Case Worker

**Position Purpose Summary**:
The Veterans Housing and Support Program ‘**Case Worker**’ will work within a trauma-informed, client-centered, and recovery-oriented framework to support clients of VRS Communities Veteran Supportive Transitional Housing Program in all aspects of personal development and growth. This includes life skills and relevant social and spiritual activities, empowering clients to reach their full potential and overcome obstacles hindering their successful reintegration into the community.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm

**ACCOUNTABILITIES**:
**Case Management & Program Facilitation**:

- Conduct comprehensive intake assessments to understand the veteran’s housing, health, employment, addiction or mental health recovery and personal development needs.
- Develop, implement, and regularly update Individualized Development Plans (IDPs) for each client that focus on recovery programs for addiction/mental health, housing stability, employment, education, health, and other personal goals.
- Meet with clients regularly to review progress, address barriers, and adjust IDPs as needed.
- Provide ongoing emotional support and guidance to veterans during their transition to stable housing.
- Conduct orientation with clients and review the facility rules, clients’ rights and responsibilities, and grievances/complaints.
- Provide hands-on training, coaching, and support to clients, and help create opportunities for practicing skills that will enable clients to achieve their personal goals.
- Facilitate access to mental health, substance abuse, and other clinical services as needed.
- Liaise with external service providers (e.g., health services, employment programs, community resources) to connect veterans to appropriate resources.
- Provide veterans with information and referrals to relevant benefits programs, such as the Veterans Affairs Canada programs, income assistance, or disability services.
- Work collaboratively with the housing program staff, including clinical counselors, kinesiologists, and occupational therapists, to provide holistic support.
- Ensure the eventual completion of the goals and assist clients in preparing an appropriate exit plan
- Research and develop knowledge of issues that relate to clients. Development of resource information as relevant for clients.
- Maintain contact with the community agencies and other service providers to coordinate activities and available resources for the benefit of the Centre and the residents.
- Facilitate and co-facilitate psycho-educational, experiential groups
- Delivery of an abstinence-focused, relapse prevention program offering individual and group educational sessions to support client’s sobriety.
- Supervise/monitor actions and interactions of clients during assigned shifts.
- Respond to all client’s inquiries within the framework of Centre Policies & Procedures.
- Answer telephone and refer calls to the appropriate person(s).
- Admit visitors to the facility according to guidelines.
- Participate with clients in scheduled instructional, spiritual, or social activities as required.
- Participate in scheduled staff and case management meetings as required and provide input and information on assigned Client progress.
- Maintain confidentiality and keep accurate files/ case notes and statistical records.
- Assist with the intake process and departure process of clients.
- Initial response to emergencies such as fire alarms, or other situations.
- Respond to and assist clients at times of physical/mental/emotional crises.
- Conduct drug screening tests if required
- Specifics of administrative duties will vary with the different shifts.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

**CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT**

Oral and written communication between this position and other team members on shift and across all shifts is a significant priority in this position. Those team members include, but are not limited to:
**Internal**:

- Program Director
- Program Manager
- Other Program/Case Workers
- Maintenance and Janitorial Staff

**External**:

- VRS Communities, Supportive Transitional Housing Clients
- External contractors
- Stakeholders in the community

**MANAGERIAL/Technical Leadership RESPONSIBILITY**:

- Reports directly to: Program Manager
- No direct reports to this position

**WORKING CONDITIONS**:
**Education, Qualifications and Certifications**:

- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field with 2 years of experience in case management
- Completion of a formal post-secondary/college program of two academic years in social work or similar fields with 4 years of experience in case management
- Training/Certification in Addictions and/or Mental Health recovery
- Current Certification in First Aid/CPR
- Certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, or willingness to be trained.
- Experience with, and knowledge of PTSD, trauma, and addictions populations
- WHMIS
- Certification in FOODSA