Client Support Worker

Position Summary:
The CARE Client Support Worker is responsible for counselling, group facilitation and providing general assistance to walk-in clients.

Job Accountabilities:

Counselling/Support

• Supervision of a moderate caseload of individuals seeking assistance and support through life
  challenges and changes
• Conduct assessments to clarifying need
• Assist clients with the development of a personalized plan of action to address identified need
• Provide support and follow-up around the development of appropriate strategies for
  implementing the plan
• Identify needs which require external interventions and make referrals as appropriate
• Participate in formal and informal case conferences and team meetings.

Group Work

• Facilitate group programming (in house and / or off site) according to the established
  facilitator’s guide to ensure consistency of group service delivery
• Maintain current knowledge on cognitive skills-based programming
• Develop/maintain handouts, resources and support materials for use in group programs
• Distribute and collect evaluations to determine the effectiveness of material
• To develop and/or conduct workshops/groups to provide Cognitive Behavioural Interventions
  

Documentation/Administrative

• Ensure case management practices, as outlined in Minimum Standards, are adhered to including all documentation to be complete and properly recorded
• Maintain client file in a timely and efficient manner; assessments, notes, reports, statistical
  information
• Compile and provide monthly statistical data to the agency
• Provide comprehensive reports to management as required
• Maintain proper record keeping for payments made by clients (as needed)
  

Working Conditions and Environment

• Maintain workplace confidentiality and work within the policies and procedures as outlined,
  while respecting the mission, vision and principles of the agency
• Conduct self with integrity and respect as it applies to the role as an employee representative of the agency
• Work in a spirit of congeniality with all staff
• Maintain a current understanding of resources/services available in the community which could be of assistance to the clients
• Ability to comply with deadlines as directed by management
• Demonstrate effective time management and an ability to refocus after interruptions from co-
  workers, clients and management
• Participate in team meetings and other committees as needed
• Participate in relevant training opportunities in order to keep skills and outlook current/effective
• Provide supervision to student placements and/or volunteers as requested by manager
• Represent the agency at community events, public speaking engagements, etc. at the direction
  of management.

Qualifications

• Completion of post-secondary education in a related field
• A minimum of 2 years general counselling experience is preferred
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written and computer literacy
• Reliable judgment and maintenance of boundaries is required when dealing with clients and
  other service providers
• Knowledge of Region of Peel Ontario Works/ODSP programs
• Understanding of working with clients involved in the criminal justice system
• Understanding of the criminal justice system
• Understanding of homelessness/poverty and how these impact on people living with mental
  illness and/or addictions
• Knowledge of and proficiency in current approaches for mental health and addictions, and client centered principles
• Demonstrated conflict resolution and crisis prevention/intervention skills an asset
• A valid license with access to own vehicle required as this position will routinely work out of
  more than one location