Transitional Housing Worker

at  Canadian Mental Health Association Toronto Branch

Transitional Support Worker (THW) – Transitional Rehabilitation Housing Program 2 (TRHP 2), Full Time Contract (4 months)

SKILLS YOU BRING

CMHA Toronto’s ideal candidate will have a minimum college diploma in Social Work/Social Sciences, Diploma/Certificate in Recreation Therapy, Diploma/Certificate in Life Skills; and/or a combination of educational and related work/life experience. The candidate will bring a minimum of three years of experience working with adults with complex mental health and addictions issues in the community, psychiatric hospital/units. Residential experience is considered an asset. The candidate will have a demonstrated knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation, recovery principles, therapeutic treatment modalities, supportive housing, mental health, and the criminal justice system. CD experience strongly preferred.
The Transitional Support Worker will have excellent organizational skills and experience in group facilitation, social recreational and psychoeducational programming. The candidate will also have strong written and oral communication skills and have the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team as well as work independently. This will require the ability to multi-task and prioritize competing demands; skill at establishing and maintaining boundaries; ability to effectively coach and model skills, attitudes and behaviour; and an ability to engage and establish rapport easily.

HOURS OF WORK: MON – FRI 1:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. (35 HOURS/WEEK)

CMHA Toronto is committed to promoting a workplace culture of inclusion, openness, mutual respect, and a ‘no blame and accountable’ environment. Our staff report that they value the flexibility in work schedules and the work-life balance CMHA Toronto encourages. They appreciate the training and development opportunities provided to staff and the encouragement for continuous learning. Staff often comment on the sense of family and personal support that exists throughout the organization.
CMHA Toronto is committed to an equitable, diverse, inclusive, anti-racist and anti-oppressive workforce reflecting the diversity of the communities within which we work and is an equal opportunity employer. As such, we encourage equity-seeking candidates to apply, especially those who identify as black, Indigenous, people and women of colour, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ or women. We recognize and honour the intersectionality of equity-based identities. Personal experience with mental health issues, either through self or a loved one, is an asset. If you are contacted by our offices regarding a job opportunity, please advise prior to the interview should you require any accommodation.

THE ROLE AND OPPORTUNITY

The Canadian Mental Health Association is looking for a Transitional Support Worker for our Transitional Rehabilitation Housing Program 2 (TRHP 2). TRHP 2 is partnered with CAMH’s Complex Care and Recovery services and is based out of 30 White Squirrel Way, on the grounds of CAMH. All clients have been found Not Criminally Responsible (NCR) and are under the purview of the Ontario Review Board (ORB). The team will balance clients’ recovery goals with risk management and community safety. This program will provide a unique discharge pathway from hospital to permanent housing, and the Transitional Support Worker will work closely with the clinical team to support this pathway.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established and extensive community mental health organization in Canada. We identify and respond to Canada’s most pressing mental health priorities. At the national level, we push for nationwide system and policy change. At the community level, millions of people in Canada rely on CMHA’s extensive grassroots presence. Since 1918, CMHA has grown to provide mental health services and supports across Canada in over 330 communities. CMHA Toronto was established in 1953. CMHA Toronto proudly provides services to over 10,000 clients per year, in 31 programs at 13 locations across the City of Toronto. Our services are delivered by a passionate and diverse team. Join us in providing high quality mental health and addictions services, advocating for a better mental health system, and providing education and mental health supports to clients across Toronto.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Transitional Support Worker will be part of an initiative designed to facilitate the placement and support of forensic inpatients into transitional housing. The focus is on rehabilitation and community reintegration with individuals (re)gaining autonomy and (re)building independent living skills.
The Transitional Support Worker will be required to provide on-site direct service provision including Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) support with a focus on building a range of life skills; group facilitation; social recreational programming; leading residents’ meetings; conflict resolution; crisis prevention/intervention; medication monitoring; risk management; assessing mental status; supportive counselling. There will also be a mix of residential duties such as menu planning, food prep/cooking, program planning, ordering supplies, cleaning, coaching as well as administrative duties including documentation and coordination of site maintenance duties.
The Transitional Support Worker will also be required to maintain trusting, respectful and collaborative working relationships with clients and colleagues; liaising with CMHA and CAMH service providers and other community supports.