Community Support Worker - Release from Custody

Canadian Mental Health Association, Peel; Ontario; On-site; CAD 61,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

A community mental health agency in Ontario is seeking a full-time Community Support Worker. This role involves providing discharge planning and support for individuals with mental health issues transitioning from custody. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor of Social Work and experience in the field. The position offers a supportive work environment and various benefits, including vacation days and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

2 weeks vacation

18 paid sick days

HOOPP Pension Plan

Professional development funding

Wellness allowance

Mileage reimbursement

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in the addictions and/or mental health field.
• Knowledge of Criminal Justice System and Recovery Model.
• Fluency in a second language, including ASL, is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide discharge planning services to persons with mental health concerns.
• Assist individuals in custody with reintegration.
• Develop supportive discharge planning services.

Skills

Cultural competence

Group facilitation

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor of Social Work or related undergraduate degree

Tools

CRMS

OCAN

GAINS SS

Job description

Overview

Why join CMHA Peel Dufferin?

Support your community. Advance your career. Fulfill your purpose.

Joining the Canadian Mental Health Association – Peel Dufferin Branch means you’ll be part of something meaningful. For starters, we’re honored to have received the Canadian Non-Profit Employer of Choice Award for our efforts to help people live better. Providing support and services to those who live with mental illness and addictions, we’re committed to increasing awareness and addressing the stigma surrounding mental health. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to create a diverse organization that represents the communities we serve – and the people we help.

What We Offer

As a community-based agency, we’re dedicated to the mental, physical, and social health of everyone – including our team members. That’s why we’re proud to offer a total rewards package that helps our team members balance their professional and home life. You’ll also be empowered to keep learning new skills and reaching your goals – from developing a career growth plan to participating in training sessions.

• 2 weeks accrued vacation
• Up to 18 paid sick days accrued per year, plus 1 flexible day each year
• HOOPP Pension Plan
• Ongoing professional development plus $250 (pro-rated) annual funding for continuing education and certifications
• $350 (pro-rated) annual allowance to invest in achieving your personal wellness goals
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel

Position

We are looking for a full-time contract Community Support Worker - Release from Custody to join our Mental Health and Justice Services team!

The Community Support Worker will provide discharge planning services and case management to persons with mental health concerns who are in-custody. They will assist in the reintegration/integration of recently released individuals into their home community or community of choice.

Status

Full-time contract until end of June 2026, 37.5 hours per week. Note, this posting is for an active vacancy.

Salary

$61,201.01 - $72,001.19 annually. (Candidate qualifications will be considered when determining the starting salary)

Location

This position is based out of 314-7700 Hurontario St. Brampton. Due to the nature of this program, this role is on-site and/or community based.

What You Will Do

• Provide release from custody planning and support to the Brampton court; to engage with and provide a needs assessment of individuals with mental health concerns who are in custody in court
• Provide release from custody planning and support to individuals incarcerated at a correctional institution and being released into the Peel region
• In collaboration with institutional staff and court personnel, develop supportive discharge planning services and communicate the release plan to service providers in the clients’ community
• Establish and maintain working relationships with Institutional Social Workers, Probation Officers, Consulting Psychiatrists, Institutional Personnel, community agencies and schedule 1 hospitals
• Attend regular case conferences at the correctional institutions as required
• Assist individuals with mental health concerns reintegrate back into the community
• Provide short term community support and conduct case conferences/consultation with treatment providers, including physicians, other community organizations and other significant persons, as deemed appropriate
• Refer and link clients to appropriate services and respectfully advocate on their behalf when appropriate
• Provide education to the community agencies and institutions regarding mental health discharge planning services

What You Need to Join Our Team

• Bachelor of Social Work or related undergraduate degree required
• Registration with the College of Social Workers & Social Service Workers an asset
• Minimum of 3-5 years of demonstrated experience working in the addictions and/or mental health field
• Demonstrated cultural competence and the ability to support a diverse client population are essential
• Experience, knowledge and understanding of the Criminal Justice System and Recovery Model
• Comfortable working in a community setting
• Group facilitation skills
• Knowledge of CRMS, OCAN, and GAINS SS and Motivational Interviewing is an asset
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to approach, listen, build trust, and communicate across diverse cultures and intersectionality. Willingness to continually improve understanding around cultural competence
• Openness to operate from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and intersectional framework
• Willingness to learn and apply practical understanding of different elements of diversity, such as gender identity/expression, race/cultural background, religion, sexual orientation, disability, immigration and precarious status, family status, etc.
• Fluency in a second language, including ASL (American Sign Language) is considered an asset
• Valid Canadian driver’s license and access to an insured automobile in good repair
• A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Screening (Police Check) report

Deadline to Apply

Open until Filled

Additional Information

At the Canadian Mental Health Association – Peel Dufferin Branch, we provide a wide array of community services, resources, and care for people with mental illness. In your role, you’ll not only assist people who are struggling, you’ll help them return to good health and reintegrate into the community. In everything we do, we work together to make the world a better place – one person at a time.

Apply Now and EMPOWER your career!

Equity, Accessibility & AI in Recruitment

CMHA Peel Dufferin strives to be an equitable employer. We are committed to supporting inclusive recruitment and selection processes, work environments and a qualified workforce reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We acknowledge that removing existing barriers and preventing new barriers is required to foster dignity and independence for people of all ages, genders, cultures, and abilities. We encourage applications from historically disadvantaged and marginalized groups.

*2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and a range of gender and sexual diversity categories not listed).

Accessibility Statement: When contacted by CMHA Peel Dufferin for a career opportunity, please advise the People and Culture Department of any accommodation needs. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations and a fair recruitment process. For feedback, email [e-mail]

Next Steps. We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. We retain all applications submitted for one year after the posting closing date for consideration in future opportunities.