Case Manager, Youth Mental Health

at  COTA Health

ABOUT COTA

Cota is an accredited not-for-profit organization that has been providing community-based support to people living with mental health and cognitive challenges for over 50 years. At present, our wide array of services delivers much needed support to over 4,000 people/year who live with mental health challenges, psychogeriatric mental health conditions, acquired brain injuries, developmental disabilities, dual diagnoses and/or the experience of homelessness. These services include, but are not limited to, case management, supportive housing and adult day program services. A full listing of our services can be viewed on our website at https://cotainspires.ca/
Cota is presently seeking a dynamic and innovative individual to join our amazing team in the capacity of the role outlined within this posting. If you feel you have the skills and qualifications to perform the duties of this role while consistently exemplifying Cota’s values of Hope, Respect, Dedication, Equity, Accountability, Collaboration and Innovation, we would love to hear from you.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES REQUIRE:

• A minimum of Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (i.e. Psychology, Social Work, Health Science, etc.), and 3 years of direct experience, assessed as being relevant to the specific target population being served is required.
• Post-graduate certificate or diploma in Mental Health and Addictions from an accredited educational institution is an asset.
• Comprehensive understanding of the issues of homelessness, youth homelessness and the barriers facing youth, particularly Black youth seeking housing and integration into society.
• Understanding of Anti-Oppression, Anti-Black Racism, Critical Disability, LGBTQ2S and Trans-positivity, Trauma, Harm Reduction, Recovery approach in support to mental health and strengths based principles into practice.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively with youth.
• Ability to engage, listen and advocate for improved systems outcomes for youth.
• Sound clinical knowledge and understanding of the client population and demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively with the mental health population.
• Experience, alignment and commitment to harm reduction, and knowledge of substance use interventions.
• Demonstrated ability to engage in a meaningful relationship in a short time with a broad range of clients, including those who are resistant.
• Skillful in assertive outreach and follow-up using a flexible approach to support/assist clients in remaining engaged.
• Demonstrated ability to use problem solving techniques to identify and assess client need and develop appropriate intervention strategies.
• Knowledge of principles of case management theory and practice using a client centred and mental health recovery philosophy.
• Excellent knowledge of community resources and/or demonstrated ability to search for applicable resources/information.
• Excellent clinical judgement and decision making skills including a keen awareness of participant clinician boundary issues.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) knowledge and Motivational Interviewing is an asset.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• The Case Manager will typically provide in-person services on-site at Eva’s Phoenix location, with the potential of supporting other sites at Eva’s as required.
• The Case Manager will, in some cases, also conduct in-person services at client homes and/or other community settings, as well as virtually where required.
• Some daily travel between locations and/or client appointments will be required.
• Must have access to a vehicle for travel in order to effectively perform daily work duties. (Please note that access to a vehicle means owning, borrowing, or renting a vehicle. Alternatively, it can include using ride services such as Uber, cabs, and taxis at no cost to Cota).

ROLE OVERVIEW

Cota is seeking to recruit two temporary full-time Case Managers – Youth Mental Health for its ARCS for Youth program. These Case Managers will work primarily with newcomers and Black youth identified and referred by Eva’s Initiatives (Eva’s).

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Initiate services to clients at the point of intake to ensure that proper assessment and initial service response occurs.
• Engage with youth to assess needs and determine existing connections to community based mental health & addictions services
• Re-establish/mobilize existing connections to community based mental health services (e.g., Mental Health Case Management, ACTT, primary care ).
• Provide short term support (up to 3 months) to meet the youth’s immediate/priority needs and assist in service navigation and connections to longer-term support options.
• Have excellent knowledge of community resources and/or demonstrated ability to search for applicable resources/information.
• Develop and lead coordinated care plans, safety plan with/ for clients and complete the Ontario Common Assessment of Need (OCAN) and other assessments as required.
• Collaborate with other systems, organizations and individuals from courts, probation, short-term residential beds program, hospital and community to ensure a well coordinated service system.
• Facilitate for clients’ discharge when appropriate by developing a comprehensive discharge plan.
• Record client status/progress using the appropriate documentation system.
• Work collaboratively and professionally with representatives of participating organizations at all times.