Intake Social Worker

**Description**:
The Social Worker’s role is to provide information, assessment and entry facilitation into Reena’s Community Participation Supports and Residential Systems and to maintain and act as the contact for individuals who have chosen Reena to be their lead agency. The Social Worker plays an integral role in the decision-making process in relation to ongoing planning for individuals already within Reena’s system of operations, and intervenes in cases of complex need. The Social Worker provides assessment, case management, clinical and supportive counseling, service coordination, crisis intervention, advocacy, and outreach. The incumbent is further responsible for developing, leading and facilitating psychosocial and therapeutic groups.

The position maintains presence and contribution at a number of high-level internal and external committees to liaise and coordinate services within the Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) scope of authority and within the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care and the Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).

Reena is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We believe that diverse perspectives are essential for addressing complex social challenges effectively. We actively engage with individuals and communities from different backgrounds and experiences to ensure our programs and initiatives are inclusive and accessible to all. By embracing diversity, we strengthen our mission and create a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**1) Major Responsibilities**
- Conduct intake assessments including screening phone calls, liaising with collateral professionals and family, interviewing individuals to assess fit and readiness for the particular location/program. Working collaboratively with DSS towards intake decision.
- Write and submit Support Plans to Ministry for new budget proposals and draft budgets in collaboration with Accounting department.
- Facilitate planning and transition process including conducting tours of locations, arranging meetings with professionals and family, creating a transition plan as required.
- Complete referrals to allied health professionals (BT, OT, PT, SLP) as required.
- Facilitate financial arrangements including transfer of Ontario Disability Support Plan (ODSP), Passport funding and confirmation of payment arrangements as required.
- Gather and process admission paperwork including creation of initial Biography and Support Service Agreement. Oversee activation of ShareVision file and ensure all intake documents are sent to relevant Admin prior to admission into program.
- Work with families on coordination and readiness including a review of the Support Service Agreement.
- Coordinate 3 months’ review (ISP) meeting and provide minutes including initial goal articulation.
- Work collaboratively with Accounting, Property, residential and day program departments towards fulfilment of intake process.
- Other duties as assigned.

**2) Clinical responsibilities (Chai-Tikvah)**
- Perform psychosocial and/or psychological assessments.
- Develop and implement service plan and/or coordinated care plans.
- Provide service/care co-ordination, system navigation, short-term and long-term planning and follow-up support.
- Provide preliminary assessment of risk in crisis situations, consult and devise an intervention and action plan, and provide crisis intervention.
- Provide clinical and/or supportive counseling to individuals utilizing a wide range of psychotherapeutic approaches that best meet the individual’s needs and circumstances (e.g. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, etc.).
- Provide case management services to clients over an extended period of time, through the development and implementation of a care plan to address their priority and emerging needs.
- Participate in case conferences and clinical meetings in order to ensure the coordination of services and a continuum of care.
- Provide advocacy support and advocate with individuals and/or their family or caregivers.
- Link individuals to various community resources, and facilitate appropriate referrals to other support services as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.

**3) System Responsibilities**
- Lead/chair and membership in Internal agency (or external) committee meetings
- Maintains awareness of system changes and trends within the Reena system and within the developmental services and mental health sector
- Familiarity with Access Point and similar supportive housing/intake services
- Expectation that the Social Work team will represent the agency, alongside CEO/COO, or individually at external, sector-wide, municipal or provincial meetings
- Instructs select courses for Learning and Development Department
- Advise Learning and Development Department on the development of courses based on clinical expertise, ongoing