2SLGBTQIA+ Case Worker (6 Month Contract)

at  Friends of Ruby

Friends of Ruby is dedicated to the journey and well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, aged 16-29 through mental health services, social services, and housing. Friends of Ruby offers Youth Mental Health services, a Youth Drop-In Centre, and a Transitional Home. The Centre provides access to barrier-free counselling and therapeutic groups, case management and a drop-in space with hot meals, community, and comprehensive programming. The Home provides transitional and emergency housing, mental health, and life-skills to support youth moving towards independent living.
Friends of Ruby recognize that a diverse work force is critical to accomplishing our mission. Our goal is to attract and develop incredibly talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We strongly encourage applicants from the 2SLGBTQIA+, Allies, BIPOC and ACB communities, and diverse backgrounds that meet the requirements of the role.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Mental Health and Youth Services, the Case Worker will provide support, engagement, and case management services with an interdisciplinary team to high-risk 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
You must understand substance use, mental health and harm reduction gained through direct experience working with marginalized individuals, providing support through an anti-oppressive, anti-racist, strengths-based, client-centered and trauma informed lens, preferably to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
Duties and Responsibilities

Case Management:

• Conduct initial and ongoing assessment of participants needs and revise the plan of care as required.
• Support youth in the community as needed.
• Support youth in all areas of community social need including housing, shelter, employment, education, welfare, medical issues, mental health issues, legal/financial assistance, immigration/refugees/newcomer support etc.; advocating for adequate service, treatment models and resources.
• Coordinate inter-disciplinary services for Friends of Ruby clients, making referrals based on appropriate match between youth’s needs and available resources.
• Work collaboratively with youth to address their full range of needs by establishing short-term and long-term intervention goals using strengths based, client centered, anti-oppressive, harm reduction, and youth development approach.
• Facilitate groups and life-skills workshops on subjects such as housing, employment, social assistance, life skills, and system navigation.
• Develop a comprehensive participant discharge plan to address ongoing support needs, crisis contact information and added resources to support as required.
• Recognize crisis and provide intervention as needed while avoiding power struggles and modelling effective problem solving and conflict negotiation skills.
• Develop and maintain professional and trusting relationships with youth that encourage positive social and emotional development.
• Support participants who need to be re-housed to select, rent, and move into the new housing with the assistance of Housing Navigator and support workers in the house, and you will maintain a Housing Locator inventory.
• Work collaboratively with drop-in support workers and Clinical Counsellors to ensure wrap-around supports for each youth.

Community Relations:

• Lead and participate in consultation services and case conferences with service providers to discuss care plans and service needs.
• Advocate with referral agencies when appropriate to facilitate referral for identification of client needs.
• Seek opportunities to be involved in and contribute with partner agencies and community sectors.
• Connect with formal and informal supports, peer support, professional services, and resources to promote their recovery, improve their quality of life, and reduce the likelihood of relapse.
• Attend Community Partner information sessions and external meetings and share takeaways with the team to ensure up-to-date best practices for the Case Management team.
• Research and connect youth to community resources and supports which recognize and can address the unique needs of youth identifying as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
• Coordinate internal and external services for the participant and advocate on behalf of the participant.

Administrative:

• Maintain accurate clinical records related to caseload and statistical information within legal and ethical professional standards, ensuring confidentiality related to all activities and sensitive information.
• Adjust your hours of work to meet the needs of the participants and operations of the House.
• Prepare metrics reports per Management’s request.
• Distribution of bus tickets and petty cash for participants needs according to agency policies.
• Provide spontaneous and operational support for residents at the house, which may include: addressing residents’ inquiries, conflict resolution, performing reception duties, supporting with food programming, etc.
• Support the implementation of all the City of Toronto and Ministry of Health protocols towards COVID-19 measures and ensure protocols and guidelines are being followed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A degree in Social Work, psychology, or a related program and/or an equivalent combination of education/experience in the social services sector.
• 2+ years of experience providing case management to youth related to issues of homelessness, mental health, trauma, transitioning and/or coming out, substance use, family support, trauma, abuse, accessing legal/financial support, housing, employment, and education.
• 2+ years of experience in crisis support and intervention.
• Experience working in a not-for-profit, 2SLGBTQIA+ community, social justice environment and/or housing/shelter.
• Ability to manage conflict, crisis, and escalating situations calmly and confidently.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team, to problem solve, and to remain flexible and able to adapt within a busy and changing environment.
• Familiarity with SMIS, Apricot, RENTCafe, and My Access to Housing Toronto is considered a strong asset.
• Commitment to social justice, harm reduction, anti-racist and anti-oppression practices, and to strengths-based, trauma-informed, participant-centered practices.
• A champion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion & ARAO, including but not limited to:
• Demonstrated ability to navigate and communicate effectively in a diverse range of environments, cultures, and people;
• understanding of the broader social and cultural contexts impacting DEI efforts;
• understanding of equity issues and a commitment to promoting fairness and equality;
• excellent communication skills with an emphasis on inclusive language.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of housing related resources, housing rights issues, the continuum of care for homeless persons.
• Knowledge of the City of Toronto’s social housing and shelter programs; systems and intake software program will be considered an asset.
• Knowledge and experience working with 2SLGBTQIA+ youth experiencing marginalization and under representation, racialized communities, newcomers/refugees/immigrant populations, indigenous youth, and those living in poverty.
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Residential Tenancies Act, community agencies, and relevant programs and services.

Additional Requirements:

• Satisfactory clearance under the Vulnerable Sector Police Check Program.
• Must be qualified to legally work in Canada.
• Work onsite at our FoR office, minimum of 3 days a week; remote work shall be permitted as operational and strategic needs allow.
• Work on a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of the organization, working evenings on occasion.
• Travel to other community-based settings as needed.

Location: Hybrid Model; Downtown Toronto, Ontario.
Friends of Ruby is dedicated to fostering an inclusive selection process and work environment, guided by the Employment Equity Policies. If selected for an interview, please inform the People and Culture team of any accommodation you may require during the interview process

Please refer the Job description for details