Reintegration Support Worker

External Job Posting

POSITION INFORMATION

Job Title: Reintegration Support Worker

Department: Reintegration Support Program/Reintegration Services

Reports To: Team Leader of Reintegration and Institutional Services

Locations: Reintegration Services Trailer (Toronto South Detention Centre), with occasional work at additional community sites

Employment Status: Part-Time, One (1) year contract

Hours of Work: 20 hours per week; standard shift is 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., with some variation and occasional after-hours support as needed

Classification: A (Subject to the Collective Agreement)

Salary: $22.66 per hour

Potential Start Date: ASAP

Date Created/Updated: March 23, 2026

POSITION SUMMARY

This position provides direct support, engagement, and case coordination for individuals transitioning from incarceration into the community. Working primarily out of a mobile unit located at the Toronto South Detention Centre, the role focuses on harm reduction, reintegration support, and community connection. The Support Worker promotes safety, stability, and pro-social outcomes through education, advocacy, and access to resources while maintaining compliance with organizational policies and program objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Community-Based Client Support

• Engage individuals being released from custody through outreach and relationship-building
• Provide harm reduction education, overdose prevention information, and access to tools
• Offer informal counselling, emotional support, and community accompaniment
• Assist clients in developing life skills and navigating reintegration into the community
• Support diverse populations including adult males, transgender, non-binary individuals, and culturally diverse communities

B. Case Management Support

• Document client interactions, services provided, and outcomes in appropriate systems
• Provide referrals to internal and external services and support follow-up activities
• Advocate for clients and assist with accessing housing, health, and community supports
• Participate in data collection, research, and program evaluation activities as required
• Maintain accurate, factual, and timely record of services and records
• Use objective, non-judgmental language in all documentation
• Understand that records may be used in legal, correctional, or clinical review processes

C. Safety & Security

• Maintain a safe and supportive environment within the mobile unit and program settings
• Respond to crisis situations using de-escalation and problem-solving techniques
• Follow safety protocols, PPE requirements, and emergency procedures
• Work within the operational context of a mobile unit, including generator use and varying environmental conditions

D. Administrative Duties

• Complete logs, reports, and documentation accurately and in a timely manner
• Assist with assembling and distributing care packages for released individuals
• Coordinate transportation (e.g., Uber, taxi, GO/Via Rail) for clients
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the mobile unit (e.g., cleaning, donations, supplies)
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, training, and program development activities

E. Professional Conduct

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients
• Uphold confidentiality, ethical standards, and organizational policies
• Communicate effectively with clients, community partners, and stakeholders
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team environment

4. QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Diploma/Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Addictions, or a related field is an asset

Experience:

• Lived experience with the correctional system and/or substance use, with demonstrated community stability.
• Experience providing harm reduction support, outreach, or community-based services considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and build trust with diverse populations, including adult males, transgender, non-binary, and culturally diverse individuals.
• Knowledge and practical application of harm reduction principles.
• Crisis intervention, de-escalation, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Knowledge of community resources across Toronto, particularly in harm reduction and social services, and an understanding of issues related to justice involvement, substance use, and homelessness.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills, with the ability to complete assessments, maintain documentation, follow up on client needs, and provide client advocacy.
• Strong written and computer skills for accurate record-keeping and reporting.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and adapt to a mobile unit work environment.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is an asset.

5. CORE COMPETENCIES

• Sound judgment and decision-making under pressure
• Strong interpersonal and boundary-setting skills
• Observation and report-writing ability
• Cultural competency and trauma-informed, harm reduction–focused practice
• Ability to manage conflict respectfully and safely
• Reliability and emotional resilience
• Ability to work independently and adapt to dynamic work environments

6. WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work primarily conducted in a mobile unit located at the Toronto South Detention Centre and at various community sites.
• Exposure to outdoor and variable environmental conditions (weather, temperature, etc.)
• Work environment powered by a generator; ability to safely operate (turn on/off) as required.
• Limited on-site amenities (e.g., no on-site plumbing, washroom access within detention centre during operating hours).
• Requirement to climb steps to enter and exit the mobile trailer.
• Requirement to work independently with minimal supervision and respond to unpredictable situations.
• Exposure to individuals experiencing emotional distress, substance use, or behavioural challenges.

7. DETAILED PHYSICAL DEMANDS ANALYSIS

This role requires the ability to safely perform the following activities:

Mobility Requirements

• Ability to climb steps to enter and exit the mobile trailer multiple times per shift.
• Frequent movement within and around the mobile unit and community sites.
• Occasional rapid movement in response to emergencies.

Physical Tasks

• Ability to lift or move items up to 25 lbs (11 kg) (e.g., care packages, donations, supplies)
• Occasional bending, reaching, kneeling, and crouching
• Light cleaning and organizing tasks within the mobile unit (e.g., supplies, donations, surfaces)
• Ability to operate basic equipment required for the mobile unit (e.g., generator, as trained)
• Ability to assist in non-forceful physical guidance where safety is at risk (as trained).

Sensory Demands

• Continuous situational awareness and observation of client interactions and surroundings.
• Ability to hear verbal exchanges across busy environments.
• Reading detailed documentation and computer use
• Cognitive & Emotional Demands.
• Sustained concentration in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to make timely decisions in stressful situations.
• Managing exposure to traumatic disclosures, emotional crises, or conflict.

8. PHYSICAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Employees must be able to:

• Participate in mandatory safety training (e.g., crisis intervention, fire safety, emergency response).
• Use verbal de-escalation as the primary safety intervention.
• Follow established protocols designed to prevent physical confrontation.
• Maintain safe positioning and environmental awareness.
• Activate emergency procedures without hesitation when risk is identified.
• Work independently or within a team-based response model to ensure no staff manage high- risk situations alone (where operationally feasible).
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) where required.
• Report hazards, incidents, and injuries immediately.

Important:

This role is not designed to include enforcement or physical restraint beyond trained, policy- authorized safety interventions.

9. PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH & SAFETY EXPECTATIONS

• Exposure to stressful and emotionally charged situations is inherent in the role.
• Employees are expected to utilize supervision, debriefing, and wellness supports.
• Participation in critical incident reviews may be required.
• Commitment to respectful workplace practices is mandatory.

10. LEGAL & POLICY COMPLIANCE

Employees must comply with:

• Organizational policies and code of conduct
• Confidentiality and privacy legislation
• Occupational Health & Safety requirements
• Human rights obligations and duty-to-accommodate principles
• Professional boundary and ethical practice standards

11. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This job description reflects the general duties and physical requirements of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties may evolve to meet operational needs.

The John Howard Society of Toronto is an equal opportunity employer and a United Way Anchor agency. The position is included in the collective agreement with the John Howard Society of Toronto SEIU Healthcare.

Please submit all cover letters and resumes or letters about why you are interested in this position and a record of your relevant personal and/or work experience and/or education confidence by June 8th 2026 by email to Amy Hall, Team Lead of Reintegration and Institutional Services at ahall@jhst.ca. Be sure to indicate the position in the subject line.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received; early applications are encouraged. If you require any accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform hiring manager.

*Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you*