Summary

The Case Manager offers intensive one-on-one support to adults who are living with serious mental health and/or substance use challenges. The incumbent in this role will promote independence and quality of life through the coordination of required services from across the mental health system as well as other service systems (i.e., criminal justice, developmental services, substance use) and the provision of constant and on-going support as needed by the Member.

Description

Intensive case management services are a key part of the continuum of mental health services and supports for people with serious mental illness.  The successful candidate will have the ability to nurture strong and trusting relationships and help Members to build solid networks of support that enable them to function in the least restrictive and most natural environment, and to achieve an improved quality of life on their terms. When you join us as a Case Manager you will be working with a passionate social service organization that puts people first, values your expertise, invests in your future through professional development opportunities and offers robust benefits including a defined benefit pension plan.  Don’t wait any longer to advance your career with PARC, apply today!

ABOUT PARKDALE ACTIVITY RECREATION CENTRE (PARC)

Since 1980, PARC’s mission has been to create “a community where people rebuild their lives”.  Our dedicated team works collaboratively with over 30 other agencies across the Greater Toronto Area to effectively support Members on individual issues of poverty, mental health, problematic substance use, homelessness, and food security.  At PARC, Members access services and develop relationships with our employees, and one another, through five main areas of operation: Drop-In Centre, Peer Support Program, Outreach Program, Supportive Housing and Community Engagement.

OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Manager, Member Programs & Services, the Case Manager offers intensive one-on-one support to adults who are living with serious mental health and/or substance use challenges.  The incumbent in this role will promote independence and quality of life through the coordination of required services from across the mental health system as well as other service systems (i.e., criminal justice, developmental services, substance use) and the provision of constant and on-going support as needed by the Member. This is an outreach position with care provided in Member homes, hospitals, community agencies, shelters, outdoors, etc., and travel within the city by TTC or personal vehicle (paid mileage) is required.  Case Managers develop caring, supportive relationships with Members and work to build a trusting connection that enables the Member to achieve goals, stabilize their life and improve their quality of life.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provides one-on-one case management support for Members in the community, using the least intrusive manner possible, including informal counseling, outreach, on-going assessment, goal planning, referral, development of support systems, system navigation, etc.
  • Completes standardized needs assessments using the Ontario Common Assessment of Need (OCAN) and may complete additional structured assessments as required.   
  • Develops strong, trusting, professional relationships that help Members to build solid networks of formal and informal supports.
  • Develops comprehensive, individualized care plans in collaboration with Members, and any identified formal/informal support persons that reflect the stated goals and needs of the Member. 
  • Supports activities geared toward establishing and maintaining an independent, healthy lifestyle with an emphasis on primary health care, mental health and wellness, community engagement, capacity-building, conflict resolution, crisis management and life skills.
  • Facilitates referrals, in consultation with the Member to other service providers and supports as appropriate.
  • Develops partnerships and collaborates with other providers from across the mental health and other service systems (i.e., criminal justice, safe beds, hospitals, developmental services, substance use etc.,) to ensure a well-coordinated service system.
  • Maintains accurate and timely case note documentation and statistical reporting in Pirouette in alignment with organizational policy.
  • Contributes to a healthy, engaging, and safe workplace.
  • Works collaboratively and effectively with a multi-disciplinary team to support the attainment of high work quality standards and performance expectations.
  • Stays current with research and leading practices related to mental health, substance use, suicide prevention, family dynamics, housing and other relevant areas of practice to ensure effective and high-quality service delivery.
  • Participates in relevant training and workshops to support professional development and skill building.
  • Actively participates in program evaluation and continuous quality improvement initiatives to support alignment with best practice and published standards of care.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • A relevant undergraduate education in a professional discipline pertinent to the role function and/or an equivalent combination of education and relevant progressive experience, with a minimum of 3 years relevant progressive experience in direct service delivery to adults with serious mental illness/problematic substance use or in case management settings.
  • First Aid Certification (CPR-AED) in good standing is required, or willingness to attain.
  • Highly developed interpersonal skills honed through experience in conflict resolution, crisis intervention/prevention, counseling, coaching and the ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
  • Ability to effectively communicate both written and orally with internal and external stakeholders
  • Sound judgement and ability to handle matters of a confidential, political and/or sensitive nature with discretion and tact.
  • Strong understanding of and commitment to working within community development, anti-oppression, and anti-racist frameworks, including current issues and trends and the role that community-based organizations contribute to local neighbourhoods.
  • Knowledge of peer work and the value of peer contributions.
  • Understanding and analysis of the systemic nature of oppression, particularly the intersection of race, gender, sexuality, and class.  Knowledge of, and experience in, the application of recovery principles, client-centered, harm reduction, trauma-informed and anti-oppression practices.  This position requires a commitment to and a passion for social justice.
  • Sound knowledge of applicable legislation (Mental Health Act, PHIPA, and Human Rights Code etc.)
  • Advanced knowledge of psychiatric medications and their side effects
  • Advanced knowledge of acute/chronic health conditions including COPD, Diabetes, Heart disease, MRSA, Liver disease, dementia, cellulitis etc.
  • Working knowledge of leading practices related to mental health, problematic substance use, harm reduction, trauma-informed care and building therapeutic relationships
  • Must be able to use creative strategies to address systemic barriers/access to community resources and improve the quality of life of people served
  • Must have demonstrated the ability to provide personal support with empathic and caring skill
  • Good time management skills and the ability to prioritize workload as needed
  • Familiar with professional standards of case notation, documentation, and assessment
  • Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and Smartsheet.
  • Fluency in a second language is considered an asset

As a condition of employment, the successful candidate must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of their vaccination status prior to the start of employment.

PARC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people who are reflective of the diverse communities we serve. We strongly encourage applicants with lived experiences, from Aboriginal communities, people of all races, colours, ethnic origins, religions, disabilities, and sexual orientations to apply.  We recognize that equitable access to employment is an agent in social change.

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.