CharityVillage

DATE: January 26^th, 2024
LOCATION: Toronto, ON – Social Medicine Initiative                                       
COMPENSATION: $46,577 - $56,329 Annually Prorated
CONTRACT DURATION: 1 year 


LOFT Community Services is a unique and dynamic charitable organization that supports people living with complicated issues such as mental and physical health challenges, substance use challenges, poverty and homelessness. Serving approximately 19,633 annually and providing 1,861 units of supportive housing last year, LOFT is one of Ontario’s largest mental health service providers of its kind. LOFT is also recognized as a Nonprofit Employer of Choice™ Award (NEOC) recipient.
 
To help fulfill its mission, LOFT is hiring a Life Enrichment Worker.


Job Summary

The Life Enrichment Worker (LEW) is responsible for working within an interdisciplinary team and enhancing the quality of life for individuals living within a LOFT Program who are facing complex challenges. These complex challenges could include mental health and/or addiction challenges, cognitive impairment, ongoing physical health issues, responsive behaviours and/or other neurological disorders. The LEW is responsible for the effective operation and delivery of all recreational programming, which includes assessing, planning, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating a variety of innovative recreational, educational, or therapeutic program activities that will support the achievement of optimal individualized care for the client, and further assists in building their interpersonal relationships and social skills. This position will include both individual and group work.

Social Medicine Initiative is an interdisciplinary team of providers from the University Health Network and LOFT Community Services that provides wrap around services to individuals with concurrent conditions that span physical and mental health challenges and social and economic vulnerability who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their housing.  Social Medicine delivers clinical hands-on support to those with complex healthcare needs providing outreach and case management services with access to psychiatric and medical assessment, consultation, and access to treatment, service planning, advocacy, and system navigation support. The aim of this partnership is to provide low barrier access to housing for these individuals, while assisting in stabilizing their physical and mental health, substance use, behavioural, psychosocial, and social drivers of health challenges. The Social Medicine team works from a housing first and harm reduction approach. The goal is to work with individuals in getting connected to housing and follow up support that meets the level of need required for each individual to live successfully in the community.


What You Will Do

• Oversee the assessment of clients to determine suitability for program participation.
• Execute a therapeutic program targeted toward what that the client requires most.
• Manage the assessment of physical and social needs of the client to ensure program meets client’s needs.
• Observe, analyze, and record clients' participation, reactions, and progress during programs, modifying treatment programs as needed.
• Counsel and encourage clients to develop leisure activities.
• Work with clients’ treatment team to plan and evaluate therapy programs.
• Conduct therapy sessions to improve clients' mental and physical well-being.
• Instruct client in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs.
• Work with the Director to ensure that the personal care plan for each client is in conjunction with the care team and family and based on the client’s needs and preferences, and monitor each client’s progress as it relates to the client’s care plan.
• Work with each client’s circle of care to support appropriate transition to Long Term Care when needed.
• Identify areas of risk, and recommend and/or take actions as appropriate.
• Ensure training objectives and requirements are met while ensuring on-going training and development for staff, students and volunteers.
• Maintaining accurate records and files on the provision of service to residents/clients; 
• Recognize and communicate training needs of program.
• Participate in on call rotation regularly and as required.
• Undertake special projects and tasks as assigned.
• Provide other duties, as assigned by Program Coordinator/Manager.

What You Bring

• Degree and/or diploma in Therapeutic Recreation or recreation with a therapeutic concentration.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience  with vulnerable, older adults and seniors who may be living with mental illness, cognitive and neurological illnesses, addiction challenges and/or responsive behaviours who have been longer term hospital patients.
• Knowledge and training in GPA, Montessori Methods for Dementia, PIECES and Restorative Care.
• Knowledge and proven experience working with clients in a PSR (Psychosocial Rehabilitation) approach.
• Ability to organize and work with individuals and groups in the areas of assessment, program planning and problem solving.
• Ability to interact with clients in a positive and supportive manner.
• Physically able to perform required duties.
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• Good oral and written skills.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated effectiveness working with minimal supervision with proven reliability and trustworthiness.

Nice-to-Haves

• Knowledge of other languages is an asset.
• Understanding of cultural competency and anti-oppression framework;
• Reflective of a multi-barriered group, as serviced by the program, a strong asset
• Experience working with individuals who are homeless and/or at risk of homelessness

What We Offer

• 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
• 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
• A chance to push your ideas from inception to execution
• Satisfying work with a fun, energetic and supportive leader
• An opportunity to be a change maker in an organization that reaches people that are often overlooked

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

LOFT Community Services is a values-driven organization with a deep belief that each person has the ability to grow and change. We value compassion, collaboration, and community delivered with dignity, innovation, and excellence. LOFT’s vision is that together, we can all live successfully in our community. Our client population reflects Ontario’s diverse community and it is LOFT’s goal to build a workforce who also reflects that diversity. LOFT believes there are many ways to develop skills and build experience and expertise. So even if you don’t “tick all the boxes” but think you’d thrive in this role, you are encouraged to apply.


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: February 9^th, 2024 (& or Until Filled)