Community Reintegration Worker / Residential Counsellor

About this position

Title: Community Reintegration Worker / Residential Counsellor

Location(s): Ottawa, ON

Employment Status: Permanent Full-Time 

Salary: $42,515.20-$47,764 per annum + benefits based on work experience  (Includes MCCSS wage enhancement)

Hours: 70 Hours bi-weekly; 8-hour shifts – Includes Weekends and all Shifts (days, afternoons, evenings, nights); overtime as required 

Employer:  John Howard Society of Ottawa

Closing Date: August 31^st, 2023 @ 4:00PM

*4 Positions Available*

About the environment: Employees at JHS Ottawa say the organizational culture is supportive, innovative, and focussed on creating a caring environment for both clients, and staff.   At JHS Ottawa, you will find an employer that celebrates the uniqueness of each of its staff members and is committed to promoting an engaging working culture where all employees are encouraged to live their strengths and realize their potential.  JHS Ottawa will provide permanent new employees access to a benefit plan, four weeks vacation annually, a Defined Contribution Pension Plan after eligibility waiting period, and opportunities for continual learning and development. 

About who we support: Our employees are supporting a diverse client group including youth and adults, all genders, from a wide cross section of social, ethnic, linguistic and cultural backgrounds who are representative of our broader community. We are accountable to the people we serve by providing the highest quality of service with integrity through the delivery of responsive, innovative and evidence-informed approaches. 

About diversity at JHS Ottawa: The John Howard Society of Ottawa is committed to reflecting and responding to the diversity of the people and communities we serve and is seeking that diversity in applicants for this position. We welcome candidates from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, and all candidates who contribute to furthering the diversity of ideas. We also recognize that people from diverse groups have different needs and require different solutions to gain equal opportunity for success in the hiring process. If you require any accommodation during the interview process, please let us know. 

About the role: Under direction of the Residential Coordinator, the Red Maple Supportive Residence is a provincial initiative that provides specialized accommodation and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities and complex needs (including mental health, addictions and behavioural challenges) that are transitioning from the provincial justice system back into the community. The program aims to bridge a gap in service and prevent recidivism by connecting individuals with the required supports and providing them with service targeted to address their risks and needs so that they can transition to more independent living in the community of their choice.

As a Community Reintegration Worker (CRW) / Residential Support Worker (RSW) you will be responsible for supporting the successful transition and re-integration of justice involved individuals by supporting the implementation of individualized case plans, providing coaching and education in the areas of life skills (ADLs/IADLs), providing the direct supervision of residents, facilitating skills based programming, facilitating individual or group programs, connecting with community resources and providing crisis intervention. CRWs are responsible for providing a safe and supportive living environment that fosters inclusiveness, self-efficacy, increased independence and promotes healthy choices and behaviours.

You will be a part of a multi-disciplinary and intensive support team that includes services from Royal Ottawa’s FACTT-DD team and supports from the Community Networks of Specialized Care (CNSC), all working together to support individuals on their recovery journey and transition to more meaningful, pro-social and independent life.

As the successful candidate, you have: 

• A degree or diploma in a relevant social service field (ex. Psychology, Criminology, Social work, Social Service Worker, Community Justice Worker, Developmental Service Worker, etc.; equivalency may be considered)
• Minimum Two (2) to Three (3) years of experience of providing direct support and service to individuals with mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, substance use and homelessness 
• Minimum Two (2) years of experience working in a residential setting.
• A strong understanding of human behaviour and risk management.
• A proven ability to help others learn and master new skills and work through positive change 
• Knowledge of the Canadian Criminal Justice System, including pathways, outcomes and the functions/roles of probation and parole.
• Experience following and implementing individual support plans and behavior management strategies; including physical interventions and restraints. 
• Ability to effectively manage and de-escalate crisis; including physical aggression/violence, property destruction and self-injurious behaviour 
• A strong commitment to supporting all residents, as well as their families and natural supports in being a part of their transition plan
• Excellent people skills to facilitate relationships with clients, colleagues, supervisors, program partners and community members
• A willingness to work in collaboration with a wide variety of community partners, agencies, and emergency services
• A positive attitude and energy towards working with high risk, high need individuals.

You’ll also be prepared to…..

• Work flexible hours as required
• Have ownership of a vehicle and/or ability to be extremely mobile to accommodate meetings in the community and internally at JHS sites and transport clients.
• Participate in meetings, supervision and training as required
• Come with an ability to cope with challenging situations and clients where there is the potential for confrontation, aggression and/or exposure to violence. This includes a requirement to be physically able to participate in physical interventions and restraints as required
• Exercise extreme flexibility to accommodate fluctuating and varied program needs 

You’re a fit with our organizational culture, if you mirror our values in the way you work:           

• You are committed to providing the highest quality of care for your clients, though responsive, innovative, and evidence informed approaches. 
• Driven by curiosity, you adapt to achieve the best results for clients/communities you serve. 
• Celebrating the uniqueness and lived experience of every person is part of your nature, and this conviction creates a sense of belonging, safety, and better outcomes for all. 
• As a leader, you lead in a way that helps employees live their strengths and reach their potential. 
• Lead with compassion and care for others, and help JHS build a culture of listening, mutual support, and meaningful connections. 

What We Offer:

• An opportunity to join a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive team that does truly meaningful and rewarding work.
• Four (4) weeks of Annual Vacation to start + aid Personal Emergency Leave (PEL)
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits that include an Employee Pension Plan
• An innovative environment that takes on new challenges and works to inform industry best practices

Join Us!

If you think you are a the right fit for this vacancy, we would love to hear from you. Please visit the career section of our website and submit your resume and cover letter. Be sure to tell us your story and why you should be on our amazing team!

We sincerely thank all applicants who express interest in JHS and this position- only those selected for an interview will be contacted.