TFT - Supportive Housing Case Manager, Youth

Canadian Mental Health Association - Windsor Essex County•Windsor, ON

1d•CA$36 - CA$42•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Manager, Housing, Facilities and Employment Services, the Supportive Housing Case Manager-Youth is responsible for supporting the establishment and maintenance of safe, stable and affordable permanent housing for individuals who have a serious mental illness, and are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. This position provides professional case management services within the framework of a client directed clinical/rehabilitation case management model. The position provides a continuum of functions, including: assertive outreach, building therapeutic relationships, developing care plans and outcomes with clients, symptom management, life skills teaching, supportive counseling, client and systems advocacy, family support, and crisis intervention. Services are delivered to individuals and their families who may reside with them. Through an integrated support model, the incumbent will work in conjunction with their Housing Team Colleagues to support clients in maintaining appropriate and sustainable market based housing with community Landlords, primarily within the Homeless Initiative (HI) Supported Housing Program. The position’s focus is on overall wellness, tailoring service delivery toward recovery, resilience and self-sustenance in a stabilized housing environment. Notwithstanding other client directed goals, a service delivery outcome of independence is a prime directive for the position.

Requirements

Knowledge and skill acquired through the completion of Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) or Nursing (BScN) from an accredited university is preferred or a minimum of a three (3) year University degree in a field deemed relevant by the employer (i.e. Psychology, combined with significant case management experience).
Two (2) years recent, relevant experience working with vulnerable populations in the judgement of the employer.
Experience working with youth populations (15-30) and housing support programs is an asset.
Comprehensive knowledge of mental illness and treatments; comprehensive knowledge of functions and principles of case management; thorough knowledge of psychotropic drugs; knowledge of relevant mental health policy, legislation and regulations; knowledge of community resources; knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act and related legislation and regulations; a sound awareness and knowledge of community resources as they relate to socialized housing
Computer literacy skills and working knowledge or various Microsoft Windows application is required.
A valid Ontario Driver’s License with access to a reliable vehicle and proof of current insurance and licensing are required for this position.

Nice To Haves

Registered member in good standing of a professional college deemed relevant by the employer such as the College of Nurses (preferably with Canadian Certification in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing) or the College of Social Workers or the College of Psychotherapy in good standing is considered an asset.
Bilingualism in both official languages at the advanced level is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Working cooperatively with clients, and any relevant resources, to address mental health and housing needs.
Assisting clients in reducing and eliminating homelessness through accessing supportive permanent, safe, affordable, and stable market based community housing.
Client orientation. Ensuring clients have an understanding of the services being offered as well as an understanding of processes, rights and expectations for participation in the program as well as limits to confidentiality.
Identification of client needs through ongoing assessment and treatment/care planning.
Staff will collect clinical data to gauge individual’s level of need, risk of recidivism, and the overall risk to the community at large.
Providing education about illness, symptom management, and coping skills.
Developing, delivering and evaluating group educational programs relevant to clients as directed by the manager.
Working collaboratively with clients to implement treatment/care plans that focus on strengths, wellness and empowerment to support recovery and goal achievement.
Provide education to clients to assist with re-integration into the community during and following involvement in the judicial system.
Working collaboratively with clients, their Landlords and other community partners, to support and implement treatment/care plans that focus on strengths, wellness, resilience and empowerment to support recovery, goal achievement and independence.
Facilitate case conferences to ensure that service providers are cognizant of client’s needs as well as the requirements for service provision.
Developing relapse prevention/wellness plans as well as providing crisis intervention.
Client and Systems advocacy and linkage to resources: Assists clients to access information as well as internal/external resources, services or supports which are deemed necessary. Where resources do not exist or they are inadequate, advocates within system to develop or improve essential services and resources for clients.
Supporting reintegration into community, school, work and social activities as well as the building of a healthy informal support system.
Providing life skill coaching to support activities of daily living and independence.
Assisting clients in accessing financial assistance and benefits.
Engaging, educating and supporting families through the treatment and recovery process and encouraging clients to identify and include a care partner.
Liaising, when appropriate, with family and other service or health care providers involved with the client to ensure continuity of care using a ‘least intrusive’ approach.
Provides short term crisis supports for clients enrolled in the rent subsidy portion of CMHA Supportive Housing but discharged from clinical services, mustering required resources and supports to stabilize the crisis at hand and return client to an independent housing track.
Ensures all file management and reporting functions are maintained in a comprehensive and timely manner.
Participates in program evaluation and makes recommendations for changes/improvement.
Ensure up-to-date knowledge of mental health and other relevant legislation including: Ensuring clients have information related to their rights under the Mental Health Act and other related legislation such as the Residential Tenancy Act and related legislation related to housing
Ensuring client has awareness and understanding of their rights relating to services, duty to warn, and confidentiality.