Case Worker – Harm Reduction

YWCA Toronto • Toronto, ON

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Harm Reduction – Caseworker is responsible for leading the design and implementation of programming that promotes harm reduction principles and approaches that empower tenants and tenant-led initiatives. The goal of the position is to create an inclusive community, encourage participation in the broader community, and develop effective harm reduction strategies to meet the emotional, practical and social support needs of the tenants and the community as a whole. Caseworker also supports tenancy retention through eviction prevention, developing and implementing community development initiatives, with the goal of creating a dynamic and inclusive community. YWCA Toronto Church Street facility includes 120 units of permanent housing. The Case Worker is responsible for providing case management support to women and gender diverse people including: individuals with complex mental health issues and who are chronically homeless or at risk of homelessness; individuals transitioning from provincially-funded institutions and service systems such as hospitals or prisons; Indigenous women/two-spirit people. The program goals include housing stabilization, harm reduction, and health promotion. Individual and group support assists tenants to identify and build the skills required to address the barriers they experience in their lives and to maintain their housing.

Requirements

• General knowledge of an academic or technical discipline normally acquired through the completion of an undergraduate degree (example: Bachelor of Social Work in mental health and health field, Occupational Therapy, etc.) (Cases for Equivalency will be considered)
• 3 - 5 years’ experience working in a supportive housing setting in a direct service setting with children, youth and adults who experience impacts of poverty, homelessness/under-housing, violence/trauma, mental health/addictions, or concurrent disorders
• In-depth understanding of harm reduction, trauma, mental health and substance use
• Demonstrative experience, knowledge and understanding of harm reduction approaches as a holistic frame work that incorporates supportive housing, community development, advocacy and peer support
• Demonstrated experience in cultivating leadership within groups and developing dynamic and innovative programming
• Supportive counseling and group-work approach that is flexible, client-centered and strengths-based
• Working knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act, Housing Services Act, and Ontario Human Rights Code
• Excellent crisis intervention and conflict mediation skills, with ability to remain calm in crisis
• Proven experience working independently, developing and facilitating groups
• Ability to deliver culturally sensitive services and very good knowledge and understanding of community resources
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and excellent oral and written communications skills
• Working knowledge and application of Anti-Oppression, Trauma Informed, Harm Reduction, and feminist frameworks

Nice To Haves

• Life Skills certificate an asset
• arts based and social media skills an asset
• Knowledge of a second language or culture an asset

Responsibilities

• Uses effective eviction prevention measures to assist tenants to assume and maintain their tenancy obligations
• Uses harm reduction principles in facilitating and supporting tenant-centered activities (e.g. tenant committees related to areas of importance for residents such as safety, health and wellness, building-related issues, housing stability, etc.)
• Provides harm reduction strategies that will empower individuals as they address issues related to substance use, mental health, health and wellness and housing
• Provides crisis prevention, intervention and counseling for women and children and gender diverse people to respond to crisis in ways that support individual and community well-being
• Engages individuals in identifying needs, developing treatment plans, and assists tenants to problem solve and access relevant community support plans that identify ongoing housing and mental health/addictions support
• Works with a tenant support network and referral partners to develop individualized support plans that identify ongoing housing and mental health/addictions support
• Creates and delivers programming specifically designed to build community capacity with the use of a harm reduction framework that will give individuals and groups of residents the opportunity to develop and use harm reduction strategies in all aspects of their lives (health, relationships, independent life skills, housing, etc.)

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental Coverage
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Benefit
• Multi-Sector Pension Plan: Employer’s contribution of 5.75% and Employee Contribution of 3.25%
• Time off: Starts with 20 Vacation Days, 1.5 Days Per Month Sick Leave, 12 Paid Holidays, Health Promotional Days and 4 Float Days
• Child Care Benefits
• Maternity/Parental Leave Supplementary Employment Benefits
• Educational/Sabbatical Leave
• Financial Assistance for Professional Development
• Wellness supports and EAP resources available

What This Job Offers

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