Transitional Housing Worker

Canadian Mental Health Association Toronto Branch•Toronto, ON

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Canadian Mental Health Association is seeking a Transitional Housing Worker (THW) for Carlton House, a facility providing transitional shelter for refugees and newcomers with embedded mental health and addictions supports. The THW will support clients with their mental health and social care needs, working closely with a team of managers, case managers, and housing workers. This role is instrumental in supporting clients' goals and ensuring they have access to support when needed, responding to situations during their shifts. Shifts will include evenings and overnights, contributing to a model of care that ensures seamless and coordinated support for refugees settling in Toronto. This role is critical in helping refugees start their new lives by ensuring the availability of essential services.

Requirements

Minimum college diploma in Social Work/Social Sciences, Recreation/Rehabilitation Therapy or a combination of educational and related work/life experience.
Minimum of two years’ experience in direct service delivery.
Work experience in the settlement and/or community work sectors to support adults with mental health and addictions needs.
Sound knowledge of crisis intervention/prevention, addiction issues, recovery-oriented approaches, culturally competent care, trauma informed care, as well as severe and persistent mental illness.
Solution-focused approach to work.
Ability to manage crises.
Ability to work with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds/communities, demonstrating a non-homophobic and anti-racist approach.
Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to work independently.
Effective analytical, assessment, and decision-making skills.
Trained in trauma-informed care, family-centered practices, culturally competent care, and motivational interviewing.
Must be available for weekday shifts (Monday–Friday), including both day (8:00am–4:00pm) and evening (4:00pm–12:00am) availability.
Adherence to COVID-19 policy and provide proof of vaccination.

Nice To Haves

Experience in community mental health.
Lived experience with refugee/settlement challenges or mental health and addiction issues.
Community and shelter experience.
Personal experience with mental health issues, either through self or a loved one.

Responsibilities

Provide on-site support including direct ADL support, group facilitation, social recreational programming, conflict resolution, and supportive counselling.
Perform crisis prevention/intervention, risk assessment/management, monitoring, and follow-up.
Undertake a mix of onsite duties and administrative tasks, including documentation and coordination of shelter operations.
Maintain trusting, respectful, and collaborative working relationships with clients and colleagues.
Liaise with CMHA Toronto, City of Toronto service providers, and other community supports.
Provide on-site mental health and addictions support tailored to client needs.
Deliver settlement navigation and support, information, orientation, and shelter support at the Carlton House location.
Facilitate internal/external referrals for services not provided by the program, including specialized and individualized supports.
Facilitate group and individual sessions for skill-building, life skills training (e.g., household maintenance, budgeting), and addressing diverse client needs.
Develop and implement community outreach plans to promote programs and services.
Provide flexible support, including evenings and weekends, and assist clients with their migration journey and integration into the community.
Help prepare and serve meals to residents, maintaining kitchen routines and food safety standards.
Offer transitional shelter support, support safety, and long-term housing plans.
Develop therapeutic alliances with clients and their support systems from a trauma-informed and strength-based approach.
Advocate on behalf of the client and connect them with community resources.
Establish effective working relationships with staff of other agencies.