Crisis Worker (Outreach)

About this position

Crisis Worker - Crisis Outreach Service for Seniors (COSS)

Employment Type:  Full-time Bargaining Unit

Work Hours:  40 hours/week (includes weekends)

Who We Are

Now in our 87th year, Haven Toronto is a drop-in centre where elder homeless, marginally housed and socially isolated men can feel safe, where they can form and cultivate friendships, and become part of a community.

Visit https://www.haventoronto.ca to learn more about who we are and what we do.

Program Overview – Crisis Outreach Service for Seniors

This position works on behalf of Haven Toronto in an inter-agency, multi-disciplinary Crisis Outreach Service for Seniors with mental health and addiction issues. This service is offered through a partnership between Woodgreen, Haven Toronto, South Riverdale Community Health Centre, Reconnect Community Health Services and LOFT Community Services with the goal of ensuring a continuum of care for seniors with mental health and substance use issues.

What You Will Do

• Participate in crisis shifts; going out to visit clients in their homes or other community locations with a partner.
• Assist with assessing client needs, developing, and implementing service plans with short and long-term objectives.
• Provide short-term intensive case management services to a caseload of seniors with mental health and substance use issues, including ongoing assessment, supportive counseling, service navigation, and care coordination.
• Assist clients to access acute care and emergency services when appropriate, and help facilitate client discharges from local emergency departments.
• Assist with monitoring clients, identifying additional needs, and reactivating supports, when warranted.
• Assist in liaising with convalescent care, transitional care, acute care, emergency departments, rehabilitation centres, and complex continuing care to ensure that clients who have been hospitalized have appropriate follow-up services.
• Refer clients and caregivers to a range of community resources, including meals, drop-in centres, social recreational programs, clothing exchanges, etc.
• Carry out service documentation requirements in a timely and professional manner.
• Work with other team members and partner agencies to develop and implement strategies that reduce client/caregiver dependencies on acute care and emergency departments.

What You Bring to the Team

• BSW or related undergraduate degree.
• Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or a related regulatory body.
• Requires two (2) years of related experience in crisis support, the ability to mediate conflict, and demonstrated experience working with seniors.

What Will Set You Apart

• Demonstrated experience in crisis support/intervention.
• Demonstrated experience supporting seniors with mental health and substance use issues from a recovery and harm reduction approach.
• Proven ability in case management and supportive counseling skills.
• Strong assessment skills.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated information and referral skills and the ability to link clients to supportive services.
• Self-directed and independent, but also experienced in working effectively as a member of the multi-disciplinary team.
• Proven ability to minimize barriers through service delivery for low-income individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues.
• Ability to work from a client-centered approach.
• Knowledge of issues affecting older adults and geriatric populations.
• Knowledge of the health sector, community resources, and related services.
• Demonstrated ability to follow policies, procedures, and adhere to legislation.
• Understanding of clinical practices and care models.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, flexibility, and contribute to the effective functioning of a multi-disciplinary interagency Crisis Service focused on older adults.
• Applied computer skills (MS word, excel, and Internet).
• Ability to use case management software is an asset (Pirouette).
• Ability to communicate in another language is an asset.
• Ability to work flexible hours, weekends, and statutory holidays as required.

Why You’ll Want to Work With Us

At Haven Toronto and as a team member of COSS you will be part of an amazing team that does amazing things for our community.

We offer:

• Competitive salary/excellent benefits
• Ongoing training and opportunities for career advancement within the organization
• Formal staff recognition and appreciation programs

To Apply

Submit your resume and cover letter, as follows: 

Executive Director – Haven Toronto

Lauro@haventoronto.ca

Haven Toronto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free selection process and work environment. If contacted in relation to an employment opportunity, please advise us of the accommodation measures required. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

Due to the volume of applicants, please no telephone calls