Direct Engagement Case Manager

TSA The Salvation Army TSA; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 29,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexibility at work

Health and dental benefits

Paid vacation and sick time

RRSPs

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Ottawa is seeking a dedicated frontline social services worker to support the Housing First initiative at an emergency shelter. You will engage clients, assess needs, and coordinate referrals with Booth Centre and community resources.

Join a team focused on dignity and service, handling case management, documentation, and collaboration with partners to ensure seamless service delivery for those in need.

Qualifications

• Relevant post-secondary education in social services work.
• Two years frontline experience with the homeless population.
• Clear Police Reference Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct-engagement services to shelter clients.
• Coordinate Housing First referrals to connect clients to housing-based supports.
• Develop preliminary service/goal plans with outcomes and timelines.
• Monitor progress, advocate for clients and conduct follow-ups.
• Maintain records and submit required reports per funding mandates.

Skills

Clear Police Reference Check

Effective communication

Assessment skills

Community resource collaboration

G Driver's License

Narcan training asset

Bilingualism preferred

Education

Post-secondary education in social services

Job description

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description

Position Purpose summary: The purpose of the expectation task list is to identify and clarify what management expects from the incumbent. This task list indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent and is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities. Other job related duties, within classification may be assigned by the employer.

The funded program will fulfill the following functions at the emergency shelter:

• Provide direct-engagement services to high acuity shelter clients who persistently do not engage with shelter staff or provide the necessary consent to have their needs assessed.
• Using a structured case management approach, support individuals who have been identified as eligible for Housing First services, and who require significant engagement, motivation and support to move into Supportive Housing and/or Housing-based Case Management (HBCM) services, as appropriate.
• These supports will be geared and provided to an identified specific caseload, with a staff/client ratio of 1:30, recognizing that clients will be at various stages of engagement, this number may flex up or down.

Accountabilities

Data Collection/ Reporting Uses intake information and gathers other information needed to determine eligibility and presenting issues according to established format. This will be done through questionnaires, forms and interviews. This data will meet the provisions of the Ontario Works Act in ensuring confidentiality of residents. Agencies are required to report to the City monthly regarding clients’ engagement levels and outcomes. Reports will be forwarded to the City’s Housing First Data Coordinator. Between reporting periods, should a client be ready for a match to HCBM supports with the necessary consents in place, the HF Coordinator will be notified immediately for further action and follow up. Maintain records and submit accurate and complete financial and statistical reports to the City including SPDAT and case management information as scheduled in the Milestone Table below, including narrative information. Respond to periodic requests from the City for information on emerging trends, client issues, etc. Report barriers to client service to the City as soon as evident. Report to the City any staffing changes or disruptions in services funded by this Agreement as they occur.

Assessment

• Assess presenting condition of client to determine need for Urgent Response from RMOC Social Services Department
• Using information gathered from the client and other appropriate sources, assess client needs in order to determine appropriate referrals for:
  • Housing
  • Employment
  • Health care (physical, mental, emotional, addictions)
  • Pastoral counselling
  • Socialization

Service/Goal Plan

• With the client, involving other appropriate workers, develop preliminary service/goal plan, including outcomes, priorities and timelines
• Identify real or potential barriers to achieving desired outcomes

Crisis Intervention

• Use intervention skills in emotional, mental, or social crises

Referrals

• Make appropriate referrals to both Booth Centre and community resources
• Coordinate simultaneous referrals to ensure an integrated service response
• Coach/support clients as necessary for him to access appropriate services

Follow up

• Monitor client’s progress. Advocate on behalf of the client as required and appropriate
• Arrange for case conferences if appropriate or attend reviews called by community workers

Administration

Ensure accurate, up to date documentation according to requirements of Booth Centre management and funding mandates. This will include both computerized and paper records. Prepare statistical and other reports as required. Transmit electronically or on paper all information required by a funding mandate and/or service agreement.

Health and Safety

• Adheres to all health and safety policies and procedures in place; complies with all instructions from the employer concerning health and safety as per the Occupational Health and Safety Act and WSIB. Ensures all procedures, rules and guidelines for the safety and security of clients and staff are enforced and respected.

Critical Relationship Management

Governance Boards and Councils: None

Managerial/Technical Leadership

Responsibility: Director of Programs

Working Conditions

• May deal with angry and abusive clients
• May encounter verbal abuse
• May be required to deal with client overdose and other medical situations

Education, Qualifications and Certifications

• Relevant post-secondary education, preferably a diploma or degree in social services work

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• At least two years successful experience in working on the front line with the homeless population
• Understanding of the issues of homelessness

Skills and Capabilities

• Clear Police Reference Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening is required
• Effective communication skills including interviewing, presenting cases and writing reports
• Demonstrable assessment skills
• Proven ability to work effectively with community resource agencies
• Valid “G” Driver’s License and clean drivers abstract
• Experience administering Narcan and/or Narcan training a strong asset
• Bilingualism preferred

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $25.10 to $25.10 with a maximum of $25.10. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role. The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [e-mail] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.

Benefits

• Flexibility at work
• Health and dental benefits
• Paid vacation and sick time
• RRSP’s

We deeply value the relationships we build in the workplace, as well as the opportunities given to us such as the potential to experience flexibility at work, receive health and dental benefits, paid vacation and sick time, RRSP’s, as well as to expand our skills and advance our careers as together we build a culture of continuous learning and growth.

If you're looking for a career that allows you to find meaning, make an impact, and one that challenges you to grow and become the best version of yourself, join our dynamic team.

There is a place for everyone to belong at The Salvation Army.