Community Access Project Worker - Part Time

SUMMARY

The Community Access Project Worker (CAP) provides peer support services for members of PARC and the partner agencies. The Community Access Project Worker (CAP) serves as an advocate; and provides information and peer support for drop-in, community, emergency room, and inpatient settings. They perform a wide range of tasks to assist individuals in regaining control over their own lives and their recovery process.

The CAP Worker will have a personal belief in recovery; a genuine hope and optimism that their peers will succeed; a sincere interest in the welfare of their peers, including the ability to see each person as a unique individual; a willingness to share their own recovery experience; an ability to engage people based in their level of receptivity and individual needs; and the ability to role model competency in recovery and ongoing coping skills.

Responsibilities:

• As per direction of the Community Access Project Coordinator; provides one-to-one accompaniment for individuals with mental health and/or addiction concerns who require support in the community to get to appointments that directly reduce emergency room visits (appointments including but not limited to; doctor, dentist, mental health practitioners, medical clinics, specialists, counsellors, supportive housing programs, pharmacy, ID replacement clinics, immigration services, shelters, income support offices legal services, social recreation programs, detox, addictions services and any other requested location or service)
• Identifies risk and develops problem-solving strategies along with member that encourage personal safety;
• Communicates with circle of care to ensure members is well supported;
• Participates in community education and outreach to promote the service to potential clients;
• Maintains timely and thorough case notes, records, stats and complete reporting required by funders and supervisor;
• Provide appropriate referral to services that meet members’ unmet needs;
• Ensure confidentiality is maintained on all client and agency matters;
• Maintains effective working relationships with community partners, service and government agencies;
• Assists in networking and presenting program information with agency partners;
• Works collaboratively, respectfully and constructively with members, team members, service providers, volunteers, management and external stakeholders;
• Engages in reflective practice, and is aware of systemic oppression and one’s social location;
• Practices self-care and models a commitment to personal positive mental health strategies;
• Cooperates and participates with health and safety legislation and instructions for a safe and healthy workspace;
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Be a self-identified current or former user of mental health or addictions services who can relate to others who are now using those services;
• Work experience (1-2 years) working in a direct service role with vulnerable populations;
• Demonstrated experience working with marginalized individuals from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds;
• Demonstrated experience with anti-racism/anti-oppression approaches;
• Strong written communication and computer skills (email, cell phone, voice mail, outlook, database);
• Working knowledge of mental health, drug use, poverty, and homelessness;
• Knowledge of current resources and TTC routes
• Interpersonal skills-listening, relating, empathy, written/oral communication;
• Able to take and give feedback and constructive criticism;
• Ability to working alone and in teams;
• Conflict resolution, de-escalation skills, WRAP training, ASSIST training, harm reduction etc.
• Must have First Aid/CPR

Work Conditions/Hours:

• Work will be carried out mainly in the community, workers should be prepared to be in clients’ homes, hospitals, community agencies, shelters, outside, boarding homes, etc.
• Travel is required via TTC or your own vehicle (mileage paid as per collective agreement);
• This is a part-time position working 22 hours per week, primarily between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm.
• Interacts with client, family members, staff, visitors and other care providers;
• Physically and emotionally demanding pace due to high service demands / complex support issues.
• Three (3) days a week, typically from 9am - 5pm

Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre promotes the principles of and adheres to the tenants of the Ontario Human Rights Code. We strongly encourage applicants with lived experiences, from Indigenous communities, people of all races, ethnic origins, religions, disabilities, and sexual orientations to apply. We recognize that equitable access to employment is an agent in social change.

We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Interviews will be done on a rolling basis.

If you have any requirements for accommodation due to disability, please advise Human Resources during the recruitment and selection process. We will work with you to best meet your needs as per resources available to us.