Corrections Caseworker

The Corrections Caseworker is responsible to preform casework in support of persons serving out their parole at the St Catharines Booth Centre. The focus of our services is to ensure clients complete their parole and are successfully reintegrated back into the community.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**Accountabilities**:

- Participate in Community Assessment Team (CAT) meetings to review community assessments and prepare minutes for the same.
- Prepare case management and sign out files for new arrivals.
- Conduct intakes with new arrivals: complete the intake form, review the house rules, complete the inventory of belongings, give a tour of the facility, admit the resident to a dorm and complete an initial discussion of release plan.
- Develop and implement case management of assigned clients; assist clients in establishing goals, monitor progress, and prepare discharge plan.
- Perform administrative duties, such as compiling and maintaining accurate case files and appropriate documentation related to clients and initiates and any new documentation; complete all reports required by the funder and The Salvation Army including OMS.
- Facilitate the delivery of program, one-on-one and/or groups.
- Maintain caseload with regularly scheduled sessions and record keeping on all contacts and sessions as required by policy and procedures.
- Conduct interviews with applicants at the local Detention Centre and various federal institutions whenever necessary.
- Complete daily activity record reports for statistical purposes. Complete Psycho-Social Assessments on clients.
- Write Progress Summary Reports whenever necessary. Assist clients with job search inquiries.
- Liaise with Correctional Service Canada Staff.
- Participate in Case Conferences with clients and Parole Officers whenever necessary. Complete incident reports whenever necessary.
- Participate in Disciplinary Interviews whenever necessary.
- Contact other social service agencies whenever necessary to provide client referrals. Supervise residents regarding their adherence to house rules and parole conditions.
- Always maintain client confidentiality. Develop a rapport with the clients. Provide individual counselling to clients re: any issue that may interfere with the reintegration process.
- Keep updated and current client/resident listings. Complete weekend curfew sheets when necessary.
- Complete and distribute authorized weekend passes when necessary.
- Conduct rounds of the CRF Unit regularly throughout shift.
- Conduct room searches with another staff person if there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe that a client may have contraband in his room.
- Report violations of parole conditions in accordance with policy. Log pertinent information in the official registers and OMS.
- Sort, stamp and file CRF incoming mail and faxes.
- Record and input monthly statistics whenever necessary.
- Respond to persons in crisis and utilize de-escalation techniques, if necessary, contact emergency personnel (police, ambulance, etc.)
- Monitor the activities of the clients and maintain availability for personal, practical and moral support.
- Complete other duties as required.

**Working Conditions**:

- Schedule may vary according to requirements of responsibilities - usual schedule is Monday to Friday, 4pm to midnight.
- This is a temporary full-time contract until December 31, 2023.
- May deal with clients who become angry.
- May encounter verbal abuse.

**QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS**:
**Education, Qualifications and Certifications**:

- College Diploma in Social Services/Corrections and / or combination of education and life related experience in working with marginalized individuals.
- Completion of Non-Violence Crisis Intervention Training or willingness to obtain.
- Current First Aid and CPR or willingness to obtain.
- Training in Naloxone administration and Mental Health First Aid would be assets.

**Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements**:

- Minimum of one (1) year of prior related experience, including experience in front line work in a correctional or social service setting.

**Skills and Capabilities**:

- Support for and an understanding of mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada.
- Solid background of how to work with people from diverse backgrounds and enjoy assisting others to solve problems.
- Knowledge of issues facing persons experiencing housing crisis.
- Knowledge and sound understanding of the Mental Health and Addictions support systems available to individuals in the Niagara region.
- Knowledge of various social issues pertaining to homelessness and its impact on the clients served.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and under supervision.
- Experience working with diverse populations, including those experiencing mental health and addictions.
- To maintain confidentiality in all matters pertaining to clientele and staff of The Salvation Army.
- Demonstrated ability to use sound judg