Street Outreach Counsellor

**Job ID**: 51131

**Job Category**:Community & Social Services

**Division & Section**:Toronto Shelter & Support Services, Outreach and Access

**Work Location**:Streets to Homes, 51 Lisgar Street Toronto Ontario

**Job Type & Duration**:Full-Time, Temporary (12 months)

**Hourly Rate and Wage Grade**:$41.33 - $45.26, Wage Grade 12

**Shift Information**:35 hours per week Monday to Friday

**Affiliation**: L79 Full-time

**Number of Positions Open**: 6

**Posting Period**: 24-OCT-2024 to 7-NOV- 2024

**Major Responsibilities**:

- Conducts assessments and intake interviews with clients in a variety of locations: public (e.g., on the sidewalk, in public squares, in parks and ravines, etc.), homeless and low-income service settings (e.g., hostels, drop-in centres, etc.) and institutional settings (e.g., hospitals, court houses, etc) and assess client's functional, income, employment and housing status to determine program eligibility. These services are provided at a variety of times including very early mornings, late evening, nights, weekends and statutory holidays.
- Receives case transfers from Street Outreach Workers and initiates case management to resolve the reason why the client is street involved and provide assistance in preventing relapse of becoming street involved again in the future
- Provides ongoing assessment, case management, care coordination and monitoring of client's needs; monitors and evaluates clients changing needs and coordinates individualized services
- When appropriate, assists clients to identify and access alternative courses of action when community bases services are not appropriate to the needs of the individual
- Follows through on referrals as appropriate and maintains follow up.
- In partnership with Supervisor, Social Assistance, coordinates Street Outreach Workers to accompany clients to appointments as necessary, and/or accompanies the client directly
- Balances urgent service responses with ongoing new referrals
- Organizes and/or attends case conferences with others to resolve the issues related to the clients' street involvement
- Liaises with non-profit Streets to Homes service providers in the coordination and provision of services to the client as determined in the case plan
- Use community resources effectively to enhance the client's quality of life
- Responds to and investigates enquiries, complaints and emergency situations involving clients and in so responding assesses the situation and presents and implements short-term and long-term solutions, and documents outcomes.
- Collects, documents and evaluates information to determine client's initial/ongoing eligibility, including verifying client information through personal interviews and liaison with client supports, relevant service providers, community agencies, landlords, other Ministries and institutions, etc. Updates and revises client file and case management plan at each point of contact in a timely matter to ensure the availability of up to date information
- Identifies and executes appropriate referrals for services and supports to outside agencies, purchased services and City services informing involved staff of information necessary to assist individuals.
- Advocates on behalf of clients for support, services and benefits with internal and external resources, and engages in active problem solving around each client's difficulties
- Participates in the development of client profiles and service needs by preparing various reports and statistical forms
- Ensures safety and well being of clients accessing the program.
- Resolves conflict situations including client complaints and disputes. Listens, mediates, negotiates and provides support and guidance to resolve issues. Documents outcome.
- Maintains current knowledge of legislation, community services, resources, policies, programs, procedures and issues affecting client population
- Documents shift occurrence information for other staff to keep the proper functioning of the Service Unit
- Participates in program development and delivery
- Compiles and maintains records and related statistics. Submits activity and other reports
- Participates on internal and external committees as requested by Manager
- Handles inquiries, in person or on the telephone, from members of the general public, business operators and street involved persons, requesting a service response
- Develops and nurtures neighbourhood connections and recognition within catchment area served using community development principles
- Liaise with staff from other programs and community agencies (e.g., hospitals, social workers, doctors, courts, immigration, shelters, drop-ins, health clinics, legal programs, other City Programs, etc) to provide program information or in advocating for transfers/placements of clients
- Responds to questions from the general public, business, etc when encountered on the street
- Participates in conducting research activities
- Provides housing support at