Homeless Outreach Counsellor, Rotary Transition Centre (Emergency)

St. Michael's Hospital; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading healthcare provider in Toronto as a Homeless Outreach Counsellor in the Emergency Department. This role involves collaborating with an inter-professional team to support patients experiencing homelessness, ensuring they receive comprehensive post-hospital care. Ideal candidates will have a background in social services and a passion for community outreach, with responsibilities including crisis intervention and resource facilitation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience working with homeless populations.
• Extensive knowledge of community social service resources.
• Experience working independently in outreach settings.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain therapeutic relationships with clients.
• Assist clients through ambivalence and resistance to change.
• Facilitate access to resources and community integration.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Case management

Communication

Organizational skills

Community integration

Education

Post-secondary qualification in Social Service Work or related field

Job description

Homeless Outreach Counsellor, Rotary Transition Centre (Emergency)

Join us at St. Michael's Hospital as a Homeless Outreach Counsellor in our Rotary Transition Centre (Emergency).

The Homeless Outreach Counsellor collaborates within an inter-professional team in the Emergency Department (ED) to support post-hospital care plans for patients experiencing homelessness. The ED is a 24/7 facility providing immediate medical care and serves as an entry point for ambulance arrivals and specialized treatments.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Build and maintain therapeutic relationships with clients to encourage adherence to treatment plans.
2. Assist clients through their ambivalence and resistance to change using evidence-based and strength-based strategies.
3. Support clients during their ED visit, conduct intake assessments for long-term case management, and provide outreach support.
4. Help clients meet post-visit care plans and offer crisis support.
5. Facilitate access to resources, connect clients with community agencies and healthcare providers, and enhance community integration.
6. Collaborate with ED staff and physicians to ensure care plans are tailored to client needs and facilitate smooth care transitions and discharges.
7. Develop and foster relationships with community partners and agencies, including referral pathways and advocacy.
8. Provide outreach services to clients unable or unwilling to attend office-based appointments.
9. Regularly evaluate and review care goals with clients, adjusting as needed.
10. Participate in case management meetings and document all interactions accurately and in accordance with organizational protocols.
11. Strengthen partnerships with community agencies and act as a liaison for client referrals.
12. Engage in community liaison activities, promoting relationships with stakeholders such as substance use organizations, primary care, mental health services, and others.
13. Coordinate with inpatient units and outreach services for clients admitted to facilitate care transitions.
14. Participate in team meetings for case reviews, reporting, and educational initiatives to improve ED staff capacity regarding homelessness issues.
15. Collaborate with research staff to evaluate post-visit care interventions for homeless populations.

Qualifications:

1. Post-secondary qualification in Social Service Work, Addictions and Mental Health, Community Service Work, Counselling, or a related field.
2. Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with homeless populations.
3. Extensive knowledge of community social service resources.
4. Experience working independently in outreach settings, including home visits or shelter-based work.
5. Proven skills in case management, goal-setting, crisis intervention, and engaging clients with complex needs.
6. Strong organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
7. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
8. Understanding of social determinants of health, harm reduction, and issues related to HIV/AIDS, HCV, and substance use.
9. Experience working with diverse communities and complex psycho-social issues, including concurrent disorders.
10. Willingness to work evenings and weekends, with shifts totaling 37.5 hours per week.

Unity Health Toronto is committed to accessibility and inclusion. We welcome accommodation requests during the recruitment process, handled with confidentiality and respect for privacy.