Residential Support Worker_Relief (Ongoing & Future Hiring)

LOFT Community Services; Toronto; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

E-learning program

Professional development budget

Corporate gym membership rate

Job summary

LOFT Community Services is seeking a Residential Support Worker in Toronto to assist clients with mental illnesses in a supportive residential setting. The role involves building rapport, aiding in daily living activities, and participating in client-focused programs. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree, strong interpersonal skills, and experience working with marginalized groups. We offer professional development, a corporate gym membership, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience working with the client population.
• Knowledge of issues faced by adults with special needs and marginalized client groups.
• Ability to travel 10-20% to different locations.

Responsibilities

• Build rapport with clients and provide coaching to meet daily needs.
• Assist clients in daily living activities.
• Support and participate in group activities for wellbeing.

Skills

Understanding of harm reduction and psychosocial rehabilitation principles

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Crisis intervention and problem-solving skills

Education

Relevant degree or diploma in human services

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

Job Summary

The Residential Support Worker provides a range of assistance and supports to clients living with mental illnesses in a Program residence or independently in the community.

Responsibilities

• Build rapport with each individual and provide coaching or mentoring to help meet daily housing and lifestyle requirements.
• Assist with daily living activities, including hygiene, medication management, cooking, meal planning, cleaning, shopping, and budgeting.
• Develop strategies or plans for maintaining daily activities and recovery goals, increase safety awareness, and ensure residents receive adequate support.
• Orient new clients and participate in intake for the program.
• Support and participate in house meetings, resident association activities, and other group activities that promote wellbeing and smooth house operation.
• Conduct and facilitate resident group meetings, assist client‑run initiatives, and prepare schedules of house activities.
• Maintain awareness of residents’ activities, identify issues, communicate incidents to the director, and maintain petty cash and rent collections.
• Provide cleaning or minor house maintenance and teach fire safety protocols, conducting regular health and safety checks.
• Maintain a support network of social, family, medical, and psychiatric community links and resources.
• Provide reminders and occasionally accompany clients on medical, psychiatric, or other appointments.
• Assist clients in navigating social services and health care systems and liaise with community agencies, hospitals, or significant others.
• Provide 24‑hour crisis support on a rotational basis through a pager or similar system.
• Promote psycho‑social rehabilitation/recovery approaches, assist in harm reduction strategies, teach conflict resolution, crisis management, and problem‑solving.
• Mediator issues or conflicts between residents or between residents and neighbours, following up to ensure satisfactory resolution.
• Participate in program administration by completing and maintaining required records or statistics such as resident files, activity sheets, reports, etc.
• Participate actively as a team member in program delivery by providing support and consultation to colleagues, identifying gaps in service, recommending solutions, attending meetings, and orienting new staff.

Qualifications

• Understanding of harm reduction and psychosocial rehabilitation principles.
• Relevant degree or diploma in human services.
• At least two years of experience working with the client population.
• Knowledge of issues faced by adults with special needs and marginalized client groups, including addictions, cognitive impairments, and HIV/AIDS.
• Understanding of therapeutic relationships and ability to negotiate with clients on goals and priorities.
• Experience working as part of a team of professionals, conducting meetings, and facilitating groups.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and counselling skills required for team and client engagement.
• Good crisis intervention and problem‑solving skills.
• Computer literacy sufficient to produce and maintain files, records, or statistical information.
• Good written skills for record keeping and log updating.
• Analytical, time‑management, and organizational skills to contribute to program planning and coordination.
• Physical ability to assist clients with daily living activities, walk up and down stairs, and lift objects up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to travel 10‑20% to different locations by transit and/or own vehicle, including outdoor travel.
• Availability for after‑hours on‑call duty on a rotating schedule.
• A satisfactory vulnerable sector check (VSC) is required.

Work Environment

• Work in resident rooms and may be exposed to second‑hand smoke.
• Required to be on after‑hours on call, on a rotating schedule.
• Travel 10‑20% to different locations with transit or own vehicle; outdoor travel may be required.
• Physical demands include walking up and down stairs, assisting clients with daily living activities, and lifting up to 50 lbs.

What We Offer

• E‑learning program available all year round.
• Professional development budget to nurture and shape your career.
• Corporate gym membership rate with GoodLife Fitness.
• Access to Perkopolis, a comprehensive corporate discount program.
• Unlimited DEI trainings through partnership with Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

LOFT Community Services is a values‑driven organization with a deep belief that each person has the ability to grow and change. We value compassion, collaboration, and community, delivered with dignity, innovation, and excellence. Our client population reflects Ontario’s diverse community, and it is LOFT’s goal to build a workforce that also reflects that diversity.

Additional Information

Note: This role may require availability on weekdays, weekends, holidays, overnight shifts, evening shifts, and daytime hours.