Navigator Access Specialist

Position Summary:

HART Hubs are community-based care hubs designed to address mental health, addiction and housing needs for people experiencing homelessness. They provide integrated care, offering a wide range of services such as primary care, mental health services, addiction care and employment supports. With targeted community outreach and rapid referral pathways, HART Hubs aim to support individuals with complex needs, helping them recover, achieve housing stability, and inclusion.

Services and Housing In the Province (SHIP) is pleased to partner with (CMHA Peel Dufferin) and various agencies in the Peel Region, to offer services to the local community at the *new* Brampton based Homelessness and Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub.

Achieving our vision means we're recruiting people who are passionate about driving change and delivering evidence-based, responsive and affirming care that meet people where they are.

As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the Navigator Access Specialist will complete all necessary assessments to better understand client needs, provide appropriate immediate interventions, and develop a plan for additional services as part of a stepped care approach.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as a low-barrier first clinical response and front-line resource to the community, including assisting the registration and intake and processing referrals from other sources
• Conduct comprehensive standardized assessments to determine eligibility for services and level of need, using information obtained from clients and collateral sources
• Provide short term task-based interventions to clients who need immediate supports to alleviate distress
• Provide single session 1:1 support for clients who will benefit from immediate supports to alleviate distress
• Facilitate the seamless connection to other HART Hub services
• Regularly assess for risk and respond with mitigation strategies, including crisis intervention and de-escalation supports and connecting to crisis services when appropriate
• Refer and link clients to community resources that support recovery goals, including service navigation and education
• Facilitate recovery and/or social-recreational groups as needed, including developing new group materials
• Promote awareness of services within the community and represent the HART Hub at community events
• Actively participate in staff meetings, team huddles, supervisions, case conferences, trainings, and events as required
• Update all appropriate documentation within 24 hours of client contact
• Participate in internal or external committees, including communities of practice as requested by the HART Hub Program Manager or home organization
• Perform additional duties as required/delegated by Management

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Social Work, Social Services, Health Services, or equivalent
• 2+ years' experience mental health and addictions sectors with a focus on assessment, brief interventions and short term supports
• Demonstrated knowledge of serious mental illness, concurrent disorders, and/or dual diagnosis, and experience with intake services preferred
• Excellent assessment, risk management, and crisis intervention
• Expertise in collaboration with healthcare services
• Knowledge of MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)
• A vehicle, valid driver's license, and adequate insurance coverage
• Valid Certification in First Aid & CPR
• Training in ASIST and CPI

Reporting Function:

The Navigator Access Specialist reports directly to the Manager, Supportive Housing Brampton. They work with both internal and external partners and will interact with all levels within the organization. They have no supervisory responsibilities. They are a support system, resource, and an advocator for the team and Organization.

Working Conditions and Requirements:

• Rotational shifts (12 hours) including day, afternoon and weekends (9am – 9pm)
• Able to sit/stand for prolonged periods of time (building inspections, site meetings, unit inspections, etc.)
• Staff may be required to administer naloxone in response to suspected opioid overdoses, and must complete appropriate training to recognize overdose symptoms, safely administer naloxone via nasal spray or injection, and follow emergency protocols including contacting emergency services. Staff receive training within the first eight weeks of employment
• Computer screen use (multiple screens if applicable) for prolonged periods of time
• Able to lift up to 20lbs (product, devices etc.)
• Vehicle with adequate insurance coverage to travel to community sites is required
• You may be required to administer naloxone in response to suspected opioid overdoses, and must complete appropriate training to recognize overdose symptoms, safely administer naloxone via nasal spray or injection, and follow emergency protocols including contacting emergency services. You will receive training within the first eight weeks of employment.

SHIP Values

• Compassion, Hope, Inclusive, Respect, Professional

"SHIP strives to be equitable and inclusive in all that we do. Equity is a core value, and we are committed to providing an inclusive selection process. We encourage applicants from equity deserving communities including women, Black, Indigenous, other racialized groups, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, individuals with disabilities and others who will contribute to and enrich the organization and its values. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes, and work environments. Please advise the People and Culture Department of any accommodations needed in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process".

Please note that we use automated screening tools as part of our recruitment process and are reviewed to support fair and equitable hiring practices

Rotational shifts (12 hours) including day, afternoon and weekends (9am – 9pm)

Union hours/week