Community Support Worker- Homelessness Crisis Intervention Team

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the HCIT Manager, CSW’s is responsible for delivery of services; assessments/tests tools; interpretations and treatment of residents of Turning Points Collaborative Societies programs and sites and in community.

The CSW will be responsible for working within a pilot program for a mental health/substance use outreach team to provide crisis intervention and support people who are unhoused in Turning Points Collaborative Society shelter program and in community. This position is part of a ten (10) month pilot program from November 2022 to August 2023.

The team to provide a range of supports, serving homeless/at risk individuals, many of whom are living with mental illness and substance use. the CSW participates with clients and residents in the development and implementation of service plans, including: assessment; goal setting, achievement and review; resource acquisition; and monitoring in the areas of daily living, financial, vocational/educational, social supports, health, harm reduction, culture, recovery and leisure/recreational supports. They work closely and collaboratively with other direct service staff, family and external service providers, advocating for access and rights as needed. They also provides daily supports including crisis intervention, and general problem solving.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Responds to calls of assistance from local first responders to assist with unhoused individuals in the community and in TPCS shelter.

· Provide outreach services in the community to connect with unhoused individuals. Provide information on resources and assist with finding shelter when available.

· Assist staff in shelter to deescalate and address behaviors and mental health related issues as they arise in the shelter.

· Consult with site manager and staff to address potential service restrictions as well as lifting loss of service.

· Participates in assessment, goal setting and case planning for unhoused individuals in shelter. Documents and implements plans. Provides input into the evaluation of the program.

· In cooperation with the HCIT Manager and the team, evaluates client needs and develops short term plans to meet such needs with the active participation of clients and their natural support networks.

· Assists clients with daily life skills, social skills and/or behavior management. Teaches and assists clients with activities such as grooming, basic cooking, money management, shopping, household safety, pet care. Facilitates physical, recreational, educational, social and vocational activities.

· Recognizes, analyzes and deals with potential emergency situations such as clients’ aggressive behavior to minimize potential harm to the clients and/or the public. Reports problems to the supervisor.

· Administers medication to clients in accordance with established policy.

· Ensures health and safety standards are maintained.

· Reviews and evaluates clients’ progress and makes adjustments to programs as required. Provides feedback and support to clients and/or their natural supports.

· Accompanies and/or transports clients to activities such as appointments, or hospital.

· Provides written and/or verbal reports. Ensures that all required documentation is complete and accurate.

· Identifies social, economic, recreational, physical, vocational and educational services in the community that will meet clients’ needs. Maintains liaison with other agencies, professionals, government officials and the community.

EXPERIENCE:

· Comprehensive knowledge of mental illness and addiction issues including current trends, best practices and modalities of treatment.

· Broad knowledge of mental health and addiction service delivery system, service mandates, referral guidelines, legislation, and government policies.

· Demonstrated ability to conduct mental health assessments, and to provide case planning and case coordination.

· Strong knowledge of TPCS programs and services and community resources for people experiencing homelessness and mental illness.

· Knowledge of local and regional community and social service agencies.

· Providing direct human services to clients who are seeking recovery from chemical dependency.

· Supervision and monitoring of clients in a residential setting and out in community.

· Overdose response and knowledge of harm reduction practices.

· Strong computer skills.

· Excellent verbal and written communication and the ability to maintain detailed and accurate records.

· Understanding of the issues surrounding homelessness, unemployment and drug and alcohol dependence.

· Demonstrated ability to supervise, monitor, and support clients.

· Knowledge of local and regional community and social service agencies.

· Additional training will be provided at no additional cost including but not limited to: First Responder 40 hour training 3 year certificate course.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Diploma in a related human/social services field

· Two year recent related experience Or combination of education, relevant experience, and training.

· Occupational First Aid Level 1 with CPR

· Mental Health First Aid

· Managing Hostile Interactions, CPI, MANDT or Non-violent Crisis Intervention Training

· Naloxone training certification

· Criminal Record check

· Valid BC Drivers’ Licence

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $25.05-$28.75 per hour