Job Posting: Housing Stabilization Worker (United Way)

Organization Introduction:

At Margaret’s Housing & Community Support Services Inc., our mission is to provide a continuum of housing and support services for individuals who struggle with addiction, substance abuse, and mental health challenges through an array of innovative programs, advocacy, and education which empowers individuals to build and reclaim their lives.

Margaret’s hosts a collaborative work environment, built of employees who share our core values of being compassionate, respectful, and innovative and strongly believe in empowering and providing support to vulnerable individuals in need. We support open communication and strongly encourage employees to take a direct, hands-on approach to their work as part of a team that plays an instrumental role in providing support services to our clients and residents.

Job Overview:

Margaret’s is seeking an experienced and compassionate Housing Stabilization Worker to provide vital support to 50 high-need individuals annually in Toronto, helping them maintain stable housing and mental health. The incumbent will work closely with clients who are at the highest risk of losing their housing due to severe mental health challenges and high-risk behaviours. The program focuses on individuals from equity-seeking groups, including low-income, racialized, Indigenous, disabled, and LGBTQ2S+ communities. This role involves one-on-one case management, building strong client relationships, and addressing the unique needs of individuals residing in supportive housing units.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide on-site support and systems navigation to clients and residents at various Margaret’s and other off-site housing sites
• Assist clients in identifying and securing permanent housing options and connect clients with government and community resources, programs, and services
• Provide intensive after-care case management and support to high-risk clients in supportive housing
• Develop and implement personalized action plans to address housing stability, mental health, and well-being
• Conduct regular assessments to identify and address immediate and long-term needs of clients
• Collaborate with community organizations, housing providers, and service teams to ensure comprehensive care
• Offer practical support and advocacy to clients navigating challenges related to mental health, social services, and housing
• Empower clients to build skills for independence and resilience, promoting housing retention
• Work with local housing authorities and landlords to facilitate access to housing and advocate for client needs with regards to rental payments, conflicts between tenants or tenant-landlord relationship, and other related issues
• Ensure that individuals’ healthcare needs are identified and addressed, facilitating access to necessary medical services
• Develops and implements appropriate services to support all tenants to maximize their safety, health and well- being
• May be required to attend the Landlord Tenant Board to represent the agency
• Performs administrative tasks including, not limited to, United Way Reports, client files and case notes, and documentation, and OCAN/CBI completion
• Ensures that statistical records are maintained and submits reports on the programs with an analysis of trends to identify risks and opportunities
• In collaboration with Senior Management ensures that all facilities conform to the standards set out by funding agreements and government legislation; that tenants, and staff adhere to building and fire codes, occupational health and safety and other relevant regulations; that evacuation procedures are in place
• Assist in the organization and delivery of relevant activities/educational workshops/information sessions, taking part in group-specific support sessions (e.g. for Refugee Women, Youth, LGBTQ+, etc.), where clients may share experiences, challenges and successes
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with key partners, supports and community agencies
• Represent the organization at community events, meetings, and forums to promote its programs and services
• Perform additional tasks, duties, and participate in special projects as required

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in case management, working with high-need populations, or in supportive housing settings
• Strong understanding of mental health challenges and the needs of marginalized communities
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from equity-seeking groups, including low-income, racialized, Indigenous, disabled, and LGBTQ2S+ communities
• Knowledge of local social services, housing resources, and mental health supports in the GTA
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and maintain a flexible approach to client needs
• Cultural competence and sensitivity to the needs of marginalized communities
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and record-keeping
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Superior interpersonal and advocacy skills with a high level of social and emotional intelligence
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a diverse team, demonstrating reliability and professionalism in all interactions
• Must demonstrate values of anti-oppression and anti-racism, and operate from a non-judgmental, client-centered framework
• Compassionate and empathetic approach to client care, with a commitment to advocacy and upholding clients’ dignity and respecting their autonomy
• Great crisis management and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to speak a second language an asset

Working Conditions:

• The incumbent will be working in a low-barrier setting, in close communication with designated clients and other individuals from the community who may be experiencing homelessness, mental health, and addictions issues
• The role involves both office work and fieldwork within the community
• Possible exposure to loud noises and crowded areas on-site
• This position requires occasional evening and weekend work for community events and meetings

COVID-19 considerations:

All employees and new hires are required to be fully vaccinated and must provide proof of vaccination. Precautions and health & safety guidelines regarding COVID-19 are applied and followed.

