ABOUT MADISON:

Madison Community Services is a non-profit agency, which promotes the independence, health, recovery and community integration of persons with mental health challenges through the provision of mental health case management, supportive housing and a broad range of other programs and services.
One of Madison’s supportive housing programs is the Pathways to Home (PTH) Program. PTH is a 24/7 intensive on-site high support housing program for long-term users of the shelter system with complex mental health and addictions (MH&A) and/or developmental disabilities (DD) – who require high levels of support to address their mental, cognitive, physical health and other significant challenges.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the PTH Program Manager, the Engagement and Support Workers provide residential support to clients. The Worker is responsible for providing recovery oriented support to clients in the following areas: promoting health and safety, meal preparation, and Activities of Daily Living.
While this position reports to the PTH Program Manager, direction and support may also be provided to this position by the Madison management team on matters pertaining to Residential Tenancy Act responsibilities, funding and financing or other related matters.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree; college diploma in a related field or a combination of education/experience.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Developmental Service Worker/Social Service Worker and working directly with clients dealing with substance use and mental health issues.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the philosophies of supports and services with people who have mental health challenges.
• Effective conflict resolution, crisis intervention and de-escalation skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Commitment to excellence in support and services.
• Experience supporting people who have mental health challenges; experience related to supporting persons with schizophrenia an asset.
• Life Skills Certification an Asset.

1. Organizational

• Monitors and promotes practices that support one’s own health and safety.
• Comply with Madison’s policies, standards, guidelines and procedures.
• Encouraging and supporting clients to maintain a clean and appropriate apartment, including developing a schedule and support for various ADL’s of clients.
• Report health and safety concerns to management to ensure all staff work in a safe and supportive environment.
• Other work related duties that may be developed or assigned by the PTH Program Manager as needed.
• Work from a recovery framework in achieving the organization’s mission, which is: to promote the health, independence, recovery and community integration of persons with mental health and/or addictions challenges through advocacy, education and the provision of a broad range of community based and housing support services.

1. Support Functions

• Meet with clients and PTH Support Team prior to them moving into the residence.
• Utilize designated assessment tools.
• Work safely and report any work safety concerns to management.
• Participate in the orientation of new residents to the building.
• Follow Madison’s policies with respect to infection control and pest control.
• Maintain ongoing support with clients in their housing.
• Assisting with various ADL’s as defined by each Client’s assessment of needs
• Assist with group supports, coaching, life skills and ADLs.

1. Community Support Functions

• Participate with case manager in completing an assessment of client needs and abilities through information obtained from the client, his/her informal supports and the referral source, utilizing agency and/or funder tools.
• Assist case manager in developing a comprehensive individualized plan, which incorporates client’s goals, values and identifies all skills, resources and service requirements.
• Provide information and strategies for health promotion and prevention.
• Liaise frequently with case manager/support network regarding client needs.

1. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Follow up regularly with case manager.
• Report housing needs to management for follow up.
• Maintain a record of client feedback, concerns and report to management.

1. Administrative

• Document property related issues and inform management.
• Provide reports as required.
• Maintain a communication log to inform colleagues of any issues or trends.
• Document daily interactions with clients and groups utilizing Pirouette.
• Maintain client files onsite in a secure location.
• Maintain an up to date crisis plan for all tenants and ensure immediate access at all times.
• Be on call via cell phone for building staff and clients throughout each shift.

1. Community Relations

• Maintain community relations and partnerships within the community that will benefit clients.
• Represent the mission, values and philosophy of Madison in the community including particular networks or meetings as requested.

1. Professional Development

• Set annual performance and professional development goals.
• Participate in regular supervision with supervisor.
• Attend relevant workshops and other in-service events as approved.
• Participate in agency internal consultations and committees as requested.
• Become fluent in Madison’s policies, procedures, standards and guidelines of operation.

1. Other

• Performs other job related duties as assigned by the PTH Program Manager or other management team members as appropriate.
• Work independently and as part of a team.