Case Manager

DATE: July 23^rd, 2024                                                                                                                           
LOCATION: Toronto, ON – TAY Specialized Services
COMPENSATION: $53,630- $65,589 Annually Prorated

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 Case Manager.

Job Summary

The Case Manager serves individuals with serious and persistent mental illness, health and addictions issues who are homeless or recently housed. The position provides hands on case management services to assist individuals to make the changes in their lives that they desire in order to increase their quality of life. This role will require direct service and support to clients in the Transitional Age Youth residences/communities/schools and covers support areas such as housing, life skills, crisis intervention, education and employment supports, linkages to primary care and a range of other services to support the individual’s needs.
Note: Staff will be required to work in the community and/or residents’ rooms and may therefore be exposed to second hand smoke, and would require frequent travels in the community.

Campus Mental Health in partnership with University of Toronto
The Health & Wellness Department at the University of Toronto collaborates with LOFT Community Services in providing coordinated services to support optimal mental health and substance use interventions for students identified through the University of Toronto. As a Case Manager, you will be part of a team that coordinates a support network and linkages for youth with complex mental health, physical health and addiction challenges. A key component of this position is building a support network of community resources that will enable the individual to increase their independence, dignity and self-respect.

What You Will Do

• Develop a plan of support and recovery which includes identifying priorities and goals, in conjunction with client, other professionals, areas identified through initial intake and OCAN’s;

• Promote the personal empowerment of each individual through coaching, mentoring and support, thereby enabling each to meet the daily requirements of their living environment; directly assisting with their daily living activities, particularly in the acquisition of life skills in such areas as hygiene, medication management, cooking, cleaning, shopping and budgeting; developing strategies and establishing a plan for maintaining these daily activities;
• Establish and co-ordinate a support network of social, family, medical, psychiatric and other community links. Develop a coordinated care plan as appropriate;

• Provide crisis intervention/management and assist in the development of crisis plans with clients;

• Promote the services of the program and the image of the agency as a representative with clients, families, other supports, external agencies and others in a professional manner that reflects favourably on the organization;
• Participate in the administration of the program by completing and maintaining the required records, assessments or statistics such as client files in accordance with established procedures;

• Participate 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, students or volunteers; providing other related assistance as required;

• The position requires an excellent understanding of recovery, harm reduction and psychosocial rehabilitation principles as acquired through a relevant degree in human services, coupled with 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 transitional aged youth with mental illness, addictions, physical health concerns, and homelessness.

• An understanding is also required of the therapeutic relationship with an ability to negotiate with clients on goals and priorities;
• Encourage participation in one-on-one and group activities such as psychoeducation, social groups, house meetings, and other opportunities to support clients’ goals and help reduce social isolation;
• 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;
• Positively contribute to the TAY program by engaging in collaborative team activities and providing support to colleagues;

What You Bring
Must Haves

• A degree/diploma in health care/social services or other related field with a minimum of three years relevant experience in the mental health and addiction sectors
• Minimum of three years related experience working directly with transitional aged youth (e.g. 16-25 years old). Preferably with direct experience in providing community/case management support and/or facilitating youth-centric group programs.
• Knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation principles and practices, including an understanding of the philosophy of Recovery
• Excellent understanding of anti-oppression framework in social services and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in engaging with clients.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness and experience with the Housing First approach
• Excellent interpersonal skills, sound knowledge of supportive counseling skills and the ability to form relationships with marginalized individuals
• Knowledge of concurrent disorders and experience with harm reduction strategies and the continuum of addiction services
• Ability to structure time, develop work priorities independently, and meet program expectations with regard to documenting interventions
• Knowledge of community resources for mental health and substance use
• Knowledge of community resources for housing, supportive housing and shelter
• Ability to work closely with teammates and participate effectively as part of the larger program and organization
• Demonstrated excellent documentation skills
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR/AED

Nice-to-Haves

• Demonstrated effectiveness working with minimal supervision with proven reliability and trustworthiness
• Ability to communicate in a different language, an asset
• Physically able to perform demanding body mechanics (i.e., lifting, transferring, etc.)

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

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 reflects that diversity. At LOFT, we hold the deep belief that skills and expertise can be cultivated in various ways. Therefore, even if you don’t perfectly align with every listed criterion but feel you could flourish in this role, we highly encourage you to apply.

Note: A satisfactory vulnerable sector check (VSC) is also required.

CLOSING DATE: August 6^th, 2024