Service Navigation Specialist

SHIPSHEY • Mississauga, ON

11h • CA$59,932 - CA$70,576 • Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Service Navigation Specialist will be responsible for engaging respectfully with people who are using the airport as a temporary place to stay by providing person-centered information, resources, and referrals to emergency shelter and longer-term supports. This work supports informed choice and contributes to reducing reliance on the airport for shelter. This position is part of Project SOAR (Support, Outreach, Access and Resources), a collaborative initiative with the Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA) and Peel Regional Police (PRP) that is focused on coordinated, safety-oriented, and supportive responses. During shifts, the Service Navigation Specialist is paired with a PRP Officer and is provided with additional training opportunities to support effective, safe, and trauma-informed service delivery.

Requirements

• Post-secondary education in Social Work, Social Services, Health Services, or equivalent
• 3+ years experience providing assessments on individuals with mental health challenges and single-session therapy delivery
• Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is an asset
• Registration with Inform USA/Canada is an asset
• Demonstrated knowledge of serious mental illness, concurrent disorders, and/or dual diagnosis, and experience with intake services preferred
• Excellent assessment, de-escalation, risk management, and crisis intervention skills grounded in trauma-informed practice
• Expertise in collaboration with healthcare services
• Knowledge of MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)
• A vehicle, valid driver’s license, and adequate insurance coverage
• Valid Certification in First Aid & CPR
• Training in ASIST and CPI
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Be self-directed and reliable to achieve consistent goals
• Profound knowledge and experience working with a diverse population of varying levels of education, professions, and personal life experiences from a broad range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
• Able to multi-task and work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

• Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is an asset
• Registration with Inform USA/Canada is an asset
• Demonstrated knowledge of serious mental illness, concurrent disorders, and/or dual diagnosis, and experience with intake services preferred

Responsibilities

• Engage with people using the airport as a temporary place to stay, building rapport through trauma-informed, culturally safer, strengths-based, non-judgmental approaches
• Complete needs-based conversations to identify immediate safety concerns, urgent needs, and longer-term housing/service goals
• Provide accurate information on available supports, including emergency shelter options, crisis services, income and health resources, and longer-term housing pathways
• Facilitate referrals and warm transitions to emergency shelters, outreach teams, supportive housing providers, and other community-based services as appropriate
• Coordinate shift activities with the paired Peel Regional Police (PRP) Officer to support safety-oriented, supportive, and collaborative responses
• Participate in coordinated planning and information-sharing processes with Project SOAR partners (e.g., GTAA, PRP, SHIP) within applicable privacy and consent requirements
• Document interactions, referrals, and follow-up actions in required tracking systems to support continuity of care, reporting, and quality improvement
• Ensure accurate and complete records are maintained to standards
• Use standardized assessment tools within a community setting
• Monitor and report trends and emerging issues observed during outreach (e.g., service gaps, recurring barriers, safety concerns) to the Program Manager and team
• Apply de-escalation techniques and safe work practices, escalating concerns and seeking support when risk is identified
• Develop and maintain community resource network
• Complete evaluations and feedback surveys with service recipients
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to quality care and service delivery based on SHIP’s Mission and Values
• Adhere to agency Health & Safety Program and the Client Safety Framework in the promotion of service recipient safety
• Perform additional duties as required/delegated by Management
• Work towards creating inclusive and equitable spaces using an anti-racist and anti-oppressive approach
• Use a health equity approach to identify and dismantle inequities within our systems
• Demonstrate ability to uphold PHIPA legislation

Benefits

• SHIP strives to be equitable and inclusive in all that we do. Equity is a core value, and we are committed to providing an inclusive selection process. We encourage applicants from equity deserving communities including women, Black, Indigenous, other racialized groups, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, individuals with disabilities and others who will contribute to and enrich the organization and its values. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes, and work environments. Please advise the People and Culture Department of any accommodations needed in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree