Court Support Specialist at Canadian Mental Health Association Toronto Branch

, , -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

16 Feb, 26

Salary

68465.0

Posted On

18 Nov, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Client Support, Crisis Intervention, Mental Health, Substance Use, Assessment, Service Navigation, Collaboration, Advocacy, Problem-solving, Multitasking, Bail Support, Release Planning, Community Referrals, Forensic Assessment Coordination, Education, Diversity and Inclusion

Industry

Mental Health Care

Description

Court Support Specialist - Mental Health Court Support Program (Full-Time Permanent) The Role and Opportunity The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Toronto is seeking a Court Support Specialist to join our Mental Health Court Support Program. The program provides mental health and substance use supports to individuals involved in the criminal justice system, with the goal of connecting them to treatment, stabilizing supports, and reducing further justice involvement. In this role, you will work with clients who may be eligible for diversion, develop mental health–focused bail release plans, and coordinate access to community-based services. You will also collaborate closely with duty counsel, Crown attorneys, court staff, forensic facilities, and community partners to support timely access to care and improve outcomes for individuals navigating both the justice and mental health systems. Salary: $58,783 – $68,465 Hours: 35 per week Location: 2201 Finch Ave West & 10 Armoury St About CMHA Toronto CMHA Toronto [https://cmhato.org/] is the city’s leading community mental health agency. We provide accessible, quality care for Toronto residents through programs, research and advocacy that create belonging and hope. At CMHA Toronto, we take a client-first, recovery-oriented approach to supporting people and their families when they experience mental health challenges or live with mental illness. By integrating health and social care, we provide services that aid in long-term wellness including housing, employment, community connections and so much more. Our goal? Help everyone thrive in the community. Responsibilities Client Support & Clinical Duties * Provide program orientation to clients and stakeholders * Complete clinical assessments and gather collateral information * Offer client-centred engagement, support, and interventions * Facilitate skill development andassistwith goal planning * Develop service care plans, diversion plans, and individualized mental health plans * Conduct ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and follow-up Bail Support & Release Planning * Interview individuals in custody who identify with mental health and/or substance use concerns * Develop mental health release plans for bail, including drafting proposed mental health conditions * Submit recommendations to duty counsel/defence counsel and the Crown * Connect clients withappropriate mentalhealth and substance use supports upon release Mental Health Diversion Facilitation * Assess eligibility for mental health diversion * Gather collateral information from existing service providers * Develop a 6-month mental health plan collaboratively with the client * Provide medical/assessment information to duty counsel and the Crown to support diversion approval * Meet with clients at least monthly tomonitortheir progress with diversion requirements * Support clients throughout their 3-month and 6-month court check-ins andassistwith the diversion completion process Community Referrals & Service Navigation * Assess mental health and substance use needs * Complete referrals to community-based mental health, addictions, housing, and social service programs * Provide information, resources, and advocacy to support client engagement Court Liaison, Justice Collaboration & System Navigation * Liaise between court stakeholders and provide consultation to court personnel * Educate and collaborate with justice professionals on mental health and substance use issues * Advocate for system improvements that support individuals with mental health/substance use needs * Consult with the mental health court support team to assess needs across locations Forensic Assessment Coordination * Facilitate forensic assessment processes byassistingcourt clerks with assessment orders * Communicate with forensic facilities to arrange assessments * Provide required collateral information to forensic facilities * Ensure completed assessments are returned to the courtin a timely manner Committee & Sector Participation * Participate in justice and mental health committees such as: * Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee (HSJCC) * Court-Based Operations Committee * Mental Health Consortium * New Toronto Courthouse & Toronto Regional Bail Centre Mental Health Sub-Committee * Collaborate with community and justice stakeholders toidentifyand address service gaps Experience & Education Required * Minimum undergraduate degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminology, or a related field * Minimum three years of direct service experience in the criminal justice and/or mental health field, supporting individuals living with serious mental illness * Strong knowledge of assessment and crisis intervention * In-depth knowledge of mental health, social, and community resources across Toronto * Working knowledge of the Ontario criminal justice system is considered an asset * Ability to apply an anti-oppressive and trauma-informed approach to service * Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment * Strong problem-solving skills and ability to multitask * Valid Ontario Driver’s License, access to a vehicle, andappropriate insurancecoverage Why Choose CMHA Toronto? If you care about mental illness and mental health and you have the right skills, then CMHA Toronto may be the place for you. We have a positive and fair workplace culture, where staff are provided with opportunities for learning and advancement. Our benefits include: * Health Care of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), a predictable, secure monthly income upon retirement * Comprehensive Group Health Insurance – Health, Dental, Vision,Paramedicals * Short-term and Long-term Disability programs and life insurance to protect your income upon illness or injury * Work-life balance and flexibility – to ensure you have time for the things that matter to you * Annual Professional Development Funding for career learning and advancement * Work with like-minded, passionate individuals and make an impact on mental health service delivery * Build genuine and authentic connections, with colleagues and clients, with the goal of making a difference CMHA Toronto is an award-winning workplace committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, empathy, and accountability. Our staff value the flexibility in work schedules, the emphasis on work-life balance, and the organization's commitment to continuous learning through training and development opportunities. Many employees highlight the strong sense of community and support that make CMHA Toronto feel like more than just a workplace—it feels like a family. As an equity-informed employer, CMHA Toronto reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We encourage applications from equity-deserving candidates, including Black, Indigenous, and racialized individuals, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and women. We recognize and honour the intersectionality of equity-based identities. Personal experience with mental health challenges, whether firsthand or through a loved one, is considered an asset. If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please inform us before the interview if you require an accommodation. To be eligible for this role candidates will be required to adhere to our COVID-19 policy and provide proof of vaccination. Please submit your resume through our application system on https://cmhato.org/about-us/careers/ [https://cmhato.org/about-us/careers/].   CMHA Toronto thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Responsibilities

The Court Support Specialist will provide mental health and substance use supports to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. This includes developing bail release plans, coordinating access to community services, and collaborating with various stakeholders to improve outcomes for clients.