Social Worker – Homeless and Precariously Housed Populations
We are a dynamic community-based health centre promoting social justice and health equity in the Regent Park neighbourhood and Downtown East area of Toronto. We operate out of several locations and provide a wide variety of services including: primary health care, chiropody, physiotherapy, health promotion, social work, community health, immigrant and refugee services, harm reduction and homeless programs, Pathways to Education, infant and child development programs, parenting programs, and youth services.
Position Summary:
The Social Worker provides case management and counselling services to marginalized and vulnerable community members living with severe mental health and substance use issues, who are also experiencing homelessness, precarious housing and other complex health issues. The goal is to support clients to achieve their optimal level of independence, health and well-being in their daily lives in the community.
The Social Worker is part of an inter-disciplinary team and works in a collaborative, integrated and flexible model of care. Focus is on utilizing a low threshold case management model of care in order to build relationships with marginalized homeless and vulnerable community members, including individuals who may be reluctant to receive service and who may experience barriers and stigma.
This is a Full Time Permanent Position, 35 hours per week
Hourly Range: $37.36 to $ 45.01, plus benefits and HOOPP pension plan
This is a bargaining unit position within OPSEU Local 5115.
Salary
Hours
Application Deadline
Responsibilities and Tasks Include:
Client Assessment:
- Conduct intakes and registration of new clients;
- Jointly identify service needs and goals with the client;
- Develop and maintain low barrier intake system for referrals.
Counselling and Case Management:
- Work with clients to develop an appropriate plan for service;
- Provide low threshold case management and counselling supports that are flexible in nature, utilizing a variety of techniques and approaches that are strengths-based, client centred, culturally sensitive and appropriate to issues as identified by client;
- Re-assess with the client on an ongoing basis re: the identified issues, the plan for service and the service delivery;
- Work collaboratively with involved significant others/family as directed by the client;
- Attend and arrange case conferences and meetings;
- Facilitate client referrals for internal or external services;
- Provide appropriate client advocacy services as directed by the client.
Program Development and Small Group Work:
- Develop or assist in developing program(s) to meet needs identified by clients and/or the community by assessing needs, creating and structuring a program, expanding or linking with existing programs;
- Develop and implement small group work;
- Conduct and complete small group or program evaluation.
Liaising/Networking with Community Groups and Organizations:
- Establish and maintain positive links with organizations and groups in the community;
- Work with community groups and organizations to identify service gaps and needs in the community;
- Network, liaise and jointly advocate with organizations and community groups addressing issues identified by clients and/or the community.
Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:
- Minimum of 4-5 years full-time experience doing similar work with similar populations;
- MSW trained or equivalent education in health/social services;
- Registered member in good standing of the OCSWSSW;
- Strong counselling and case management experience and skills;
- Strong follow up and time management skills;
- Experience working in low threshold models and settings and providing low threshold case management services;
- Excellent understanding of and commitment to harm reduction practices and principles;
- Awareness of and sensitive to the physical and mental health issues of disenfranchised and marginalized populations;
- Understanding of impacts of systemic oppression on marginalized individuals and communities;
- Demonstrated understanding of trauma informed practice;
- Extensive experience with crisis intervention, de-escalation and conflict resolution;
- Proficiency in the use of computers and Electronic Health Records;
- Strong verbal and written communication skills;
- Experience in group work, program development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation considered an asset;
- Understanding of anti-oppression principles;
- Excellent teamwork including inter-professional teams;
- Knowledge of the Regent Park area and issues affecting the community.
- Must have up to date COVID vaccination for the protection of clients and staff.
Regent Park CHC is committed to equity in our hiring and employment practices. Applications are encouraged from qualified individuals who are Indigenous people, members of racialized communities, individuals of diverse sexual orientation and gender identification, persons with disabilities and others protected under the Human Rights Code as well as individuals with lived experience in the Regent Park community.
To protect the health and well-being of our clients and employees, Regent Park Community Health Centre has adopted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy that requires that new employees have an up to date, Health Canada approved, COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals with valid medical or human rights-based exemptions, will be considered for appropriate accommodation within the policy.
Apply For This Position
Please submit your resume and cover letter by
August 30, 2024
No phone calls, please. We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. RPCHC is committed to developing an inclusive, selection process and work environment. If contacted, please advise the hiring manager if you require any accommodation during the interview process.