Crisis Worker

Position Description

This position works on behalf of the Haven Toronto Program in an interagency, multi-disciplinary Crisis Outreach Service for Seniors with mental health and addiction issues. This service is offered through a partnership between Woodgreen, Haven Toronto/St. Michael’s Homes, South Riverdale Community Health Centre, Reconnect Community Health Services and LOFT Community Services with the goal of ensuring a continuum of care for seniors with mental health and substance use issues. The Crisis Worker performs a range of activities including providing crisis supports, visiting clients in their homes or other community locations with a partner, assessing client needs, developing and implementing service plans, providing short-term intensive case management to a caseload of seniors living with cognitive, mental health, and substance use issues, ongoing assessment, supportive counselling, service navigation, eviction prevention and other supports as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable seniors
• Knowledge of issues related to addiction, concurrent disorder, mental health, and other health issues.
• Knowledge and understanding of community housing, addiction and mental health services.
• Knowledge of the spectrum of approaches to substance use, with a focus on harm reduction.
• Demonstrated experience with eviction prevention/rehousing.
• Proven experience in providing crisis intervention, case management, and other social supports.
• Strong Assessment Skills.
• Proficiency in the use of Client Management Systems, as well as general computer proficiency.
• Extensive knowledge and skills in building rapport, assessment, supportive counseling, case management and brief-intervention.
• Knowledge of the social determinants of health.
• Knowledge, understanding and sensitivity to the complexity of issues arising for individuals who have experienced homelessness, addictions, poverty and/or mental illness.
• Ability to work collaboratively within and across interdisciplinary teams and community partners.
• Ability to work with clients presenting with a wide range of addiction and mental health issues.
• Demonstrated flexibility, sound judgment, initiative and creativity.
• Experience working within an anti-oppression and trauma informed framework.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Qualifications

• University degree OR equivalent education and related work experience required.
• Experience in addiction or mental health counselling an asset.
• Additional training in screening, assessment and treatment related to addictions an asset.
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and statutory holidays required.
• Ability to work in a language in addition to English is a definite asset.