exposure to second-hand smoke, odors, pests and clients’ potential use of inappropriate language or swearing.
• Might work in environments where there are pests.
• Might work in environments where clients use substances.
• Might work in environments wherein clients have incontinence issues.
• Clients may exhibit responsive behaviours including profanities and expletives.
• Able to lift 40lbs.

What You Bring to the Team

• Social Service Worker diploma or other related education.
• 2+ years of experience working with older adults with mental health, addictions issues and street involvement.

What Will Set You Apart

• Ability to interact effectively with high-risk, marginalized, and vulnerable individuals.
• Demonstrated ability and experience dealing with aggressive behaviors and effective de-escalation and boundary-setting skills.
• Demonstrated ability in written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability in conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills.
• Demonstrated use of good judgment.
• Demonstrated competency with using computers, databases, and web-based applications.
• Knowledge of geriatric and aging issues.
• Knowledge of harm reduction approach.
• Knowledge of Mental Health Act.
• Knowledge of community resources and various systems in Toronto.

WoodGreen is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free selection process and work environment. If contacted in relation to an employment opportunity, please advise our People & Culture representatives at careers@woodgreen.org of the accommodation measures required. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.