Case Manager_FT-Contract

LOFT Community Services • Toronto, ON

1d • CA$55,239 - CA$67,560 • Onsite

About The Position

As a Case Manager, you will provide both on-site and/or community-based, direct services to individuals living with mental health, physical health, and substance use challenges who may be living independently, in supportive housing, or currently experiencing or have previously experienced homelessness or precarious housing. Case Managers work individually and/or as part of a team that may include a Coordinator, Peer Support Workers, Housing Support Workers, and other members of interdisciplinary teams to meet clients’ housing, health, and other social needs. The program works closely to assess, plan, treat, and support clients as they work toward recovery. The position may involve driving, and a valid Ontario driver’s license and insurance are required.

M-DOT is a specialized team of providers from LOFT, Inner City Health Associates (ICHA), and the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH). M-DOT provides clinical hands-on support to those with complex healthcare needs who are experiencing chronic homelessness. M-DOT provides outreach, case management, and peer support services with access to psychiatric and medical assessment, consultation, access to treatment, service planning, and advocacy. Services are designed to be short-term, focused on comprehensive assessment, stabilization, and linking to long-term resources. M-DOT provides services to individuals often identified as ‘complex’, who have not responded positively to other programs or attempts to engage. The aim of M-DOT is to provide a low-barrier transitional service, which meets individuals where they are at and assists in stabilizing their health, mental health, and substance use. M-DOT works from a housing-first and harm-reduction approach. The goal is to meet immediate needs, reduce barriers, and assist individuals in getting connected to housing and follow-up support that meets the level of need required for each individual to live successfully in the community.

Requirements

• Excellent understanding of trauma-informed recovery, harm reduction, and psychosocial rehabilitation principles as acquired through a post-secondary education in human services, coupled with at least three years of experience working with the client population in order to apply the theories to practical settings.
• A post-graduate education in health care/social services or other related field with a minimum of three years relevant experience in the mental health sector.
• Knowledge of the issues faced by adults with mental illness, addictions, physical health concerns, and homelessness.
• An understanding of the therapeutic relationship with an ability to negotiate with clients on goals and priorities.
• Knowledge of local community agencies and other professional services available for the client group is essential.
• Experience in working as part of a team of professionals.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, insurance to transport clients, and a reliable vehicle in order to travel across the City of Toronto.
• Strong understanding of anti-racism/anti-oppression frameworks.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and counselling skills are required to work in a team environment and to engage the clients in some highly personal areas, such as developing healthy living skills, life skills, and in maintaining interpersonal relationships.
• Good intake assessment, crisis intervention, advocacy, and problem-solving skills.
• Computer literacy sufficient to produce and maintain files, records, or statistical information.
• Good analytical, time management, and organizational skills to contribute to program planning and to co-ordinate and follow-up on issues or activities with clients.
• Good communication skills both oral and written.

Nice To Haves

• A satisfactory vulnerable sector check (VSC) is also required.

Responsibilities

• Complete intake assessments and working from a client-centered approach, develop a support and recovery plan 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 individual 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, organising, 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 the program on a rotational basis through a pager or similar system.
• Assist in preparing units for occupancy that may include moving furniture.
• Engages effectively with individuals experiencing serious mental health issues and/or addictions, cognitive difficulties, brain injury, or primary health care issues.
• Conducts outreach or community visits independently or with other team members or to locate and connect with identified clients.
• Develops relationships with individuals served by the team and addresses basic and immediate needs.
• Engages in crisis intervention/prevention with clients.
• Case manages from a psycho-social rehabilitation and recovery model, linking clients with other supports as necessary, including housing, transportation, shelter placement, identification (ID) services, and translation services, among others.
• Liaises with Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or other financial sources as required.
• Completes housing applications for clients and acts as an advocate to place clients in appropriate, affordable housing.
• Works from a harm-reduction approach with clients dealing with addiction issues.
• Advocates on behalf of homeless individuals in accessing a range of services.
• Works cooperatively with team members, hospital personnel, other service providers, and City staff in order to better meet client’s needs.
• Facilitates transfer of care to appropriate internal and external wrap-around services that provide clients with follow-up support services or ongoing case management or other appropriate services as identified by the client's care plan.
• Client-related activities accurately and in a timely fashion on the Client Relationship Management System’s database.
• Actively participates in regular supervision, case reviews, team meetings, and training sessions.
• Submits time sheets, expense claims, and other required information in accordance with agency regulations.
• Represents the agency at external workshops, inter-agency initiatives, staff training, and other community-based activities.
• Shares the driving responsibilities with other team members.
• Other duties as assigned by the Program Manager, Associate Director, and/or Director.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level