Community Worker

St. Michael's Homes; Toronto; On-site; CAD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a compassionate Community Worker to join their team. In this fulfilling role, you will engage with program participants, providing essential support and assistance in a collaborative environment. Your expertise in mental health and crisis management will play a crucial role in facilitating access to services and ensuring a safe and welcoming atmosphere. This position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals facing challenges such as substance use and mental health issues. If you are passionate about health equity and community support, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in mental health/addictions work and supportive counseling.
• Knowledge of low threshold/drop-in/day program services.

Responsibilities

• Engaging participants to provide counseling and support.
• Opening and closing the center to maintain a safe environment.
• Assisting clients with basic needs and referrals.

Skills

Crisis de-escalation skills

Experience with mental health issues

Knowledge of substance use recovery

Interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to work collaboratively

Flexibility and sound judgment

Experience with marginalized populations

Understanding of health equity

Education

College diploma in a related field

Tools

Computer proficiency

Job description

Job Description

Salary : $48,880 to $51,934

St. Michaels Homes

Position : Community Worker

Reports to : Program Manager, East Hub Day Program

Schedule : Full-time; includes roles that are M-F daytime, M-F including some evenings, and Tu-Sa. All M-F staff will work one Saturday shift per month.

Service Location : SMHTO East Hub Day Program, Coxwell and Danforth

Position Description : The Community Worker works directly with program participants in the East Hub Day Program as part of a team of CWs. Responsibilities include facilitating access to services, completing intakes with new participants, maintaining program security, managing the door and external areas, assisting with basic needs such as food and bathrooms, and providing accompaniment to other Hub services. CWs collaborate with case managers, counselors, and psychotherapists to deliver day program services. Activities focus on ensuring safe access, identifying participant needs, providing advice and referrals, supporting life skills, and helping clients access necessary services.

The Day Program is part of The East Toronto HART Hub, which offers healthcare, social services, and housing support for individuals facing drug use, mental health, and housing issues. The Hub is an initiative of East Toronto Health Partners Ontario Health Team (ETHP OHT), led by South Riverdale Community Health Centre and St. Michael's Homes, with support from various community organizations.

Key Responsibilities :

• Opening and closing the center to maintain a welcoming, safe, and clean environment.
• Welcoming and supervising participants, including assisting new participants.
• Engaging participants proactively to provide counseling, crisis intervention, and support.
• Preparing and implementing program activities.
• Managing conflicts and modeling strong social skills.
• Managing outdoor and entry areas, acting as the door person.
• Assisting with referrals via phone, in writing, and in person.
• Occasionally accompanying clients to other locations for services.
• Advocating for participants with external service providers.
• Completing attendance records and collecting statistical data.
• Assisting clients with basic needs, such as food and bathrooms.
• Participating in maintenance and cleanliness of facilities.
• Contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Participating in community and staff meetings, and suggesting program improvements.
• Completing organizational and role-specific training.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Experience with mental health, substance use, trauma, and recovery issues.
• Understanding of low threshold/drop-in/day program services.
• Knowledge of supports for substance use and mental health recovery.
• Commitment to health equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Strong crisis de-escalation skills and experience managing anxious or escalated individuals.
• Experience working with marginalized populations affected by poverty, homelessness, violence, and discrimination.
• Understanding of social, cultural, and economic determinants of health.
• Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams and community partners.
• Capacity to work with clients with diverse mental health issues.
• Flexibility, sound judgment, initiative, and creativity.
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic work environment.
• Experience with anti-oppression and trauma-informed frameworks.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency with computers and software applications.
• Experience in residential settings is an asset.

Qualifications :

• College diploma in a related field or equivalent education and experience.
• Experience in mental health/addictions work, supportive counseling, and brief interventions.
• Experience with motivational interviewing and crisis management.
• Additional training in concurrent disorders is an asset.
• Proficiency in both French and English is an asset; ability to work in additional languages is also an asset.
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to starting employment.

St. Michaels Homes is committed to diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available upon request during the recruitment process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.