Margaret’s Housing and Community Support Services Inc. is committed to Employment Equity and welcomes all applicants. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume via email, attention to Human Resources at ananya@margarets.ca and include the position title in the email subject line. Phone calls are not accepted. While we thank all applicants for taking the time to apply, only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Email: Cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources: ananya@margarets.ca 

Download Job Posting 
 

Job Title: Mental Health & Justice Case Worker

Introduction:

At Margaret’s Housing & Community Support Services Inc., our mission is to provide a continuum of housing and support services for individuals who struggle with addiction, substance abuse, and mental health challenges through an array of innovative programs, advocacy, and education which empowers individuals to build and reclaim their lives.

Margaret’s hosts a collaborative work environment, built of employees who share our core values of being compassionate, respectful, and innovative and strongly believe in empowering and providing support to vulnerable individuals in need. We support open communication and strongly encourage employees to take a direct, hands-on approach to their work as part of a team that plays an instrumental role in providing support services to our clients. Located in Toronto, we have multiple sites in the downtown core. We are committed to working within an anti-oppressive and client-centered recovery framework.

Position Summary:

Margaret’s Mental Health & Justice Program provides holistic support services to and advocacy for individuals experiencing mental health & addictions challenges while they are incarcerated and/or as they are leaving the criminal justice system.

The Mental Health & Justice Case Worker, under the supervision of the Manager of Justice Programs & Services, with direction and oversight provided by the Senior Director of Programs & Services, will be responsible to maintain a caseload of a minimum of 25 individuals, providing intensive individual assistance and advocacy for individuals navigating the intersections of mental health challenges and involvement with the justice system. The position requires a compassionate, empathetic individual with a strong understanding of mental health issues, social justice, and community resources. The Case Worker will work closely with clients to assess their needs, develop personalized support plans, and facilitate access to relevant services and resources to promote their well-being and successful reintegration into the community and acquire housing. The incumbent will also be required to provide case management services within the Toronto South Detention Centre.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive needs and risk assessments for clients referred to the Mental Health & Justice Program
• Engage individuals in developing individualized treatment plans with short and long-term goals and identifying support systems
• Maintain a friendly and professional conduct to establish rapport with clients and conduct frequent check-ins, in-person and/or over the phone/virtually
• Ensure client confidentiality is upheld at all times and clients are aware of their rights to confidentiality and providing informed consent
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all legal conditions including program requirements and treatment plans
• Monitor and evaluate clients’ progress, adjusting treatment plans as needed to address evolving needs and challenges
• Provide pre-diversion, diversion, release planning, and court supports to individuals who are living with chronic and persistent mental illness and may be at risk of incarceration, or are currently or have previously been incarcerated
• Mental Health Pre-Diversion: provide meaningful intervention at a critical time to individuals of 16+ age who do not have a prior criminal record and need pre-diversion services to prevent them from entering the justice system
• Mental Health Diversion: assisting individuals of 18+ age who have been charged with an offence but approved for diversion by the Crown Attorney, and require diversion services
• Court Release Planning: assisting individuals of 16+ age who are incarcerated and have requested assistance in navigating services upon release
• Court Support: assisting individuals of 16+ age who have been charged with an offence, but have been released from custody planning, and require support navigating the criminal justice system
• Advocate on behalf of clients within the justice system, ensuring their rights are upheld and their voices are heard
• Act as a liaison between clients and legal professionals, providing support during court proceedings and advocating for alternative sentencing options, when appropriate
• Collaborate with community partners and stakeholders to address systemic barriers to mental health care and justice reform initiatives: legal, medical and financial assistance, housing, employment, transportation,  daycare and other services, as necessary
• Facilitate programming for life skills, personal growth, and recovery for designated clients
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records, documenting all interactions, assessments, and progress towards goals in keeping with organization’s policies and procedures
• Prepare reports, evaluations, correspondence and other documents relating to the individuals’ participation and compliance with required and recommended programming
• Work collaboratively with other members of the organization’s multidisciplinary team, including social workers, counselors, and case managers, to provide comprehensive support to clients
• Liaise with internal and external agency stakeholders, including but not limited to agency personnel, Justice System personnel, clients’ family, and participate in team meetings and case conferences
• Implement Program Evaluation and Client Satisfaction Surveys
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with key partners, supports, and community agencies
• Attend networking committees and participate in agency events as required
• Recordkeeping and data organization to keep track of program statistics and reporting to fulfill organizational and funder requirements
• Maintain program statistics for purposes of evaluation and research
• Perform other tasks and duties as required

