CharityVillage

DATE: November 14^th, 2023
LOCATION: Toronto, ON – 416 Community Support for Women
SALARY: $51,805 - $63,764 Annually Prorated
 
  To help fulfil its mission, LOFT is hiring a Community Support Worker.
 
 
JOB SUMMARY:
As a Community Support Worker, you will be part of a team that co-ordinates a support network and linkages for adults with serious mental health, physical health, and addiction challenges. Community Support Workers are an integral part of the team and offer a variety of functions in support of the social and mental wellbeing of clients within a safe and supportive atmosphere. A key component of this position is enhancing recovery and social recreation/rehabilitation skills of clients that will enable individuals to increase their independence, dignity, and self-respect. The role will require direct service and support to clients as well as group facilitation and programing in areas such as housing, daily living, practical assistance, crisis intervention, linkages to other support services, along with program clean up.  In addition, the staff member will maintain the established routines of the program including all security, fire and general health and safety practices.
Note: Crisis services support in the Drop-in program may be required. Occasional evening and weekend and on call hours may be required.
 
 
WHAT YOU WILL DO:
Through a team-oriented approach, the position attempts to empower the consumer, thereby increasing their independence, dignity and self-respect in a safe and secure environment, by:

• Assisting in the development and implementation of programming and activities tailored to clients’ needs and issues. Identify and refer clients to resources specific to their needs and issues.
• Supporting self-advocacy and advocating on behalf of the client in navigating the social services and health care systems and ensuring accessibility and availability of services; promoting and enhancing the services of the program and the image of the agency as a representative with external agencies and other professionals; mediating issues or conflicts between clients, teaching conflict resolution; following-up on issues to ensure resolution.
• Acting as a liaison and client advocate among those involved with the client’s care including family, other caregivers, medical and other multi-disciplinary providers.
• Consistently interact with clients, staff, family members, other community agencies and partners in a professional manner that reflects favourably on the organization. Provide referral and linkages to health care, programs or service providers. Liaise, collaborate and coordinate with other professionals, service providers and partners.
• Developing respectful and trusting relationships with clients using Recovery and Psychosocial Rehabilitation principles. Maintain strict confidentiality and follow all other required policies and procedures. Attend and actively participate in all required training.
• Assisting in the food program: receiving donated food deliveries, packing and sorting of donated food items, managing inventory, and preparing food hampers.
• Assisting in the administration of the program by completing and maintaining the required records or statistics. Participating actively as a team member in program delivery by providing support and consultation to colleagues, identifying gaps in service and recommending solutions, participating in meetings, planning and evaluation initiatives, committees, events and activities; orienting new staff; providing other related assistance as required.

 
 
WHAT YOU BRING:

• An excellent understanding of harm reduction, and psychosocial rehabilitation / Recovery principles as acquired through a relevant degree/diploma in social services/human services.
• At least three years of experience working with the client population in order to apply the theories to practical settings.
• Knowledge of the issues faced by adults with mental health and or addiction or homelessness.
• An understanding is also required of the therapeutic relationship with an ability to negotiate with clients on goals and priorities.
• Knowledge of local community agencies and other professional services available for the client group is essential.
• Experience in working as part of a team of professionals, and in conducting meetings or facilitating groups.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and counselling skills are required to work in a team environment and to engage the clients in some highly personal areas, such as developing healthy living skills, life skills and in maintaining interpersonal relationships.
• Good intake assessment, crisis intervention, advocacy and problem solving skills.
• Computer literacy sufficient to produce and maintain files, records or statistical information.
• Good analytical, time management and organisational skills to contribute to program planning and to co-ordinate and follow-up on issues or activities with clients
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and interact with workers from a variety of agencies;
• Understanding of cultural competency and framework;

 
We believe there are many different ways of developing skills, and we love diverse
experiences! So even if you don’t “tick all the boxes” but think you’d thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply.
 
 
WHAT WE OFFER:

• A comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability.
• Defined Benefits Pensions Plan
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
• E-learning program available all year round
• Starting vacation time above minimum standard,
• Additional paid personal and paid sick days
• Professional development budget available to help you nurture and shape your career
• Corporate Gym membership rate with GoodLife Fitness
• Access to Perkopolis, a comprehensive corporate discount program
• Access to unlimited DEI trainings through partnership Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Maternity-leave top up program

 
Note: All LOFT employees are required to be COVID-19 vaccinated as a condition of hire in accordance with LOFT’s Vaccination Policy; unless they are employed in or work regularly with staff who are employed in, non-client facing roles.
Note: A satisfactory vulnerable sector check (VSC) is also required.                                                 
 
CLOSING DATE:  November 28^th, 2023