PWD Mental Health Worker

Tropicana Community Services•Toronto, ON

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Tropicana Community Services is seeking a qualified and community-focused Mental Health Worker to support youth currently enrolled in the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Program, funded in part through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) – Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. The Mental Health Worker supports youth with disabilities who face mental health–related barriers to participation, employment readiness, and community inclusion. The role focuses on reducing barriers, strengthening employability-related skills, and supporting participants to move toward greater independence, stability, and participation in education, training, or employment pathways. Services are delivered using a person-centered, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach that aligns with TCSO expectations and outcome-focused service delivery.

Requirements

Degree in Social Service Worker, Social Work, Psychology, Community Services, or a related field.
Experience supporting youth with mental health challenges and/or disabilities through paid work, co-op, or placement experience.
Knowledge of youth mental health, recovery-oriented practice, trauma-informed care, and anti-oppressive frameworks.
Strong relationship-building and communication skills with youth, families, and community partners.
Ability to respond calmly and effectively in emotionally challenging or crisis situations.
Strong organizational, observation, and documentation skills.
Ability to work independently while contributing to a team-based environment.
Cultural humility and commitment to equity, inclusion, and community empowerment.
CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention or equivalent training (or willingness to obtain).
Clear Vulnerable Sector Check satisfactory to Tropicana Community Services.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with dual diagnosis, neurodiverse youth, or youth with complex needs is a strong asset.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends based on program needs.
Proactively contributes to the organization.
Initiates or assists with other projects as required

Responsibilities

Provide individualized, strengths-based support to youth with disabilities to reduce barriers related to mental health, daily functioning, and community participation.
Support participants in developing employability-related skills, including routine-building, communication, self-advocacy, emotional regulation, and goal setting.
Engage participants in one-to-one and group-based activities that support confidence, motivation, and readiness for education, training, or employment.
Promote participant choice, self-determination, and active involvement in service planning.
Observe and monitor changes in youth mental health and emotional well-being.
Provide de-escalation and crisis support using trauma-informed and non-violent intervention approaches.
Support youth in identifying triggers, developing safety plans, and practicing healthy coping strategies.
Follow agency protocols and collaborate with supervisors, clinicians, and emergency services when required.
Collaborate with internal teams, families, caregivers, employers, educators, and community partners to support coordinated, outcome-focused service delivery.
Support participants in accessing employment supports, education and training programs, healthcare, income support, and community-based services
Advocate for participant accommodation needs, accessibility, and inclusive practices within service systems
Contribute to transition planning and referrals aligned with participant goals and funder outcomes.
Maintain accurate, timely, and outcome-focused documentation in alignment with ESDC Opportunities Fund requirements and agency policies.
Document participant progress related to employability, skill development, participation, and goal attainment.
Contribute to data collection, monitoring, and reporting activities required by funders.
Ensure confidentiality, informed consent, and professional boundaries are maintained at all times.
Actively participate in team meetings, supervision, and training.
Contribute to a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative team environment.
Support program events, workshops, and community activities as required.