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling or a related field is required. Equivalent work experience may supplement other qualifications
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience working in a similar role, preferably within the mental health & addictions and/or justice sector required
• Must have demonstrated experience providing culturally competent and holistic supports to individuals experiencing mental health & addictions issues
• Must have demonstrated experience providing clients services that reflects a good understanding of mental health disorders, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented, anti-oppressive, and client-centered practices
• Familiarity with and experience assisting clients navigate the justice system strongly preferred that reflects a good understanding of mental illness, its impacts, and how it intersects with involvement in the Criminal Justice System

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Good knowledge and understanding of the harm reduction principles, the recovery model, anti-oppression framework, trauma and trauma-informed care, and familiarity with issues affecting LGBTQ+ and other diverse communities required
• Strong ability to maintain client confidentiality and professional boundaries and respect client privacy and autonomy required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required
• Excellent interpersonal and advocacy skills required
• Ability to work well both independently and collaboratively with internal and external agency team members and stakeholders required
• Good knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures related to mental health and justice systems in Ontario strongly preferred
• Great skills in assessment, crisis management and case management strongly preferred
• Great applied computer skills strongly preferred
• Familiarity with case management software (Pirouette) and conducting client assessments (such as OCANs) preferred
• Must have good knowledge of existing client resources and services in the GTA
• Must be able to work flexible hours to provide crisis support to clients
• Ability to fluently speak French or another language a strong asset
• Valid First Aid & CPR training and other job-related training an asset

Special Requirements:

• Criminal background check required
• Willingness and ability to travel within designated community areas to provide client service
• Must be willing to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends, as required

Working conditions:

• Working in a designated office space and community areas
• Frequent interaction with individuals/families/residents in a community

Physical requirements:

• Frequent communication with clients entails going into the community to meet with clients, depending on environmental conditions
• Office work of data entry and reporting requires frequent typing

COVID-19 considerations:

All employees and new hires are required to be fully vaccinated and must provide proof of vaccination. Precautions and health & safety guidelines regarding COVID-19 are applied and followed.

Margaret’s Housing and Community Support Services Inc. is committed to Employment Equity and welcomes all applicants. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume via email, attention to Human Resources at ananya@margarets.ca and include the position title in the email subject line. Phone calls are not accepted. While we thank all applicants for taking the time to apply, only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Email: Cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources: ananya@margarets.ca

Download Job posting 
 

Job Posting: Mental Health & Addictions Case Manager – Residential and Community Programs

Introduction:

Reporting to the Director of Operations & Client Care, the Mental Health & Addictions (MH&A) Case Manager – Residential and Community Programs role is to provide support, advocacy and guidance to the community clients and residents, including those situated at our Respite Centre located at 21 Park Rd., Davenport, referred from ACCESS Point, and St. Clare’s and/or Bathurst. The worker must collaborate in a warm and collegial fashion with team members including other agency staff, volunteers, and residents.

Responsibilities:

• Provide support to women and family members who are experiencing mental health crises in the community and residential programs. Support includes assessment, counselling, information and referral, crisis management, advocacy, case management, etc. in the community
• Work in partnership with clients and residents to assist them in preventing and/or resolving crisis situations (e.g. harm reduction, suicide prevention, and non-violent crisis intervention)
• Assist clients/residents to develop and maintain a supportive network
• Facilitate access to required services, resources, and supports
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with key partners such as Toronto Community Housing Corporation, ACCESS Point, supports, and community agencies
• Educate clients and service providers of crisis intervention, prevention and management strategies
• Complete administrative requirements which include, but are not limited to, OCANs, CBI, etc.
• Implement Program Evaluation and Client Satisfaction Surveys
• Attend networking committees
• Ensure that government reporting is completed
• Participate in and attend to agency events (e.g. fundraisers, training, etc.)
• Perform any other duties as required

Qualifications:

• A university degree or college diploma in social services required
• Minimum 3 years’ working experience with individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly in the role of crisis intervention, mediation, and advocacy
• Possess a comprehensive understanding of mental illness, addiction and recovery, and working with the anti-oppression framework
• Familiarity with community resources and crisis services
• Ability to work with digital case management software
• Must possess strong written and oral communication skills, and strong problem-solving skills
• Willingness to work flexible hours
• Second language an asset

COVID-19 considerations:

All employees and new hires are required to be fully vaccinated and must provide proof of vaccination. Precautions and health & safety guidelines regarding COVID-19 are applied and followed.

Margaret’s Housing and Community Support Services Inc. is committed to Employment Equity and welcomes all applicants. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume via email, attention to Human Resources at ananya@margarets.ca and include the position title in the email subject line. Phone calls are not accepted. While we thank all applicants for taking the time to apply, only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Email: Cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources: ananya@margarets.ca

Download Job posting