Job Title or Location

Residential Mental Health and Addictions Worker

Fife House Foundation, Inc.
Toronto, ON
Posted yesterday
Job Details:
Full-time
Experienced
Benefits:
Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Life Insurance

Fife House is an innovative, client-focused provider of secure and supportive affordable housing and services to people living with HIV/AIDS in the Greater Toronto Area. With approximately 110 staff working across 6 locations, in 2020-2021 Fife House served more than 850 residents and clients by providing supportive and transitional housing programs as well outreach programs to homeless clients and their families. Fife House understands that historically marginalized groups in our communities often encounter particular barriers to full access and participation. We therefore commit to actively dismantling all forms of racism and systemic oppression with GIPA/MEPA at the forefront, including in our own organization and across governance structures. As a settler agency, Fife House stands in solidarity with Indigenous and Black Peoples across Turtle Island and recognizes the role we have in the work of reconciliation and healing. Fife House is seeking a dedicated individual to fill the role of Residential Mental Health and Addictions Worker position at our Huntley Transitional Housing Program. As a member of the team, the Mental Health and Addictions worker will provide front-line client-centered and trauma-informed care to Fife House residents/clients at our Huntley locations DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Support and Guidance: * Provide day to day emotional support, guidance, and encouragement to residents living with HIV/AIDS, Mental Health and/or Addictions challenges * Assist Residents in developing coping strategies and building resiliency to manage their issues effectively * Conduct regular check-ins and wellness monitoring to assess and respond to residents evolving mental health and addiction needs * Advocate for resident rights and needs within the organization and the wider community * Receive and respond to resident complaints in a timely manner 1. Assessment and Planning: * Work collaboratively with residents' Case Manager to identify client needs, strengths and goals as it relates to their Mental Health and Addiction goals during residents' 18-month stay * Co-develop resident service plans with Residential Support Workers to support client goals and engagement during the time-limited program * Attend and participate in regular one-on-one resident support meetings with their support team * Collaborate with clients to develop a mental health and addictions personalized support plan that emphasizes client-centered care, health, emotional wellness and safety planning * Worksclosely with a multidisciplinary team including social service workers, social workers,resident support workers, healthcare professionals, peer workers, and case managers to provide comprehensive care for residents * Connect residents with mental health and addiction services by providing information on resources and submitting referrals as per resident's support plan 1. Crisis Intervention * Offer immediate supportto residents during mental health crisis, using de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies * Ensure the safety and well-being of residents during challenging situations using a harm reduction, trauma informed and restorative justice approach * Identify, respond to, and manage overdose events and provides education about drug poisoning and mitigating risk * Collaborate with Resident Support Workers to address and mediate resident-to-resident conflict and concerns 1. Resident Activities and Skill Development * Develop, organize and facilitate along with Resident Support Workers programming to promote the development of life skills through a strengths-based and harm reduction approach * Collaborate with Resident Support Workers in developing and updating a monthly activities calendar for residents * Collaborate with Resident Support Workers to organize and facilitate residential house meetings for all residents and incorporate resident feedback into programming and services where possible * Liaise with Community agencies such as Habitat Housing and other service providers to develop and (co-) facilitate programs directed toward mental health and addictions Promote a sense of community among residents within the program 1. Documentation and Reporting * Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of client interaction, progress and any significant changes in resident mental health and/or addictions * Prepare reports as required by Fife House and participate in case conferences and team meetings * Receive and submit resident work orders in on-line management system * Complete shift exchange documentation and procedures per shift to promote team communication and continuity of care * Maintain and regularly update resident files including consents and contacts 1. Other duties * Assist with ordering, stocking and tracking of harm reduction supplies (i.e. safer sex and drug use) for residents * Work collaboratively within a team-based environment to support the operations of the program and support daily operations as needed. * Maintain cleaning and disinfection of Common Spaces and Offices Spaces, as per Health & Safety proceduresParticipate in staff meetings, team meetings, supervision and training sessions * Provide peer-to-peer coaching and education on approaches to support people living with mental health and addictions issues * This position is subject to exposure to second-hand smoke, odors, pests and clients' potential use of inappropriate language and/or swearing. * This position will be required to enter resident rooms and spaces to address safety risks concerns. * Perform other duties as assigned by Program Manager or designated manager QUALIFICATIONS: * A minimum of social service worker diploma, bachelors of social work, or equivalent with two to four years within mental health, substance use, and/or residential settings; * Experience in the HIV, mental health and psychiatric conditions, substance use, and/or houselessness sectors; * Knowledge of community resources related to substance use, mental health, complex client needs, and chronic houselessness; Skills: * Strong time management skills * Strong ability to work productively both independently and as a part of a team * Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations * Strong working knowledge and commitment to harm reduction,anti-racism and anti-oppression principles and practices; * Empathy, compassion and non-judgmental attitude toward residents * Ability to lift heavy objects (~55kg) * Strong crisis management and conflict resolution skills; * Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) with a collaborative spirit; * Strong computer literacy (Word, E-mail, Internet); * Naloxone Training and Mental Health First Aid ASSET: * CPR and First Aid Certificate * CIT Training * Lived experience of supportive housing * Lived experience of working with diverse and marginalized groups (eg. 2SLGBTQIA+ community and racialized people) * Knowledge of HIV infection in the current context, including the impact of stigma and discrimination * Food Handlers Certification Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus comprehensive Benefits Package including: health insurance, life insurance, EFAP paid by Fife House, float and management days off, paid sick leave and wellness activities. FIFE HOUSE is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our living and work environments. We know that diversity underpins excellence, and that we all share responsibility for creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive community. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including, but not limited to: * Persons living with HIV/AIDS * First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples; * Members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin; * Persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities; * Persons who identify as women; and * Persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. We recognize that many of these identities intersect and that therefore, equity, diversity and inclusion can be complex. We value the contributions that each person brings,and are committed to ensuring full and equal participation for all in our community. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of selection process

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