Community Support Worker

DATE: August 9th, 2024

LOCATION:   Toronto, ON

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 Community Support Worker on a full-time permanent basis.

Job Summary:

To create a support network and link consumers living with mental illnesses in a Program residence or independently in the community, to community services. To provide a range

of assistance and support. As a Community Support Worker, you will be part of a team that co-ordinates a support network and linkages for adults with complex mental health, health and addiction challenges living in congregate settings in the Layered Supports Program. 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. The role will require direct service and support to clients in area such as housing, activities of daily living, harm reduction, eviction prevention, practical assistance, crisis intervention, linkages to primary care and a range of other services to support the individual’s needs. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.  Some travel will be required.

The Layered Supports Program provides a range of assistance and support in facilitating the consumer’s transition from being homeless to having stable housing and from there to their best possible housing support level match. This program is based out of the Parkdale area and is responsible for 2 residential sites: one high support 24/7 staffed house with 18 beds, and one low support house with 13 beds. Our high support site supports folks who identify as transgender/gender-diverse and are living with mental health and/or substance use challenges. Our low support site supports folks for a transitional period to support from shelter in securing long term/permanent housing. The program is supported by residential support workers and case managers.

* The position may be exposed to secondhand smoke.

What You Will Do:

Through a team-oriented approach, the position attempts to empower the client, thereby increasing their independence, dignity and self-respect in a safe and secure environment, by:

• Participating in the intake process for clients referred to the program; conducting an assessment with the individual, help to determine their daily living needs and working together to develop a plan of support and recovery

• Supporting the personal journey of each individual by building a rapport. Supporting and establishing a plan with each person 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, for increasing their awareness of safety issues and for ensuring that residents receive adequate assistance in various aspects of their life.

• Establishing a holistic support network of social, family, spiritual, community medical and psychiatric links and resources, assisting the individual so that the linkages are maintained through non-intrusive follow-up, reminders and by occasionally accompanying clients on their appointments; providing 24-hour crisis support on a rotational basis through a pager or similar system.

• 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 residents, or residents and neighbours, teaching conflict resolution; following-up on issues to ensure resolution.

• Encouraging individual participation and participating in house meetings, resident association activities or other group activities which promote the wellbeing of the residents and the smooth operation of the house; conducting resident group meetings; maintaining a general awareness of the activities or whereabouts of residents in the house, identifying issues, communicating or noting incidents for director as required; collecting rents, preparing bank deposits and monitoring petty cash.

• Assisting in the administration of the program by completing and maintaining the required records or statistics such as resident files, rent geared to income files, activity sheets, reports, etc. In accordance with established procedures; 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:

Must Haves

• An excellent understanding of harm reduction, and psychosocial rehabilitation / Recovery principles as acquired through a relevant degree/diploma in 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 organizational skills to contribute to program planning and to co-ordinate and follow-up on issues or activities with clients
• May be required to be on after-hours on call, on a rotating schedule.
• Will be required to work in resident rooms and may be exposed to secondhand smoke.
• Travel in all weather, required to go up and down stairs, travel to several community locations daily.

Nice -To-Have

• Knowledge of the issues faced by individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQ+

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

CLOSING DATE: August 22nd, 2024