Diversion Worker

Canadian Mental Health Association; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local mental health organization is seeking a full-time Diversion Worker in Kenora, Ontario. The role involves assessing housing needs for clients at the Kenora Emergency Shelter and providing support for their recovery. Key qualifications include a BSW or equivalent, experience in mental health, and strong communication skills. The organization values inclusivity and offers substantial professional development opportunities. The deadline to apply is December 23, 2025.

Benefits

Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Paid Vacation Days

Learning & professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in mental health support or community resources.
• Proven ability to work independently and professionally.
• Understanding of Trauma-Informed approaches.

Responsibilities

• Engage with clients of the Kenora Emergency Shelter.
• Assess housing needs using the VI-SPDAT.
• Collaborate with housing providers and landlords.

Skills

Knowledge of mental health and mental health problems

Networking skills

Dynamic risk assessment abilities

Highly developed communication skills

Cultural Competence

Education

BSW preferred or demonstrated equivalent

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

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)
• Comprehensive Health Benefits
  • Employee & Family Assistance Program
• Paid Vacation Days
• Learning & professional development opportunities

Deadline to apply: December 23rd, 2025

Diversion Worker

Clinic Service Hub

Employer: CMHA Kenora Branch

Job Title: Diversion Worker

Work Location: Kenora Emergency Shelter

Employment Status: Full-Time, Permanent

For more information, please visit www.cmhak.on.ca

Overview:

The Diversion Worker focuses on providing assessment and seeking housing options for the patrons of the Kenora Emergency Shelter who have stayed overnight within the facility for more than 14 days within a given month. The Diversion Worker will encourage, and support clients to learn and apply the skills necessary to facility recovery and improve quality of life to gain access to suitable, affordable and sustainable housing. The Diversion Worker will be located within the Kenora Emergency Shelter and report to the Clinical Service Hub Team Lead and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch. The Diversion Worker is expected to work as a member of a team and is expected to participate in regular peer and team supervision when required, by the Clinical Service Hub Team Lead and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian, Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch.

Qualifications:

• BSW preferred, or demonstrated equivalent
• Knowledge of mental health and mental health problems/difficulties, concurrent disorders, dual diagnosis and brain injuries
• Applied knowledge of community resources and agencies
• Knowledge of issues related to poverty and homelessness
• Networking skills and outreach skills
• Ability to assess dynamic risk
• Highly developed communication skills
• Assessment, case management, advocacy, counselling, and recording skills
• Understanding and applied knowledge of Recovery Model, Brief Therapy, Strengths Perspective, Harm Reduction, Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Housing First
• Activities of daily living, problem solving skills and ability to teach and model these skills for clients
• Cultural Competence for Diverse populations
• Ability to work independently
• Professionalism in the performance of duties
• Cultural Competence
• Understands Trauma-Informed approaches
• Computer literacy

Duties:

• Adherence to all policies and procedures of Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch
• Assertive engagement with clients of the Kenora Emergency Shelter to connect them to services (only applies to those patrons who have been within the Kenora Emergency Shelter for 14 days or more within a month)
• Assess individuals housing needs using the VI-SPDAT
• Screening of patrons through the use of the OCAN
• Collaborate and cooperate with housing providers and landlords within the Kenora area
• Facilitate the process of accessing appropriate housing for eligible candidates
• Works with the client, case manager, and landlord to develop a personalized service plan
• Continuous assessment of risk related to the clients housing
• Individualized planning and strategies to support the achievement of housing goals and objectives
• Advocacy of linking clients with appropriate housing services, supports and resources in order to meet the goals and objectives of the housing plan
• Make appropriate recommendations for supports and services
• Consult and collaborate with community partners to support recovery planning for clients
• Individualized needs assessment developed in consultation with the client
• Continuous assessment of risk
• Individualized Recovery Planning and strategies to support the achievement of goals and objectives
• Conducting regular formal or informal evaluation of client satisfaction, achievement of goals, reassessment of service requirements and or needs in consultation with the client
• Coordination of wrap around services as assessed for client need
• Direct provision of side-by-side support with clients where appropriate
• Provision of supportive counselling where appropriate
• Assist clients and provide modeling for problem solving and priority setting
• Provide service navigation to clients
• Once housed and wrap around supports in place for 3 months involvement will be terminated
• Maintenance of client files consistent with policies and procedures of Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch
• Participation in staff meetings and other meetings as directed by the Clinical Service Hub Team Lead & Chief Executive Officer
• Collection and maintenance of statistical information and keeping appropriate records of direct and indirect service
• Outcome monitoring and evaluation
• Professionally representing Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch
• Drafting all necessary correspondence and reports regarding clients
• Participation in administrative and office functions, including ongoing maintenance of office space
• Participation in educational and professional development opportunities
• Participate on specific Committees or task or work groups as assigned by the Team Lead
• Provide a safe environment by ensuring adherences to Workplace Health and Safety Regulations and Policies, Infection Control Guidelines, WHIMIS 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 an adverse outcome 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.