Drop-In Worker

Organization Introduction:

At Margaret's Housing & Community Support Services Inc., our mission is to provide a continuum of housing and support services for individuals who struggle with addiction, substance abuse, and mental health challenges through an array of innovative programs, advocacy, and education which empowers individuals to build and reclaim their lives.

Margaret's hosts a collaborative work environment, built of employees who share our core values of being compassionate, respectful, and innovative and strongly believe in empowering and providing support to vulnerable individuals in need. We support open communication and strongly encourage employees to take a direct, hands-on approach to their work as part of a team that plays an instrumental role in providing support services to our clients and residents.

Job Overview:

The Drop-In Centre will be operating for extended hours 6 AM to 8 PM. We are currently hiring staff to cover the evening hours.

Reporting to the Drop-In Coordinator, the Drop-In Worker's role is to provide support, orientation and information, and referral services to individuals attending the Drop-In Centre. The incumbent must collaborate in a warm and collegial fashion with team members including other employees, volunteers and clients, as well as referral agencies.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Welcome all participants to the Drop-In Centre, providing an orientation to the program, services, activities, and overview of rules and expectations
• Refer clients to other social services or assist clients in locating and utilizing community resources including legal, medical and financial assistance, housing, employment, transportation, day care and other services
• Participate in implementing and hosting life skills workshops, harm reduction, health, employment and newcomer information and education sessions, and other community and social service programs
• Provide crisis support for clients assessing physical and emotional states to ensure a safe environment for all individuals
• Manage conflict and provides one-on-one support to clients in need
• Assemble and distribute harm reductions kits, personal hygiene products, and donations
• Perform emergency first aid as required
• Monitor symptoms of illness and addictions and the impact of functioning on the individual and the Drop-In Centre
• Perform routine finance and administration tasks including but not limited to:

o maintaining confidential files;

o completing forms;

o petty cash transactions

• Ensure facility is clean, safe, and maintained
• Collect and report program statistics and data as requested by senior management and funder(s)
• Participate and lead in committee meetings and community outreach initiatives as required
• Participate in ongoing training, learning and development as required
• Perform additional tasks and special projects as required

Required Skills and Competencies

• Minimum of 1-year direct experience in a community mental health or community development setting with marginalized individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, and addictions issues who may be street-involved and have a history of trauma and abuse
• Completion of diploma or degree program in social services, social work, with a specialty in mental health and addictions or a related field with equivalent experience
• Must demonstrate values of anti-oppression and anti-racism, and operate from a housing-first, trauma-informed, non-judgmental, and client-centered framework
• Strong understanding of mental health challenges, harm reduction approach, and the needs of marginalized communities
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from equity-seeking groups, including low-income, racialized, Indigenous, disabled, and LGBTQ2S+ communities
• Knowledge of local social services, housing resources, and mental health supports in the GTA
• Cultural competence and sensitivity to the needs of marginalized communities
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Superior interpersonal and advocacy skills with a high level of social and emotional intelligence
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a diverse team, demonstrating reliability and professionalism in all interactions
• Compassionate and empathetic approach to client care, with a commitment to advocacy and upholding clients' dignity and respecting their autonomy
• Great crisis management and conflict resolution skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and record-keeping
• Able to lift and bend and perform light maintenance tasks
• Ability to speak French or another language an asset

Working Conditions:

• The incumbent will be working in a low-barrier setting, in close communication with designated clients and other individuals from the community who may be experiencing homelessness, mental health, and addictions issues
• Possible exposure to loud noises and crowded areas on-site
• This position requires occasional evening and weekend work for community events and meetings

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Fixed term contract, Casual

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Toronto, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• DCS / DEC (preferred)

Work Location: In person