Case Manager - Mental Health & Justice

About this position

LOFT Community Services is a unique and dynamic charitable organization that supports people living with complicated issues such as mental and physical health challenges, substance abuse, poverty and homelessness. Serving over 5300 people and providing 1654 units of supportive housing last year, LOFT is one of Ontario’s largest mental health service providers of its kind. In 2018 LOFT was a Nonprofit Employer of Choice™ Award (NEOC) recipient.

To help fulfill its mission, LOFT is hiring a Case Manager – Mental Health & Justice.

JOB SUMMARY:

The case manager provides a range of services that supports individuals living with serious mental illness.  They may also have a history of homelessness and/or concurrent disorders; complex needs and current involvement in the justice system. The goal is to increase their independence through skill enhancement and development, by building a support network and linking consumers to available community services.  The case manager also provides needs assessment, coaching, skills teaching, advocacy, crisis management, may facilitate house meetings and/or psycho-educational groups and supports consumers in daily living. This position liaises with other community agencies and professional services.  The case manager is required to share on-call responsibilities on a rotational basis for all LOFT Crosslinks Housing & Support Services programs.  Travel within York Region and occasionally to the downtown Toronto office is an expectation of this position.

NOTE: Staff will be required to work in residents’ rooms/apartment units and may therefore be exposed to secondhand smoke. There will be occasional weekend coverage.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop a plan of support and recovery which includes identifying priorities and goals, in conjunction with client, other professionals, areas identified through initial intake and OCAN’s;
• Promote the personal empowerment of each individual through coaching, mentoring and support, thereby enabling each to meet the daily requirements of their living environment; directly assisting with their daily living activities, particularly in the acquisition of life skills in such areas as hygiene, medication management, cooking, cleaning, shopping and budgeting; developing strategies and establishing a plan for maintaining these daily activities;
• Establish and co-ordinate a support network of social, family, medical, psychiatric and other community links.  Develop a coordinated care plan as appropriate.
• Provide crisis intervention/management and assist in the development of crisis plans with clients;
• Promote the services of the program and the image of the agency as a representative with clients, families, other supports, external agencies and others in a professional manner that reflects favourably on the organization
• Mediate issues or conflicts between residents, or residents and neighbours, teaching conflict resolution; following-up on issues to ensure resolution;
• Participate in planning, organizing, promoting and conducting events for the clients in an effort to address their social needs and prevent isolation; maintain a general awareness of community events and activities to also meet these needs;
• Participate in the administration of the program by completing and maintaining the required records, assessments or statistics such as client files in accordance with established procedures;
• Participate as a team member in program delivery by providing support and consultation to colleagues, identifying gaps in service and recommending solutions, participating in meetings, planning and evaluation initiatives, committees, events and activities; orienting new staff, students or volunteers; providing other related assistance as required.
• Provide 24 hour crisis support to program on a rotational basis through a pager or similar system;
• Assist in the preparing units for occupancy which may include moving furniture.
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of a degree/diploma in Social Work/Human Services or equivalent,
• Minimum of three years case management experience in providing support to vulnerable adults with special needs including serious mental health issues and/or concurrent disorders and complex needs;
• Previous experience working with those who have had conflict with the law and exposure to the criminal justice system;
• Previous experience in supportive housing is an asset;
• Ability to directly assist residents with daily living activities, promoting the acquisition of life skills;
• Understanding of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery principles, harm reduction, and the therapeutic relationship and the ability to apply these concepts into practice;
• Knowledge of issues faced by adults with serious mental illness and addictions and of available community and other professional services in York Region;
• Knowledge of local community agencies and other professional services available for the client group is essential;
• Creativity and flexibility to approaches;
• Good oral and written communication skills, counselling and responding skills to engage clients in highly personal areas;
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment and to interact with workers from a variety of agencies;
• Ability to implement assessment tools, develop and implement care plans in conjunction with client
• Crisis intervention skills, with well-developed problem solving abilities;
• Will be required to assist in cleaning units with individuals or in preparing units for occupancy
• Possession of a valid driver’s license use of a reliable vehicle is required and insurance to transport clients
• Understanding of cultural competency and anti-oppression framework;
• Reflective of a multi-barriered group, as serviced by the program, a strong asset

TO APPLY:  Send resume with cover letter to Human Resources,

Email: hr@loftcs.org

LOFT Community Services is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment and dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live and serve.  LOFT is committed to making employment opportunities accessible in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. Upon request, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the application and hiring process.

Contact humanresources@loftcs.org  or (416) 979-1994 to discuss your accommodation requirements.

PLEASE INCLUDE: “CASE MANAGER - MHJ” in the subject line of any emails.

CLOSING DATE: December 10, 2020