JOB POSTING: Community Support Worker (working with somali men in Toronto)

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Position: Community Support Worker— With a focus on working with male clients with a Somali cultural background

Program: Community Support Services – West Team

Location: Travel throughout the GTA

Posting in effect: December 14 – 31, 2010

Start Date: As soon as possible

Salary Range: $50,927

 

Status: 8 months with possibility of extension, a bargaining unit position

 

A. THE ORGANIZATION

 

Community Resource Connections of Toronto (CRCT) assists adults with serious mental health issues to live with dignity and fulfillment in the community. Established in 1974 as a non-profit organization, CRCT operates with a $5.3M budget funded by the Toronto Central LHIN and employs 60+ FTE employees who are mostly unionized under SEIU to provide services in areas of case management services, court support, outreach, consultation and information; and through advocacy, research, evaluation, community capacity building, training and education.

 

B. PURPOSE OF POSITION

 

To provide culturally responsive community support and services to male clients with Somali background (16 and over) who are having significant difficulties in day-to-day living as a result of severe and persistent mental health issues. Services are provided within the GTA boundaries.

 

C. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Engage with clients and their families in order to explain the assessment process and the role of the Community Support Worker and the agency.

2. Assess the client’s community support needs and wishes (i.e. daily living skills, housing, finances, social networks, vocational and educational goals, environmental resources, etc.).

3. Assist clients to identify and achieve their goals, including developing a supportive social network, crisis intervention, etc.

4. Work with clients and their families to acquire and maintain needed services, resources and supports.

5. Provide support, information, referrals and skill enhancement to clients, their families and any other parties as deemed necessary for the benefits of the clients.

6. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key supports and resources in the community including consultation services with shelter staff and any other parties as deemed necessary for the benefits of the clients.

7. Maintain program and agency documentation as per CRCT policies.

8. Maintain confidentiality as per “Personal Health Information Protection Act”.

9. Work with the Program Manager to utilize supervision appropriately.

10. Participate in agency and other meetings and initiatives as appropriate.

11. Promote the values and mission of CRCT.

12. Travel is required primarily in West Toronto and the former City of Toronto with occasional travels throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

 

D. QUALIFICATIONS:

· A degree/diploma or training in health, social services or a related area.

· Full knowledge, understanding and significant experience of the Somali culture.

· Knowledge of culturally appropriate approaches that engage families and significant others.

· At least two years of work experience with people with serious mental health problems, preferably in both traditional and non-traditional mental health services environment.

· Extensive knowledge of systemic issues related to housing, poverty and mental health.

· Strong in self-motivation and working in a team.

· Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly in engagement with clients and their families.

· Committed to working in partnerships, and communicating effectively and respectfully with clients, families and other supports

· Sound knowledge of issues related to mental health treatment and recovery.

· Committed to working within an anti-oppression framework and familiar with issues affecting ethno-racial communities.

· Direct personal experience of the mental health system is an asset.

· Proficiency in Somali language

· Effective communication in written and verbal English

· Computer literate in Microsoft environment and computer proficiency.

· Experience working with organizations that serve ethno-racial communities is an asset.

· A car, a valid driver’s license, and a third party $ 1 million business insurance is required for this position.

 

E. OTHER INFORMATION AND HOW TO APPLY

 

In order to serve the increasing diversity of individuals we work with, the successful applicant will have an understanding of anti-oppression work and a familiarity with issues affecting ethno-racial communities.

 

We encourage applications from people with direct experience with the mental health system, people of colour, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, and people who communicate in more than one language. Personal disclosures will be held in confidence.

 

If you are interested in being considered for this position, please submit your interest in writing, including your resume, before the deadline, to:

 

The Hiring Committee

Community Resource Connections of Toronto

366 Adelaide Street East Ste 230

Toronto, Ontario M5A 3X9

hiringcommittee@crct.org

 

Fax:416-482-5237

 

If you apply by email, it is important that you quote “JOB POSTING #E2010-07” as the subject line of your email.

 

We thank all applicants for your interest in CRCT and the position. We will contact applicants who are selected for interviews. Due to the high volume of applications, we will not be able to return calls to your enquires.