Primary Worker

**Job Summary**

Primary Workers aim to affect positive change through a client centered approach, by modeling pro-social attitudes, providing a structured environment, and partnering residents with resources, services, and treatment to address needs and risks in preparation for a successful integration.

Primary Workers are responsible for managing a caseload which includes developing reintegration plans, addressing risk and needs through relevant interventions, monitoring program compliance, documenting client progress and activity, and reporting program violations. They orient residents to program requirements and use assessment tools to determine resident risk and needs to develop a comprehensive Resident Action Plan. This plan might include several components such as cognitive behavioral treatment, substance abuse therapy, emotions management programming, mental health and medical treatments, educational upgrading, employment readiness, skills training, identification replacement, housing, finances and budgeting, electronic monitoring, and more.

Primary Workers liaise with several community and criminal justice stakeholders including federal institutions, parole, police, social service agencies, medical professionals and other community resources. This often includes case conferencing and preparing documentation for reporting resident progress to supervising agencies or connecting residents with social service agencies and community resources.
- Commitment to the principles of social justice including recognizing the value and dignity of all persons irrespective of culture, status, gender, age, education, appearance, beliefs, or contribution to society regardless of ability.
- Experience working with individuals with active substance use disorder and severe mental health challenges is an asset.
- An ability to work with persons who face multiple barriers such as poverty, isolation, lack of mobility, difficulty accessing programs and service, physical isolation, discrimination, criminalization, and homelessness.
- Strong crisis intervention skills.
- Strong Motivational Interviewing skills.
- Compliance not punitive focused.
- Knowledge of community resources.
- Bilingual in French and English is an asset.

**Responsibilities**
- To assess a resident’s progress with regards to behaviour, attitude, facility rules, cleanliness, employability, life skills development, etc. and to report to the Assistant Executive Director or Designate and supervising Parole Officer, police or National Monitoring Centre as required.
- Discuss, prepare, and implement the Resident Action Plan with each resident on case load, which follows the Correctional Plan and monitor and update regularly.
- Prepare, discuss, and upload a Monthly Progress Report outlining program compliance, progress, challenges/barriers, and interventions to address needs and risk.
- Provide crisis intervention when situations arise, by diffusing, problem solving and reporting via Incident Report to the supervising parole officer and the Assistant Executive Director or Designate. This will be on an on-call basis, after hours, as needed operationally.
- Establish a positive environment for residents which foster personal growth, open communication, and an understanding of social norms. Provide constructive criticism and positive reinforcement.
- Assist residents with information about the parole system and other resources in the community.
- Assist in the transfer of residents to the community through employment, life skills, addictions and mental health programs, financial assistance, housing, access to medical care: eventually developing some independence to be able to function in a community setting.
- Maintain confidential and accurate records within the program in accordance with government guidelines including records, logs, reports, and statistical information.
- Maintain up to date client notes providing directives, alerts, and flags to staff.
- Answer phones and greet visitors as required.
- Follow all facility protocols and policies and procedures.
- Report any problems or concerns to the AED or designate.
- Ensure all residents knowledge or residential expectations and are meeting their obligations.
- Maintain close working relations with government and social agencies with whom the society conducts professional relations.
- Always represent MWG CRF in a professional manner, maintaining a positive, cooperative, supportive attitude and appearance.

**Qualifications**:

- Degree in social work, sociology, criminology, psychology, or equivalent in training and experience.
- A minimum of 1 year of experience in a residential setting.
- Complete Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Current certificate in First Aid and CPR.
- Experience working with men on conditional release and communities who face multiple barriers such as poverty, isolation, lack of mobility, difficulty accessing programs and service, physical isolation, discrimi