Program Worker

VRS Communities; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

VRS Communities is seeking a dedicated caseworker to provide case management, intake, and ongoing client support within a residential facility in Vancouver. You will coordinate IDPs, assess needs, and refer clients to medical, mental health, education, and community resources while ensuring confidentiality and proper documentation.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed practice, crisis intervention, and collaboration with community providers to support residents’ goals and successful exits from

Qualifications

• Completion of a formal post-secondary/college program of two academic years in social work or similar fields
• Training/Certification in Addictions and/or Mental Health recovery
• Current Certification in First Aid/CPR
• Certification in Non-violent Crisis Intervention, or willingness to be trained
• Experience with, and knowledge of PTSD, trauma, and addictions populations
• WHMIS
• Certification in FOODSAFE Level 1
• Universal precautions
• Computer skills and training in Word, Outlook & Excel
• Fluent spoken and written English
• Criminal Record Review Act clearance to work with vulnerable adults

Responsibilities

• Conduct orientation with clients and review the facility rules, clients' rights and responsibilities, grievance/complaint.
• Work with assigned clients in completing IDP and follow up to assess and adjust IDP as required.
• Conduct initial needs assessment within 10 days of arrival and schedule the initial room inspection.
• Provide hands-on training, coaching and support to clients and help create opportunities for practicing skills toward personal goals.
• Develop effective working relations and cooperate with other service providers in the community throughout case management.
• Establish and refer clients to medical and mental health services, education/job training programs, legal and advocacy services, and other resources as needed.
• Ensure completion of goals and prepare an exit plan
• Research and develop knowledge of issues related to clients and create resource information
• Maintain contact with community agencies to coordinate activities and resources for the Centre and residents.
• Facilitate psycho-educational, experiential groups; deliver abstinence-focused relapse prevention programs.
• Supervise/monitor client actions during shifts; respond to inquiries per Centre Policies & Procedures.
• Answer calls, admit visitors, and participate in activities as required.
• Participate in staff and case management meetings and provide input on client progress.
• Maintain confidentiality and accurate files/case notes; assist with intake and departure processes.
• Initial response to emergencies and crises as needed.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Integrity & confidentiality

De-escalation

Education

Two-year post-secondary/college in social work

Addictions and/or Mental Health recovery training

First Aid/CPR certification

Non-violent Crisis Intervention certification

Trauma-informed knowledge/ PTSD

WHMIS certification

FoodSafe Level 1

Universal precautions

Word, Outlook & Excel computer skills

Criminal Record Review Act clearance

Tools

Word

Outlook

Excel

Job description

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Casework

1. Conduct orientation with clients and review the facility rules, clients' rights and responsibilities, grievance/complaint.
2. Work with assigned clients in completing Individual Development Plan (IDP) and, following up with clients at regular intervals to assess, monitor, and adjust IDP as may be required.
3. Conduct an initial needs assessment of the client within 10 days of arrival to the facility and schedule the initial room inspection.
4. Provide hands-on training, coaching and support to clients, and help create opportunities for practicing skills that will enable clients to achieve their personal goals.
5. Develop effective working relations and cooperate with other service providers in the community throughout the entire case management process.
6. Establish and refer clients to appropriate medical and mental health services, education/job training programs, legal and advocacy services and other community resources as needed.
7. Ensure the eventual completion of the goals and prepare an appropriate exit plan
8. Research and develop knowledge of issues that relate to clients. Development of resource information as relevant for clients.
9. Maintain contact with the community agencies and other service providers to coordinate activities and available resources for the benefit of the Centre and the residents.

Admin/Community Support

1. Facilitate and co-facilitate psycho-educational, experiential groups
2. Delivery of an abstinence-focused, relapse prevention program offering individual and group educational sessions to support client's sobriety.
3. Supervise/monitor actions and interactions of clients during assigned shift.
4. Respond to all client's inquiries within the framework of Centre Policies & Procedures.
5. Answer telephone and refer calls to the appropriate person(s).
6. Admit visitors to the facility according to guidelines.
7. Participate with clients in scheduled instructional, spiritual, or social activities as required.
8. Participate in scheduled staff and case management meetings as required and provide input and information on assigned Client progress.
9. Maintain confidentiality and keep accurate files/ case notes and statistical records.
10. Assist with the intake process and departure process of clients.
11. Initial response to emergencies such as fire alarm, or other situations.
12. Respond and assist clients at times of physical/mental/emotional crises.
13. Specifics of administrative duties will vary with the different shifts.
14. Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Completion of a formal post-secondary/college program of two academic years in social work or similar fields
• Training/Certification in Addictions and/or Mental Health recovery
• Current Certification in First Aid/CPR
• Certification in Non-violent Crisis Intervention, or willingness to be trained.
• Experience with, and knowledge of PTSD, trauma, and addictions populations
• WHMIS
• Certification in FOODSAFE Level 1
• Universal precautions
• Computer skills and training in Word, Outlook & Excel
• Fluent spoken and written English
• Criminal Record Review Act clearance to work with vulnerable adults

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• A minimum of two (2) years of working with individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in a residential setting is preferred but applicable experience will also be considered.
• Experience and knowledge of working within multiple frameworks and theoretical models of practice, program development and delivery, and working with individuals with complex mental health, PTSD and in addiction recovery needs.
• Knowledge of program population complexities.
• Knowledge and working experience of Trauma-Informed practice.

Skills and Capabilities (examples provided below):

• Organized with good attention to detail.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Ability to de-escalate individuals in stressful situations