Job Description

Position Summary

The A-HART Social Worker will play a critical role in providing holistic, low-barrier, Africentric mental health and substance-use services to Black adults (18+) within Ottawa. Rooted in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and healing-centered frameworks, this position is dedicated to addressing the historical and ongoing harm Black communities have experienced in healthcare systems.

Funded through a partnership with Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC) and the Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub (HART Hub), this role builds on Upstream Ottawa's longstanding commitment to culturally responsive service delivery for Black communities. The A-HART Social Worker will help provide support to individuals facing complex challenges including housing instability, addictions, mental health issues, and systemic barriers to care.

This integrated role will allow for proactive engagement with the HART Hub and its partner agencies to deliver wraparound services that include access to primary care, harm reduction supports, housing, employment, and community-based resources. The incumbent will provide one-on-one, group-based, and outreach interventions with a focus on prevention, recovery, and long-term stability. This includes regular mobile outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, survival-based sex work, and those living in temporary or unsafe accommodations.

Core Responsibilities

Deliver culturally safe, Africentric, strength-based social work services to Black adults with complex mental health and substance-use needs.

Conduct psychosocial assessments, crisis interventions, case management, and care planning.

Provide trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and harm-reduction-based support in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team.

Engage in regular mobile street outreach to connect with service recipients in shelters, encampments, and community spaces, building trust and offering low-barrier care.

Establish relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness and marginal housing circumstances, including those who may be disconnected from health services.

Support individuals with trauma-informed, harm reduction lens.

Allow for the active engagement of Primary Care services through the HART Hub and other partners where appropriate

Regularly communicate and collaborate with HART Hub partners to support transitions to supportive housing, treatment and ensure they receive the most appropriate level of care and follow-up.

Advocate for client needs and navigate systemic barriers to ensure equitable access to care.

Provide individual and group counselling interventions that are client-centered and goal-oriented.

Maintain accurate documentation in accordance with professional standards and Upstream Ottawa policies.

Participate in ongoing program evaluation, quality improvement initiatives, and data collection.

Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners and stakeholders to enhance culturally responsive service delivery.

Qualifications

Undergraduate in Social Work (BSW) from an accredited university required.

Registered and in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

Minimum 3 years of experience in mental health and addictions; lived experience supporting Black communities is strongly preferred.

Experience conducting community-based or street outreach with individuals experiencing homelessness and marginalization.

Deep understanding of the impacts of anti-Black racism, systemic oppression, and intergenerational trauma.

Proven experience applying Africentric, trauma-informed, harm reduction, and recovery-based approaches.

Demonstrated experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, or criminalization.

Excellent communication, documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.

Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation an asset.

Additional Assets

Experience navigating housing systems, social assistance, and community supports.

Experience with group facilitation, community engagement and public speaking.

Familiarity with Ottawa-based health service systems and culturally specific organizations.

Working Conditions

Hybrid work including office-based, community-based, and outreach settings.

Frequent street outreach and travel within Ottawa to meet clients in non-traditional spaces.

Some evening and weekend hours may be required.

Prolonged periods of sitting, computer work, and client meetings.

Compensation:

$71,660

*note: vehicle allowance is a component of the salary

Benefits

Health Spending Account, RRSP contributions and signing bonus

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Upstream Ottawa Mental Health Community Support at info@upstreamottawa.ca . Applications will be accepted until September 19, 2025

Upstream Ottawa is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from members of equity-deserving groups, including the Black community, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and those with lived experience of mental health or substance use. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of our community.

Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 24 months

Pay: From $71,660.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress RRSP match Wellness program
Application question(s):

Do you have a BSW degree and are Registered and in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)?
Education:

Bachelor's Degree (required)
Work Location: In person