Community Support Worker

About this position

DATE: November 30th, 2023

LOCATION: Toronto, ON – Wilkinson Homeless Initiatives

COMPENSATION: $51,805 - $63,764 Annually Prorated


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 use challenges, poverty and homelessness. Serving approximately 13,969 annually and providing 1,788 units of supportive housing last year, LOFT is one of Ontario’s largest mental health service providers of its kind. LOFT is also recognized as a Nonprofit Employer of Choice™ Award (NEOC) recipient.

JOB SUMMARY:

As a Community Support Worker you will be part of a team that co-ordinate a support network and linkages for adults with complex mental health, health and addiction challenges living in scattered units across the GTA, with the focus being central Toronto. A key component of this position is building a support network of community resources that will enable the individual to increase their independence, dignity and self-respect. The role will require direct service and support to clients in area such as housing, activities of daily living, practical assistance, crisis intervention, linkages to primary care and a range of other services to support the individual’s needs. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.  Frequent travel will be required.
* The position may be exposed to secondhand smoke.


WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Develop care and/or recovery plans for clients living in supportive housing in Toronto which includes identifying client goals, activities of daily living, and assessments (such as OCANs, etc) as required by program
• Meet regularly with clients in scattered sites across the GTA
• Provide crisis intervention where required and assist in development of safety plans and crisis plans
• Coordinate circle of care for clients as required; liaising with external healthcare providers, natural supports, and social/community supports
• Make referrals to support client goals in conjunction with needs assessments, following up regularly with external supports
• Facilitate weekly and monthly client house meetings and support social/recreational programming for clients living in scattered units
• Mediate conflict between clients as necessary and support
• Support administration in program by regularly completing required documentation and maintaining all client records

WHAT YOU BRING

• Completion of degree in social services/human services or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in providing support to adult 18 + years old with mental health, health &/or addiction challenges.
• An understanding of harm reduction, recovery and psychosocial rehabilitation principles, the therapeutic relationship, and an ability to come to an agreement with clients on goals/priorities
• Crisis intervention skills, with well-developed problem solving abilities and interpersonal skills
• Group counselling related to mental health, addictions and related issues
• Good oral and written communication skills and computer literacy, including Pirouette, MS Word and Excel
• Counselling, responding and assessment skills
• Creativity and flexibility to approaches
• Knowledge of community resources and supports in the GTA
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and interact with workers from a variety of agencies
• Understanding of cultural competency and framework
• Knowledge of other languages is an asset

WHAT WE OFFER

• A comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• Defined Benefits Pensions Plan
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
• E-learning program available all year round
• Starting vacation time above minimum standard,
• Additional paid personal and paid sick days
• Professional development budget available to help you nurture and shape your career
• Corporate Gym membership rate with GoodLife Fitness
• Access to Perkopolis, a comprehensive corporate discount program
• Access to unlimited DEI trainings through partnership Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Maternity-leave top up program

 

Note: All LOFT employees are required to be COVID-19 vaccinated as a condition of hire in accordance with LOFT’s Vaccination Policy; unless they are employed in or work regularly with staff who are employed in, non-client facing roles.

Note: A satisfactory vulnerable sector check (VSC) is also required.                                                  
 
CLOSING DATE: December 14th, 2023