Case Support Worker

**Title**: Case Support Worker
**Hours**: Full-time
**Location**: 962 Bloor St West
**Supervisor**: Case Support Manager

**Sistering** is a multi-service agency for at-risk, socially isolated women and trans people in Toronto who are homeless or precariously housed. Our harm reduction philosophy is a core element of all the work we do. We operate on a trauma-informed and relationship-based model.

Our programs include a low-barrier 24/7 Drop In, Housing and Case Support, Harm Reduction, Peer Outreach, on-site Medical Clinic, On the Path to Employment and Spun Studio social enterprise. During COVID our 24/7 Drop In runs as one of the City Respite Centres, providing essential services.

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Community Support Workers (CSWs) will provide case support and practical support to Sistering participants by building strong relationships, providing informal counselling and emotional support, information and referrals, community advocacy and accompaniments, and housing help. This position also brings a commitment to advocacy and social justice issues.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Program:_
- Provide programming and supports within a low-barrier, harm reduction, trauma informed framework
- Provide individual support to women using case support, informal counselling, emotional support, information and referrals, community accompaniments, advocacy, and crisis intervention and prevention
- Deliver harm reduction programming and participate in the distribution of kits and information related to safer drug use
- Identify, intervene, and effectively deal with emergency, crisis and conflict situations
- Working with the program staff to establish a safe and supportive environment to all participants
- Participating in staff meetings, training and development opportunities, agency committees and supervision
- Supervise students and volunteers
- Facilitate relevant groups for participants
- Perform the responsibilities of the position within the legislative and regulatory standards set out in the applicable Acts. Performs the responsibilities of the position consistent with the policies of Sistering
- Administration:_
- Maintain accurate case management records and complete statistical reporting on electronic databases (Pirouette, SMIS) as required
- Assist in the implementation of appropriate program evaluation tools
- Complete program evaluations and participate in priority setting for Sistering
- Complete required assessments and coordinated care planning
- Write reports, maintain up to date files, and prepare daily and monthly statistics
- Occasionally assist with the purchase and maintenance of program equipment and supplies
- Participate in regular supervision meetings with department supervisor
- Advocacy and Community Building:_
- Collaborate with participants to identify directions and methods for social change
- Develop and engage in advocacy in order to address systemic issues of homelessness and poverty

**Other duties as assigned**

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Educational background in social work/social services/human services work or equivalent education and relevant lived experience
- Experience working in programs serving women and trans people with complex intersecting needs including homelessness, mental health issues, addictions and histories of trauma
- Experience working in a low barrier drop-in or similar environment
- Strong understanding of client-centered, trauma-informed and anti-oppression practices
- Demonstrated commitment to, and understanding of, principles of harm reduction and low barrier service delivery
- Proven ability to provide case support and advocacy to women and trans people from a feminist and anti-oppressive perspective
- Thorough knowledge of and experience with community-based resources and services including housing, legal, income support, health, mental health and settlement
- An understanding of systems that cause and support homelessness, poverty and marginalization
- Highly developed interpersonal skills and ability to build effective relationships with participants, team members and community partners
- Skilled in crisis intervention, de-escalation, conflict resolution and group facilitation
- Strong communication skills, both written and oral
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and in teams
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize issues within a complex work environment
- Additional languages besides English is an asset
- A valid Ontario Driver’s License is an asset
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience working with Pirouette and SMIS an asset

**WORKING CONDITIONS**:
This position works in the office and community. Sistering is a 24/7 operation, fast paced, intense environment. There may be the risk of exposure to potentially unpredictable behaviours and situations. Sistering is a pet friendly facility and as such, employees will be expected to be in the proximity of animals.