Case Worker - Harm Reduction (CHUR1232)

• Uses effective eviction prevention measures to assist tenants to assume and maintain their tenancy obligations;
• Uses harm reduction principles in facilitating and supporting tenant-centered activities (e.g. tenant committees related to areas of importance for residents such as safety health and wellness building-related issues housing stability etc.);
• Provides harm reduction strategies that will empower individuals as they address issues related to substance use mental health health and wellness and housing;
• Provides crisis prevention intervention and counseling for women and children and gender diverse people to respond to crisis in ways that support individual and community well-being;
• Engages individuals in identifying needs developing treatment plans and assists tenants to problem solve and access relevant community support plans that identify ongoing housing and mental health/addictions support;
• Works with a tenant support network and referral partners to develop individualized support plans that identify ongoing housing and mental health/addictions support;
• Creates and delivers programming specifically designed to build community capacity with the use of a harm reduction framework that will give individuals and groups of residents the opportunity to develop and use harm reduction strategies in all aspects of their lives (health relationships independent life skills housing etc.).

• General knowledge of an academic or technical discipline normally acquired through the completion of an undergraduate degree (example: Bachelor of Social Work in mental health and health field Occupational Therapy etc.) (Cases for Equivalency will be considered);
• 3 - 5 years experience working in a supportive housing setting in a direct service setting with children youth and adults who experience impacts of poverty homelessness/under-housing violence/trauma mental health/addictions or concurrent disorders;
• In-depth understanding of harm reduction trauma mental health and substance use;
• Demonstrative experience knowledge and understanding of harm reduction approaches as a holistic frame work that incorporates supportive housing community development advocacy and peer support;
• Demonstrated experience in cultivating leadership within groups and developing dynamic and innovative programming;
• Supportive counseling and group-work approach that is flexible client-centered and strengths-based;
• Life Skills certificate an asset; arts based and social media skills an asset;
• Working knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act Housing Services Act and Ontario Human Rights Code;
• Excellent crisis intervention and conflict mediation skills with ability to remain calm in crisis;
• Proven experience working independently developing and facilitating groups;
• Ability to deliver culturally sensitive services and very good knowledge and understanding of community resources;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and excellent oral and written communications skills;
• Working knowledge and application of Anti-Oppression Trauma Informed Harm Reduction and feminist frameworks;
• Knowledge of a second language or culture an asset.

• Exposure to unpredictable behaviours and situations with required adherence to use de-escalation and crisis intervention safety protocols.
• Regular exposure to unpleasant odours bodily fluids and pests (such as bed bugs mice and cockroaches) with use of PPE and infection control procedures.
• Work involves high emotional demands including vicarious trauma grief and compassion fatigue with wellness supports and EAP resources available.
• Potential exposure to second-hand smoke inside of tenants units; requiring staff to follow organizational health and safety measures.
• Interactions includes; tenants who may have pets requiring adherence to program guidelines for providing clear directions on tenants safe handling and storage practices of their pets.

• Comprehensive Medical Vision and Dental Coverage
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Benefit
• Multi-Sector Pension Plan: Employers contribution of 5.75% and Employee Contribution of 3.25%
• Time off: Starts with 20 Vacation Days 1.5 Days Per Month Sick Leave 12 Paid Holidays Health Promotional Days and 4 Float Days
• Other Benefits: Child Care Benefits Maternity/Parental Leave Supplementary Employment Benefits Educational/Sabbatical Leave and Financial Assistance for Professional Development

YWCA Toronto transforms lives. As the citys largest multi-service womens organization we help women and gender diverse people escape violence move out of poverty and access safe affordable housing.

We work tenaciously to break down barriers that hold women and gender diverse people back from achieving equality.

Vaccination Policy: In accordance with YWCA Torontos COVID-19 Vaccination Policy all YWCA Toronto employees students and volunteers are strongly encouraged to obtain all COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses as recommended by Toronto Public Health

Please note: A vulnerable sector police reference check is required by the successful candidate prior to hiring.

YWCA Toronto promotes the principles of anti-oppression and adheres to the tenets of the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from women and gender diverse people of all races ethnic origins religions abilities and sexual orientations.

YWCA Toronto provides accommodation during all parts of the hiring process upon request to applicants with disabilities. If contacted please advise us if you require any accommodation. While we thank all candidates for their interest only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

YWCA Toronto is a Scent-Sensitive Workplace.