Relief Program Worker, Choices for Living ( JOB ID: CHL1337)

YWCA Toronto•Toronto, ON

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Relief Program Worker is responsible for providing a program of high quality to women with mental health service needs through direct service in accordance with the Mission and policies of YWCA Toronto and in collaboration with other program workers. The YWCA Toronto Choices for Living program offers support, life skills discussions and referral information for women and gender diverse people coping with mental health challenges who want to make changes in their lives. Women and gender diverse people in the groups describe themselves as dealing with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and a wide variety of other mental health issues. We help them broaden their choices and develop better coping skills. This is done through a feminist approach, which focuses on strengths, competencies and empowerment.

Requirements

In-depth knowledge of an academic discipline normally acquired through a clinically supervised undergraduate degree (examples: Social Work, Psychology, Counselling) or equivalent (Cases for equivalency will be considered)
Experience with application of theoretical knowledge to job-related problems
3-5 years experience in counselling and group work with people who have experienced or are experiencing mental health issues
excellent interpersonal, conflict resolution, verbal and written communication skills
experience delivering services with an arts-based or body-based awareness approach
experience incorporating a peer-support or community development element in service delivery
a developed self-reflective practice regarding the client/worker relationship
understanding the dynamics of trauma and oppression in relation to women’s mental health
excellent interpersonal, conflict resolution, verbal, and written communication skills
knowledge of mental health systems
commitment to ongoing learning in the field and staying abreast of trends/developments in women’s mental health
able to deliver culturally competent service in a multicultural environment
able to intervene successfully with women in crisis

Nice To Haves

knowledge of a second language an asset
lived experience related to the effects of mental health and concurrent disorders an asset

Responsibilities

Implements a program appropriate to the needs of participants and that includes elements of peer-based support and other capacity and community-building elements, such as expressive arts and body-based awareness practices
Facilitates up to two support/ educational/counselling group sessions weekly
Works in co-operation with a Co-facilitator to plan and implement group weekly
Provides crisis, support counselling and conflict resolution for participants immediately following group, when necessary
Maintains a client file management system
Works within a team environment; provides support and information to team members
Prepares room for group sessions and sets up furniture and equipment