Navigation & Resource Specialist (2026-277-CC)

WoodGreen Community Services•Toronto, ON

1d•Onsite

About The Position

WoodGreen is a team of diverse and innovative change makers working together to make a difference in our communities. A United Way Anchor Agency with a proven track record and an entrepreneurial mindset, we continuously seek to develop solutions to critical social needs while striving to become a Centre for Equity. The Navigation and Resource Specialist - HATM is accountable to the Manager, Counselling & Support Services for providing support to individuals, families, communities, and primary care providers associated with Health Access Taylor Massey and surrounding neighborhoods, with a particular focus on mental health, substance use, and newcomer communities. The position is expected to carry out the services in accordance to WoodGreen policies and procedures, Ministry of Health, Ontario Health, and health related authorities, and all relevant legislation. The philosophy of this work is in keeping with WoodGreen’s commitment to enhance self-sufficiency, promote wellbeing and reduce poverty through innovative solutions to critical social needs.

Requirements

Postgraduate/Master’s Degree, preferably in Social Work or a related discipline.
Registered Social Worker (R.S.W.) in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and/or Member in good standing with a Professional College in Ontario.
Minimum of 3 years related experience in mental health, addictions, and/or social services.
Demonstrated experience supporting individuals with mental health and/or substance use issues, newcomers and individuals deeply affected by poverty from an anti-oppressive, anti-racist, harm reduction, trauma informed, and mental health recovery approach is required.
Demonstrated ability in supporting individuals who have complex mental health and/or substance use issues, history of trauma, violence/abuse, chronic physical health issues, etc.
Ability to perform duties on-site for 4 days per week at the Health Access – Taylor Massey location

Nice To Haves

Proven working knowledge of theories of addiction, evidence-based treatment models and best practice approaches.
Knowledge of, experience with, and demonstrated ability in providing therapeutic interventions, such as Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed approaches, etc.
Knowledge and experience providing individual and group-based addictions counseling and support is an asset.
Demonstrated ability in supporting newcomers to address settlement related issues including trauma, mental health concerns, family dynamics, and labour market challenges.
Demonstrated ability in case management, system navigation, service coordination, planning, and implementation.
Demonstrated ability in working effectively in a multi-disciplinary team or as a team member in collaboration with other community professionals.
Strong assessment, intervention, and therapeutic counselling skills.
Comprehensive knowledge about needs and issues of newcomers, immigrants, and refugees.
Comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the mental health, addictions and health sector, social determinants of health, and community resources.
Demonstrate knowledge of issues affecting marginalized communities, policies, legislation, programs, and other issues related to scope of practice and social determinant of health.
Ability to be self-directed, independent, flexible, and exercise good judgment.
Effective oral and written communication skills and documentation skills.
Applied computer skills (MS word, excel, Internet) and ability to use client information systems.
Ability to demonstrate an anti-oppression approach to practice and work from a client-centered, anti-racism, harm reduction, and trauma informed approach is required.

Responsibilities

Respond to referrals from clients, providers and community partners
Provide confidential and timely client intake to ensure a positive client experience
Perform clinical assessments (psychosocial, psychological, and geriatric) to determine service needs and to formulate recommendations or treatment plans.
Identify appropriate and credible resources responsive to client needs taking into consideration culture, language, reading level, accessibility, and health literacy.
Account for each client’s values, preferences, and circumstances to support the development of client-centered goals.
Connect clients and/or their families/caregivers to a range of community resources and supportive services designed to promote economic, social, and health self-sufficiency. This may be done through active case management, service co-ordination, system navigation, short-term and long-term planning, and follow-up support.
Provide supportive/therapeutic counseling to clients utilizing a wide range of approaches that best meet the clients’ needs and circumstances.
Provide settlement-related crisis intervention and practical assistance to clients.
Encourage active communication between clients and/or caregivers and health care providers to optimize client outcomes.
Provide preliminary assessment of risk in crisis situations, consult, and devise an intervention and action plan, and provide crisis intervention.
Create, maintain, and update appropriate client records, in a timely, efficient manner.
Keep accurate and current documentation, including statistical data and reports, and enter data to relevant data management systems.
Provide navigation services, follow up supports and warm connections to existing patients and clients of HATM providers and services, as well as to community members and HATM providers to ensure people get access to needed healthcare, community, and social care resources.
Receive and process HATM referrals, including those for the East Family Practice Network IPC team.
Identify and communicate opportunities to improve the intake and navigation processes to ensure efficiency and continuous improvement.
Conduct data collection via relevant databases
Collect information related to health and social barriers and basic needs (including, but not limited to comprehensive primary care, food security, housing, finances, mental health and substance use, newcomer/immigration, and non-medical forms)
Create collaborative relationships with HATM staff, providers and partners to promote collaboration and multi-system coordination
Conduct needs assessment to determine the needs of community members and develop a service delivery plan to address needs.
Work closely with primary care to support positive settlement and health-related outcomes.
Ensure the coordination of services and a “continuum of care”.
Facilitate and coordinate group programs, including online workshops, to provide information relating to settlement, health, and wellness.
Plan, implement, and evaluate outreach plan that promotes the range of opportunities available to newcomers and their families.
Keep current about services available in the community and actively engage service providers in all areas to maximize community members access to resources and to enhance capacity for services.
Ensure the organization’s policies and procedures are carried out.
Maintain all aspects of confidentiality relating to clients, volunteers, staff, programs, community members and community partners.
Participate in team and unit meetings regularly, and promote the healthy functioning of the team and unit.
Participate in ongoing training and education.
Participate in supervision sessions and annual performance appraisals with supervisor.
Maintain appropriate records and documentation in a timely manner and collect statistical data required for the accountability of the program.
Represent the unit on internal and/or external staff committees as directed by program manager.
Perform other duties as assigned