Job Description

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. Job purpose: The POES & WRAP Worker, reporting to the Director of Programs & Services, will provide on-site client support in accordance with the POES Program Manual and client support to individuals seeking support after incarceration for the WRAP Program. About POES: Margaret’s Toronto East Opportunity Program provides educational and practical supports for individuals experiencing various barriers accessing the labour market and currently receiving Ontario Works benefits. Participants may experience the following barriers: mental health challenges, homelessness, addictions, poverty, immigration status, racism, etc. The incumbent will be required to register and attend POES-related training by the City of Toronto. About WRAP: the worker will provide on-site client support to individuals seeking support after incarceration in accordance with guidelines as listed below and instructed by the Director of Program Services utilizing Wrap Around Supports Program, supportive counselling, case management, service referrals, individualized assessments, and other client-centred and holistic approaches. The goal of the WRAP program is to reduce recidivism, self-isolation, and hospitalization amongst individuals recently released from custody. Responsibilities include, but not limited to, the following: POES: · Actively recruit clients by reaching out to caseworkers, organizations, and online platforms via email/phone/digital flyers/etc. · Ensure pre-employment program participant targets are met for screening and enrolment into the program · Create and maintain client files and keep record of client activities such as attendance, participation, and achievements using written and/or electronic documentation procedures · Utilize the POES online portal to access information regarding referrals and potential participant contact information and contact them and inform them of program logistics · Facilitate creation and delivery of the 8-week program learning modules for participants in accordance with the POES Program manual and administer evaluation form at the end of each module · Assist participants with finding and securing placements · Provide post-program support up to six months to participants and ensure the contacts are documented in the portal · Carry out the program in a fulsome manner in accordance with the POES Program manual for the core program, placements, and post-program support · Check in with clients regularly to assess their progress, give support and discuss any difficulties or issues being experienced · Gather and organize data such as completion outcomes for each clients · Ensure participant information is entered correctly in a timely manner and updated often to ensure proper data collection and agency targets are met · Represent agency at variety of networking events and other meetings as required · Administer and collect client satisfaction surveys · Perform other tasks and duties as required and assigned WRAP: · Review client background information upon receiving referrals and signed release forms · Create and maintain client files and keep record of client activities such as attendance, participation, and achievements using written and/or electronic documentation procedures · Deliver the Wrap Around Supports Program in accordance with public health and government measures, adhering to best practices to provide safe client service with considerations for COVID-19 · Lead Wraparound Support Program to assist clients with intervention, reintegration, rehabilitation, and life stabilization · Provide individual support to a minimum of 17 Ontario Works clients of a vulnerable population (men and women from racialized groups, those experiencing mental health, addictions and substance abuse issues – newcomers, youth, and adults), referred from Toronto South Detention Centre and Riverdale Probation and Parole · Conduct client assessments using the Ontario Common Assessment of Needs (OCAN) at the start of the service and re-assess clients after six months to track goal progression · Use evidence-based and client-centred approaches to provide client supports to reduce risk of recidivism, feeling of self-isolation, and mental health related hospitalizations amongst individuals recently released from custody · Collaborate with other stakeholders to provide coordinated, individualized intervention plan and other services to clients as needed · Address client areas of needs and risks and provide holistic support including, but not limited to, individualized assessments, supportive counselling, coaching and mentoring, service navigation, social recreational activities, and referrals to external services to increase feelings of social connectedness and community amongst individuals released from custody · Assist clients by providing tools such as a healthy lifestyle plan, life skills development, recognizing personal triggers and warning signs for re-offending, etc. for effective problem solving and building pro-social thoughts and attitudes · Refer and advocate for clients to access other social services or assist clients in systems navigation including legal, medical and financial assistance, housing, education & employment, health & wellbeing, transportation, parenting, day care, and other services o Referrals also made to Legal Aid, OW/ODSP training programs, CMHA, etc. · Meet regularly with clients to assess their progress, give support and discuss any difficulties or problems · Educate and assist clients regarding rules related to maintaining subsidized housing and completion of yearly eligibility forms · Provide post-program supports for up to two months to clients in the form of ongoing supportive counselling and collaborate with Client & Community Engagement Coordinator to ensure clients are connected with and receiving other services provided by the organization, such as COVID care packages, housing supports, social recreational activities, and psychiatric consultations, etc. · Maintain contact with other social service agencies and health care providers involved with clients to provide information and obtain feedback on clients' overall progress while maintaining confidentiality · Gather and organize data such as completion outcomes for each client and report to stakeholders upon completion of program · Submit activity reports and client-service related statistical reports in accordance with reporting guidelines as directed by the Director of Programs & Services and the funder(s) · Participate in and implement quality improvement and accreditation group and strategies · Ensure client files are entered correctly and updated often to ensure proper data collection and agency targets are met · Represent agency at variety of networking events and other meetings as required · Administer and collect client surveys ex. Ontario Perception of Care (OPOC) · Perform other tasks and duties as required and assigned Qualifications: · Social Services Worker Diploma or equivalent with relevant practicum experience within the employment field · Minimum one (1) year of full-time employment counselling, facilitation, and job placement experience · Familiarity and experience utilizing POES User Manual a great asset · Knowledge and experience working with Ontario Works case workers and managers an asset · Must be able to work independently and be self-directed in carrying out the POES Program · Familiarity using Career Assessment Tools a great asset · Demonstrated skills providing services using virtual tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, web apps, Microsoft Office programs, etc. · Knowledge of social issues which impact individuals of a vulnerable population such as those experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, substance abuse issues, minorities, new immigrants, refugees, etc. Working conditions: Primarily work indoors Under normal circumstances, work in close proximity with others with near-constant interaction with clients and/or residents and fellow staff Physical requirements Use of hands – typing to input client information into database and case management software Use of PPE – face mask, face shield, gloves, gowns, etc. Margarets is an equal opportunity employer. Should you need accommodation for the interview process, please do not hesitate to reach out prior to your scheduled interview. We thank all individuals for applying, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please. Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract Salary: From $20.00 per hour Expected hours: No less than 40 per week Day range: Monday to Friday Shift: 8 hour shift Day shift Morning shift Education: DCS / DEC (preferred) Experience: Employment Facilitation: 1 year (preferred) Social Services: 1 year (preferred) Work Location: In person