Job Description

DATE: September 6th, 2023

LOCATION: Toronto, ON \xe2\x80\x93 Transitional Age Youth

COMPENSATION: $23.79/hour

LOFT Community Services is a unique and dynamic charitable organization that supports people living with complicated issues such as mental and physical health challenges, use challenges, poverty and homelessness. Serving approximately 13,969 annually and providing 1,788 units of supportive housing last year, LOFT is one of Ontario\xe2\x80\x99s largest mental health service providers of its kind. LOFT is also recognized as a Nonprofit Employer of Choice\xe2\x84\xa2 Award (NEOC) recipient.

To help fulfill its mission, LOFT is hiring a Group Facilitator/ Community Support Worker.

JOB SUMMARY:

As a Community Support Worker, you will be part of a team that co-ordinates 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.

This role will require direct service and support to clients in the Transitional Age Youth residence, covering 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\xe2\x80\x99s needs. Note: Staff will be required to work in the community and/or residents\xe2\x80\x99 rooms and may therefore be exposed to second hand smoke.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Co-facilitate a social and mental health drop-in program for youth
• Participate in the intake process of clients referred to the program.
• Provide case management support including assessment of needs, goal-setting, care planning, service implementation, evaluation and referral/transition to other community services
• Support the personal journey of each client by building rapport and a safe and effective helping relationship.
• Establish a holistic client support network of social, family/circle of care, spiritual, community medical and psychiatric links, peer support and other resources.
• Support client\xe2\x80\x99s self-advocacy as well as advocating on behalf of the client in navigating social services and health care systems.
• Encourage participation in one-on-one and group activities such as psychoeducation, social groups, house meetings, and other opportunities to support clients\xe2\x80\x99 goals and help reduce social isolation.
• Help in the completion and implementation of program specific tasks such as documenting client interactions, organizing group activities and attending partnership meetings in the community.
• Identify, note and communicate incidents to the program director in a timely manner.
• Positively contribute to the TAY program by providing back-up support for other staff and by engaging in collaborative team activities.

WHAT YOU BRING:

Must Haves

• Completion of a diploma/degree in Human Services or equivalent.
• 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.
• Ability to effectively interact, communicate and work with diverse service users and community partners.
• Excellent understanding of anti-oppression framework in social services and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in engaging with clients.
• Excellent understanding of mental health theory & practice, harm reduction and addiction recovery principles and approaches.
• An understanding of the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery principles, and the ability to operationalize them.
• An understanding of relevant policies affecting direct work with youth.
• Knowledge and skills in crisis prevention, de-escalation, and emotional regulation.
• Skillful intake assessment, crisis intervention, advocacy and problem solving skills.
• Counseling and responding skills, with well-developed problem solving abilities.
• An understanding of the therapeutic relationship, and an ability to come to an agreement with clients on goals/priorities.
• Knowledge of available community resources and supports in the GTA.
• Strong ability to work effectively within a supportive team environment and to interact with workers from a variety of agencies.
• Ability to efficiently arrange regular meetings with clients following their needs, preferences, and safety in the community.
• Computer literacy including MS Word and Excel, and virtual platforms (e.g. Teams).
• Good oral and written communication skills.

Nice-to-Haves

• Driver\xe2\x80\x99s license and access to a vehicle is an asset
• Reflective of a multi-barrier group, as serviced by the program.
• In your application, please highlight if you have any experience with group facilitation and/or familiarity with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

We believe there are many different ways of developing skills, and we love diverse
experiences! So even if you don\xe2\x80\x99t \xe2\x80\x9ctick all the boxes\xe2\x80\x9d but think you\xe2\x80\x99d thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Note: All LOFT employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of hire in accordance with LOFT\xe2\x80\x99s Vaccination Policy; unless they are employed in or work regularly with staff who are employed in, non-client facing roles.

Note: All LOFT employees are required to complete a satisfactory vulnerable sector check (VSC).

CLOSING DATE: September 21st, 2023

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LOFT Community Services is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment and dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live and serve. LOFT is committed to making employment opportunities accessible in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. Requested accommodation will be provided in all parts of the application and hiring process by contacting hrteam@loftcs.org or (416) 979-1994.

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LOFT Community Services