Residential Support Worker_relief

Residential Support Worker

LOFT Community Services is a unique and dynamic charitable organization that supports people living with complex issues such as mental and physical health challenges, substance use challenges, poverty and homelessness. Serving 20,573 annually and providing 1,856 of supportive housing last year, LOFT is one of Ontario's largest mental health service providers of its kind. LOFT is also recognized as a Nonprofit Employer of Choice™ Award (NEOC) recipient.

The Residential Support Worker provides a range of assistance and supports to clients living with mental illnesses in a program residence or independently in the community. Through a team oriented professional approach, the position provides support to the client to increase their independence, dignity and self-respect, in a safe and secure environment by:

• Building a rapport with each individual and providing coaching or mentoring to enable each in meeting the daily requirements of their housing environment and a healthy lifestyle; directly assisting with their daily living activities, particularly in the acquisition of life skills in such areas as hygiene, medication management, cooking, meal planning, cleaning, shopping and budgeting; developing strategies or establishing plans for maintaining these daily activities and other aspects of their recovery plan, for increasing their awareness of safety issues and for ensuring that residents receive adequate support in various aspects of their life; orientation of new clients; participating in intake for the program.
• Supporting and participating in house meetings, resident association activities or other group activities which promote the wellbeing of the residents and the smooth operation of the house; conducting and facilitating resident group meetings, assisting client-run initiatives, preparing schedules of house activities; maintaining a general awareness of the activities or whereabouts of residents in the house, identifying issues, communicating or noting incidents for director as required; maintaining petty cash, collecting rents and intervening in issues pertaining to maintenance or property; providing cleaning or minor house maintenance as required; teaching residents the appropriate fire safety protocols and conducting regular health and safety checks;
• Maintaining a strong support network of social, family, medical and psychiatric community links and resources; providing reminders and occasionally accompanying clients on their medical, psychiatric or other appointments; assisting the client in navigating the social services and health care systems and liaising with community agencies, hospitals or significant others; providing 24 hour crisis support on a rotational basis through a pager or similar system;
• Promote the psycho-social rehabilitation/ recovery approach, assist in harm reduction strategies, teaching conflict resolution, crisis management and problem solving on activities related to shared living; mediating issues or conflicts between residents, or between residents and neighbours, following-up on issues to ensure satisfactory resolution;
• Participating in the administration of the program by completing and maintaining the required records or statistics such as resident files, activity sheets, reports, etc. In accordance with established procedures; participating actively as a team member in program delivery by providing support and consultation to colleagues, identifying gaps in service and recommending solutions, participating in meetings, planning and evaluation initiatives, committees, events and activities, orienting new staff, determining staff schedules; providing other related assistance as required.

An understanding of harm reduction, and psychosocial rehabilitation principles

A relevant degree/diploma in human services

At least two years of experience working with the client population

Knowledge of the issues faced by adults with special needs and a marginalized client group which can include addictions, cognitive impairments, HIV/AIDS.

An understanding of the therapeutic relationship with an ability to negotiate with clients on goals and priorities.

Experience in working as part of a team of professionals, and in conducting meetings or facilitating groups.

Ability to complete annual OCANs, annual crisis prevention plans, biannual updating of client's SMART goals.

Excellent interpersonal, communication and counselling skills are required to work in a team environment and to engage the clients in some highly personal areas, such as developing healthy living skills, life skills and in maintaining interpersonal relationships.

Good crisis intervention and problem solving skills are required.

Computer literacy sufficient to produce and maintain files, records or statistical information.

Ability to prioritize a wide range of tasks, including residential client support, maintaining cleanliness and operation of house, responding to crisis, and administrative duties.

Ability to work independently to manage independent workflow each shift and ensure all tasks are prioritized appropriately and completed on time.

Written skills are used in keeping records or updating logs.

Good analytical, time management and organizational skills to contribute to program planning and to co-ordinate and follow-up on issues or activities with clients.

LOFT Community Services is a values-driven organization with a deep belief that each person has the ability to grow and change. We value compassion, collaboration, and community delivered with dignity, innovation, and excellence. LOFT's vision is that together, we can all live successfully in our community. Our client population reflects Ontario's diverse community and it is LOFT's goal to build a workforce who also reflects that diversity. LOFT believes there are many ways to develop skills and build experience and expertise. So even if you don't "tick all the boxes" but think you'd thrive in this role, you are encouraged to apply.

A satisfactory vulnerable sector check (VSC) is also required.

This role may require supporting overnight, evening, and weekend shifts.

This posting provides only a summary of the responsibilities and requirements for the position.