SPIN Counsellor/Case Manager

About this position

PARKDALE QUEEN WEST COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE

Counsellor/Case Manager - SPIN – 0.8 FTE Maternity Leave contract

(Internal/External Posting) 

Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre (PQWCHC) is a non-profit, community-based health organization committed to improving the health of community members, particularly those at risk for poverty and discrimination. Our multi-disciplinary approach includes the provision of primary health/dental care, counselling, harm reduction, community development, advocacy, and innovative partnerships with other organizations. PQWCHC is a leader in the development of inner-city health services focusing on the needs of homeless and street-involved youth, adults and families. PQWCHC is a pro-choice and LGBTTQ and 2-Spirit-positive organization committed to employment equity and anti-discrimination. PQWCHC is committed to a harm reduction and health promotion framework across our services.

This position will be providing essential case management and supportive counselling, as key elements to address the social determinants of health for marginalized clients referred by SPIN(Solo Physicians in Need). SPIN is a Toronto Central LHIN initiative that involves several CHCs offering a range of health and psychosocial support for the marginalized patients of solo physicians in our community.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

The Counsellor/Case Manager provides case management and brief stabilizing counselling support and advocacy for SPIN clients. Working as a member of an interdisciplinary team, the Counsellor/Case Manager assists clients in accessing services; crisis management; referral; and systems advocacy towards achieving greater stability and attachment for improved health and well-being. The position may also entail community development work with clients, staff and other organizations to develop or strengthen appropriate resources and policies for this population.

The Counsellor/Case Manager is accountable to the Director of Mental Health Services.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Counsellor/Case Manager for SPIN clients will:

1. Provide client-centred case management, counselling and coordination of services in the Health Centre and in the community. Work to overcome barriers to services and to promote equitable treatment for people who are marginalized.
2. Work closely with Intake Worker during initial intake sessions to identify high-risk clients and provides immediate crisis supports and case management to ensure appropriate navigation of QW services, as well as developing CCPs (Coordinated Care Plans) where necessary.
3. Provide information and individual advocacy for clients regarding issues such as housing, income support, detox and addiction treatment programs, food and clothing, health, employment and legal services.
4. Work collaboratively with Director to ensure that caseload provides accessible and responsive services.
5. Accompany clients to appointments related to key systems navigation (ie court appearances; medical appointments etc.
6. Arrange and follow up with case consultation and case planning with other members of the team at PQWCHC; and with other agencies and institutions with which the client is involved, to facilitate comprehensive case planning (CCPs)
7. Locate appropriate community resource materials and create displays for use by clients and other staff.
8. Maintain timely and appropriate written and electronic client records, reports and correspondence
9. Liaise with community agencies and institutions regarding issues relevant to client need.
10. Work with other service providers to identify gaps in services or required services, and promote the introduction of revised or new services
11. Represent the Centre with local agencies and services.
12. Attend regular clinical supervision with an outside practitioner and participate in regular internal supervision with Director of Mental Health Services. And participate in organizational training and development aligned with the roles and responsibilities for the position.
13. Develop and practice within guidelines of appropriate protocols and policies as required by the Centre.
14. Participate in the overall activities of the Health Centre, e.g., in-service training, committees, special events, shared staff responsibilities.
15. Participate in community initiatives, committees and working groups to foster improved access to services, to promote appropriate service models, and to influence public and government policy.
16. Supervise and/or participates in the learning of students at the Centre. Support and supervise volunteers, as appropriate.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Graduate degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university.
2. Three to five years working with individuals and groups who are marginalized, preferably in a community health setting
3. Three to five years of case management/service navigation, crisis intervention experience; preferably in a community health setting.
4. Proficiency in mental health assessment, psychosocial deficits; and single session and brief solution counselling techniques that are trauma-informed and strength-resiliency-based for working with individuals, couples, families and communities.
5. Demonstrated ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams.
6. Proficiency in the use of computers and various software applications.
7. Proficiency in another language is considered an asset

Also responsible for working in a manner that:

1. Preserves confidentiality and seeks to minimize risk
2. Incorporates health promotion and harm reduction strategies and recognizes the determinants of health
3. Incorporates and strengthens interdisciplinary teamwork and a collaborative approach to the PQWCHC's work
4. Respects and values equity, inclusiveness and diversity of communities and individuals
5. Contributes to PQWCHC's activities to collect, analyze and report on data, participates in research as applicable
6. Supports PQWCHC's student and volunteer placement programs
7. Maintains competence, and where applicable, a professional license to practice
8. Participates actively in team, supervisory and other meetings
9. Reflects PQWCHC's Mission, Values and Service Delivery Approach
10. Follows PQWCHC's policies and procedures
11. Communicates clearly, listens accurately, is open to feedback, handles conflict appropriately, displays sensitivity to others
12. Participates in PQWCHC's commitment to becoming a discrimination-free health centre

Please note that this is a UFCW Local 175 bargaining unit position. The successful candidate will demonstrate a willingness to participate in Parkdale Queen West’s commitment to becoming a discrimination-free health centre and an ability to work interdependently and respectfully in a multi-disciplinary team.  Languages other than English are an asset.  To better represent the communities we serve, applications from members of Indigenous peoples, racialized or cultural minority groups, people with disabilities and LGBTTQ and 2 spirit communities are encouraged to apply. Parkdale Queen West is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs. 

Salary range: $59,324- $69,335 (to be pro-rated to FTE) plus benefits including HOOPP

Please forward your cover letter and resume by Friday, November 9^th, 2018 to:

E-Mail: hiring@ctchc.com

Subject Line: CTCHC Job # CS 07R

Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre

168 Bathurst Street, Toronto ON M5V 2R4

  We regret that only those to be interviewed will be contacted.