Job Description

Upstream Ottawa

Project R.I.S.E. Case Manager



Case Manager, Project R.I.S.E. (Resilience, Inclusion, Support & Empowerment)

Reports To: Executive Director or Designate

Position Type: Full-Time, Contract (expires March 31, 2026)

Location: Office-based and mobile service locations across Ottawa

Salary Range: $65,000 per year

Benefits: Health Spending Account (HAS) $5000/annual accrual, 4 weeks accrued annual paid time off, pension plan contributions ($5000), paid training, and professional development opportunities, signing bonus $2500 & *contract completion bonus $2500, vehicle stipend ($6600/ annual accrual)

Position Summary

The Project R.I.S.E. Case Worker delivers wraparound supports to Black youth aged 12-29 in Ottawa facing mental health, substance use, and systemic barriers. Working in partnership with a Senior Case Manager, Social Worker, and community collaborators, the Case Worker provides culturally responsive outreach, assessment, coordination, and system navigation. Services are delivered through an Africentric, anti-oppressive, healing-centered lens that supports youth and families to define their wellness goals and move toward sustainable recovery and inclusion.

Note: While the contract currently ends on March 31, 2026, there is a strong likelihood that the project will be extended. However, please note that an extension cannot be guaranteed.

Core Responsibilities

Provide case management services to Black youth and families experiencing mental health and substance use challenges, with attention to the social determinants of health (housing, education, employment, justice, etc.)

Conduct intakes and psycho-social assessments to develop client-centered care plans

Coordinate referrals and transitions between health, social, educational, and justice systems

Engage in street- and community-based outreach to connect youth with appropriate supports

Collaborate with Social Worker on shared care planning and monitoring of client goals

Support youth in scheduling and attending appointments; accompany when necessary

Assist with documentation and applications (ID, income supports, education, etc.)

Facilitate groups or workshops aimed at skill-building, empowerment, and wellness

Advocate for clients in institutional settings to reduce access barriers and ensure dignity and equity

Collect and maintain detailed client records and data for reporting and evaluation

Actively participate in staff meetings, supervision, and inter-agency case conferences

Promote a safe, inclusive, and accountable work environment grounded in anti-racism/anti-oppression principles

Qualifications & Competencies

Minimum 3-year diploma in Social Services, Community Mental Health, Addictions or related field

At least 2 years of experience supporting Black youth and families in community-based settings

Lived experience as a member of the African, Caribbean, or Black communities is strongly preferred

Knowledge of local mental health, substance use, housing, education, and justice systems

Training in anti-racist, trauma-informed, and harm reduction practices

Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends

Valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and client record systems

French skills a strong asset, or other language capacity is desired

Working Conditions

Frequent community-based work including home visits and outreach in diverse neighborhoods

Occasional lifting or transport of outreach materials or program resources

Shared open office environment at Upstream Ottawa with laptop/mobile support (provided) for field-based work

To Apply

Interested candidates must be registered with should submit a resume and cover letter to Upstream Ottawa Mental Health Community Support at

info@upstreamottawa.ca

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Upstream Ottawa is committed to employment equity and creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from members of racialized communities, Black communities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse gender identities, and others with the lived experience and skills to engage equity-deserving communities. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the hiring process.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Extended health care Mileage reimbursement On-site parking Paid time off Vision care
Education:

Bachelor's Degree (required)
Language:

English (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

Registration with the OCSWSSW (required)
Work Location: In person