Community Support Worker

About this position

DATE: September 5^th, 2024
LOCATION: Toronto, ON – Northwest Supportive Housing
COMPENSATION: $53,630 - $65,589 Annually Prorated
 
LOFT Community Services is a unique and dynamic charitable organization that supports people living with complicated issues such as mental and physical health challenges, substance use challenges, poverty and homelessness. Serving approximately 19,633 annually and providing 1,861 units of supportive housing last year, LOFT is one of Ontario’s largest mental health service providers of its kind. LOFT is also recognized as a Nonprofit Employer of Choice™ Award (NEOC) recipient.
 
To help fulfill its mission, LOFT is hiring a Community Support Worker.

Job Summary

As a Community Support Worker you will be part of a team that co-ordinates a support network and linkages for adults with complex mental health, health and addiction challenges living in independent units in Northwest Toronto. A key component of this position is building a support network of community resources that will enable the individual to increase their independence, dignity and self-respect. The role will require direct service and support to clients in area such as housing, activities of daily living, practical assistance, crisis intervention, linkages to primary care and a range of other services to support the individual’s needs. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.  Frequent travel will be required.

What You Will Do

Through a team oriented approach, the position attempts to empower the client, thereby increasing their independence, dignity and self-respect in a safe and secure environment, by:

• Participating in the intake process for clients referred to the program; conducting an assessment with the individual, help to determine their daily living needs and working together to develop a plan of support and recovery  
• Supporting the personal journey of each individual by building a rapport. Supporting and establishing a plan with each person to meet the daily requirements of their living environment; directly assisting with their daily living activities, particularly in the acquisition of life skills in such areas as hygiene, medication management, cooking, cleaning, shopping and budgeting, for increasing their awareness of safety issues and for ensuring that residents receive adequate assistance in various aspects of their life;  
• Establishing a holistic support network of social, family, spiritual, community medical and psychiatric links and resources, assisting the individual so that the linkages are maintained through non-intrusive follow-up, reminders and by occasionally accompanying clients on their appointments; providing 24 hour crisis support on a rotational basis through a pager or similar system;  
• Supporting self-advocacy and advocating on behalf of the client in navigating the social services and health care systems and ensuring accessibility and availability of services; promoting and enhancing the services of the program and the image of the agency as a representative LOFT Community Services Job Description with external agencies and other professionals; mediating issues or conflicts between residents, or residents and neighbours, teaching conflict resolution; following-up on issues to ensure resolution;  
• Encouraging individual participation and participating in house meetings, resident association activities or other group activities which promote the wellbeing of the residents and the smooth operation of the house; conducting resident group meetings; maintaining a general awareness of the activities or whereabouts of residents in the house, identifying issues, communicating or noting incidents for director as required; collecting rents, preparing bank deposits and monitoring petty cash; 
• Assisting in the administration of the program by completing and maintaining the required records or statistics such as resident files, rent geared to income files, activity sheets, reports, etc. In accordance with established procedures; participating actively as a team member in program delivery by providing support and consultation to colleagues, identifying gaps in service and recommending solutions, participating in meetings, planning and evaluation initiatives, committees, events and activities; orienting new staff; providing other related assistance as required.

What You Bring

Must Haves

• An excellent understanding of harm reduction, and psychosocial rehabilitation / Recovery principles as acquired through a relevant degree/diploma in human services
• At least three years of experience working with the client population in order to apply the theories to practical settings.
• Knowledge of the issues faced by adults with mental health and or addiction or homelessness.
• An understanding is also required of the therapeutic relationship with an ability to negotiate with clients on goals and priorities.
• Knowledge of local community agencies and other professional services available for the client group is essential.
• Experience in working as part of a team of professionals, and in conducting meetings or facilitating groups.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and counselling skills are required to work in a team environment and to engage the clients in some highly personal areas, such as developing healthy living skills, life skills and in maintaining interpersonal relationships.
• Good intake assessment, crisis intervention, advocacy and problem solving skills.
• Computer literacy sufficient to produce and maintain files, records or statistical information.
• Good analytical, time management and organisational skills to contribute to program planning and to co-ordinate and follow-up on issues or activities with clients

Nice-to-Haves

• Possession of a valid Ontario Driver's License and access to a car

What We Offer

• A comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• Defined Benefits Pensions Plan
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
• E-learning program available all year round
• Starting vacation time above minimum standard,
• Additional paid personal and paid sick days
• Professional development budget available to help you nurture and shape your career
• Corporate Gym membership rate with GoodLife Fitness
• Access to Perkopolis, a comprehensive corporate discount program
• Access to unlimited DEI trainings through partnership Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Maternity-leave top up program

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

LOFT Community Services is a values-driven organization with a deep belief that each person has the ability to grow and change. We value compassion, collaboration, and community delivered with dignity, innovation, and excellence. LOFT’s vision is that together, we can all live successfully in our community. Our client population reflects Ontario’s diverse community and it is LOFT’s goal to build a workforce who reflects that diversity. At LOFT, we hold the deep belief that skills and expertise can be cultivated in various ways. Therefore, even if you don't perfectly align with every listed criterion but feel you could flourish in this role, we highly encourage you to apply.

Note: A satisfactory vulnerable sector check (VSC) is also required.

CLOSING DATE: September 19^th, 2024