Case Manager/counsellor

**ABOUT WANASAH**

Wanasah is a new mental health agency created to address the urgent mental health and addictions needs of Black youth and their families through the provision of effective Black-centric mental health services in the community. Wanasah recognizes the need for inclusive, trauma-informed care with meaningful incorporation of spirituality and community voice in its programming. We work within an anti-racist, anti-Black racist and anti-oppression framework that incorporates principles of intersectionality. Wanasah is based in Regent Park, Toronto.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new organization that is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of Black youth in Toronto. The successful individual will work with a small, dedicated team to develop, evaluate and adapt an innovative model of care.

**Position Summary**

Wanasah is seeking a Case manager/Counsellor to work with Black youth aged 12-25 with mental health and addictions concerns and their families in Regent Park. These youth may be experiencing serious diagnosed/undiagnosed mental illness, problematic substance use, violence, grief/loss, involvement with the criminal justice system and/or a mental health crisis. The Case manager/Counsellor’s main responsibilities will be to provide case management and individual and group therapy to clients and their families. They will report directly to the Program Manager and work closely with other members of the Wanasah team including Community Support Workers, Mental Health Counsellors and Spiritual Care Facilitator, as well as partner agencies in the community. A key focus will be on building trust and engagement with clients and their families. The Case manager/Counsellor will utilize a Black-centric, person and family centered, spiritually affirming, trauma informed approach.

**Responsibilities Include**:

- Provide short term, intensive case management to Black youth (with a focus on youth who identify as girls/women) experiencing mental illness and/or problematic substance use, including assessment, supportive counselling, referrals to community resources, long term planning, and follow up services when needed.
- Develop and plan appropriate recovery goals in areas such as crisis prevention, family and community integration, life skills, symptom management and spirituality.
- Provide individual and group therapy to support Black youth with mental health and addiction concerns and their families.
- Provide individual and family assessments, risk assessments and follow up services.
- Provide one-time or ongoing therapy, crisis intervention, and psychoeducation to clients.
- Support clients whose needs cannot be met in the community to access acute care and/or emergency services.
- Provide advocacy and support services during and following hospitalization.
- Identify, develop, and facilitate mental health outreach activities.
- Offer workshops/training sessions on topics such as trauma recovery, bereavement and culturally - specific mental health and addictions care.
- Offer and provide support to family and chosen family of clients through psychoeducation, supportive therapy, crisis prevention strategies, etc.
- Ensure the implementation of models of best practice and evidence-based practice.
- Participate in quality-of-care activities to initiate positive changes in service delivery.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records and documentation.
- Participate as a full member of Wanasah’s team.
- Comply with Wanasah’s policies and procedures including those relating to privacy and confidentiality.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with family/chosen family, community agencies/partners and other resources in the community.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

**Requirements**:

- Minimum qualification is a degree in Social Work from a recognized university or equivalent. Master’s level preparation in a mental health related discipline (MSW, MN, Spiritual Care, etc.) is highly desirable.
- Membership and good standing in a professional college (e.g. OCSWSSW, CNO, CRPO, COTO, etc.)
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a case manager and/or counsellor in a community mental health and addictions position
- Demonstrated experience supporting individuals with mental health and addictions issues, from a recovery, harm reduction, trauma informed and client and family centered approach.
- Knowledge of issues impacting female identified youth with mental health and addictions concerns, and familiarity with local resources and supports.
- Knowledge of pertinent legislation, such as the Child and Family Services Act, the Mental Health Act and the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
- Understanding of spirituality and faith in providing meaningful mental health and addictions services
- Self-directed and independent, but also proven experience working effectively as a team member, including in collaboration with other community partners.
- Proven commi