Case Worker

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory•Toronto, ON

2d•CA$44,535 - CA$66,812•Onsite

About The Position

The position of caseworker of Booth Supportive Services is intended to support clients who have left the shelter and require support in order to stabilize into housing and integrate into the community. The focus is on outcomes and case management practices are supported by adopting evidence-based interventions in our services. The caseworker supports clients by developing a plan of care that identifies resources and an individualized community network to promote sustainable housing. Caseworkers brokerage referrals to food, clothing, legal services, mental health, financial supports, etc. and support clients to access mental health and addiction treatment, or other relevant treatment intended to support community integration, and improving quality of life.

Requirements

Ability and willingness to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening.

Nice To Haves

Experience with evidence-based interventions in services.
Experience with CTI (Critical Time Intervention).

Responsibilities

Establishes and maintains a working relationship with each assigned client (up to 20 clients), including all BSS clients when on back up and/or on-call.
Develops an Independent Program Plan (Plan of Care) for and by each client
Assists in the identification and resolution of individual (and community) issues
Works with clients (and their housing provider) to achieve a safe and healthy living environment
Encourages client participation in community activities and organizations
Ensures privacy and confidentiality of client is maintained within established standards, policy and procedure and; that Client Consent forms are signed and updated
Encourages clients to become as self-sufficient, empowered and included in their community, as possible
Advocates with landlords
Assists client to acquire household furnishings when moving into the community and secures Start-up Funds as available or required
Provides landlord mediation (issues and eviction prevention) and Crisis Intervention
Identifies and eliminates fire hazards; for example, bicycles and other items blocking means of egress, unsafe use of open flames like candles, use of stoves and heaters, or unsafe smoking
Educates client in fire safety procedures and prevention
Identifies repair needs and deficiencies at properties / living accommodation and on behalf of the client - liaises with the maintenance coordinators i.e. Clients require minor adjustments and repairs to property such as replacing washers on faucets and light bulbs
Assists clients to manage and minimize storage issues
Identifies and works to resolve any health and safety concerns including pest control
Works with clients to ensure they understand and fulfill their responsibilities for property upkeep such cleanliness, safety issues, proper garbage of disposal
Uses client-centeredness approach, advocates on behalf of clients in association with their community support network - health (medical and mental including addiction issues), housing needs, financial and legal supports, food and clothing, employment, recreation and spiritual counselling
Ensures relationship building - family, friends and community support
Liaises with the Client's circle of care to discuss and ensure client's progress and outcomes
Presents case reports and progress of clients at regularly scheduled team meetings
Counsels clients concerning their compliance with program requirements
Uses best practice tools and client-centeredness approach such as CTI (Critical Time Intervention) to assess and develop a plan of care and goals that are measurable for and by the client
In consultation with the client, on a regular basis, revises and/or adjusts the Plan of Care accordingly
Completes intake, risks assessments and termination summaries (discharges) as required (prepares and submit monthly, quarterly and annual statistical reports to the ministry and The Salvation Army as required)
Meets and establishes a relationship with each new assigned client; provides an orientation to the organization & its services and reviews Orientation check list
Provides assigned clients with practical assistance and basic life skills counseling
Regularly visits, talks with and generally maintains contact with each client
Ensures that the privacy and confidentiality of clients is maintained within established standards, policy and procedure
Ensures that conflict resolution practices are utilized and that efforts are made to resolve individual grievances
Assists clients in meeting their financial obligations in regard to rent, bill payments (budgeting purposes) by: defining individual responsibilities; resolving any financial disputes and any other financial responsibilities
Liaises with other service professionals and institutions for the purpose of information, referral, and systemic and individual advocacy
Provides escorts to housing sites (and when necessary to legal aid, immigration, health appointments, etc.)
Assists clients familiarize themselves with resources and or services available in their community i.e. to assist the individual locate grocery stores, foodbanks, banks, etc. in the new area, introduce client to agencies and community supports within the new neighborhood
Provides guidance and assistance (and/or encourages/engages) to clients in identifying social-recreational, educational and/or community events which they may want to be a member in their specific area of residence
Be knowledgeable and up-to-date concerning trends, issues and information relevant to people in the target populations
Be knowledgeable about and act within relevant legislations and standards
Engages in the development of inter-personal relationships that promotes dignity and respect
Participates in other program service deliverables (Meals that Heal, organizational initiatives, etc.)
Be knowledgeable, and adheres to health and safety practices, Policies and Procedures
Be responsible and adhere to the Social Services Code of Conduct
Ability and willingness to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening.