Relief Community Engagement Worker

YWCA Toronto•Toronto, ON

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Relief Community Engagement Worker will create an inclusive community, encourage participation in the broader community, work one-on-one and through group programming to identify and develop effective strategies that meet the emotional, practical and social needs of tenants and the community as a whole. The position will work within the Community Engagement Program team and alongside the Jean Tweed case management team to ensure that community engagement activities support a positive and dynamic environment with a focus on health outcomes. YWCA Elm Centre includes 300 units of permanent housing for three different resident groups: 165 affordable rental units, 50 units for Indigenous women, gender diverse people and their families and 85 supportive units for women and gender diverse people living with mental health or concurrent mental health and substance use challenges. The Elm Community Engagement Workers provides supports and services to the entire residential community, with a focus on community capacity building, housing stabilization and health promotion.

Requirements

General knowledge of an academic or technical discipline normally acquired through the completion of an undergraduate degree in a social services or health field (examples: BSW/Social Work, Occupational Therapy, etc.) (Cases for Equivalency will be considered);
1-3 years of demonstrated experience working in diverse, direct and complex service settings with adults and families who experience the impacts of poverty, homelessness/under-housing, violence/trauma, mental health and or substance use challenges, and other sources of marginalization or oppressions;
Minimum of 1 year of demonstrated clinical skills in client engagement, holistic assessment, supportive counseling and group programming that is flexible, feminist, trauma-informed, harm reduction-informed and strengths-based;
Demonstrated in-depth understanding of marginalization and vulnerability, specifically as it specifically relates to women, gender diverse people, women-led and gender diverse led families living with trauma, mental illness, addictions and chronic health issues;
Demonstrated knowledge and use of evidence-based modalities including bio-psycho-social model, strengths model, harm reduction, trauma informed practice, motivational interviewing;
Demonstrated ongoing commitment to critical self-reflection and anti-oppression practice;
Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work and maintain partnerships with external community agencies to facilitate client access to relevant community supports, services and programs as necessary;
Demonstrated ability to deliver programming that recognizes and values cultural identities (ethno-racial, LGBTQ, e.g.) and creates opportunities for strengthening community through sharing and building understanding and respect;
Excellent crisis intervention and conflict mediation skills, with ability to remain calm in crisis;
Proven experience and strong skills in developing and facilitating group-based programming using harm reduction principles and framework;
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in the planning and delivery of services;
Current First Aid and CPR certification;
Excellent oral and written communication skills;

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act an asset
Knowledge of a second language or culture an asset.

Responsibilities

Provides supports and services to tenants that promote inclusion, participation, creativity and empowerment to build a vibrant community where safety and wellbeing are shared values;
Incorporates health promotion and harm reduction strategies to empower individuals as they address issues related to substance use, mental health, health and wellness and housing;
Provides effective crisis prevention and intervention, conflict resolution and mediation support in ways that support individual and community well-being, including the use of emergency and health systems appropriately
Provides information and referrals; maintains collaborative relationships with service-related agencies for support and referral purposes;
Conducts risk and safety assessments to ensure safety and wellbeing of tenants and organizational responsibility;
Engages with the staff team in reflective practice to ensure the implementation of quality programs and services;
Compiles program statistics, maintains records, and ensures prompt communication of all relevant info through email and in person shift changes.