POSITION SUMMARY:
The Case Manager, Heart to Home Bridge Program will support individuals experiencing persistent and chronic homelessness with a focus on supporting them to achieve housing stability. The Case Manager will work within the “Housing First” framework, supporting participants in a manner that engenders a safe and welcoming environment for all those who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness.
The Case Manager is a social worker, or equivalent, who provides intensive case management supports to individuals and families facing severe struggles relating to homelessness, including mental health challenges, physical health impairment, legal and justice issues, historic discrimination and trauma, victimization, addiction, and stigma. The Case Manager will be responsible for ensuring that participants with complex needs receive the support necessary to help them reintegrate into the community, achieve housing stability, and reach their personal goals. Each Case Manager is expected to maintain a caseload established by the program. The incumbent will perform other duties as required, which may include, but are not limited to, data entry, report generation and community education. Also, the incumbent will be required to work flexible working hours as appropriate (See below “Working Hours”).
NOTE: This position is for an initial eight (8) months and is subject to extension.
QUALIFICATIONS and SKILLS:
- Degree or diploma in health or social services; registration with a professional college preferred.
- Minimum of three (3) years’ work experience in a social service field.
- Knowledge of
Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (“SPDAT”) and other standardized assessments is an asset.
- Strong and demonstrated understanding of the issues and challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, including mental illness, addictions legal and justice issues, victimization, and abuse.
- Ability to work independently and within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Strong and demonstrated understanding of Housing First principles.
- Knowledge of community resources and services available in Huron County and surrounding areas.
- Able and willing to promote harm reduction practices and anti-oppression practice.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and counselling skills.
- Strong ability to assess, advocate and problem solve in conflict and/or crisis situations.
- Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.
- Demonstrated computer literacy.
- CPR and First Aid Certified.
- Crisis prevention and de-escalation training is an asset.
- Vulnerable Sector Screening – police check.
- Valid Driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and automobile endorsement insurance. Ability to travel throughout Huron County.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
General
- Advocate on behalf of participants with external service providers, fostering and maintaining collaborative relationships.
- Maintain participant confidentiality in accordance with agency policies, ensuring information is only shared with appropriate consent.
- Represent the agency professionally through community awareness, education, and outreach activities, as appropriate.
- Participate in internal and external committees as required.
- Adhere to all policies and procedures outlined in the Human Resources and Policy & Procedure Manuals.
- Attend and actively participate in team meetings, staff meetings, the Annual General Meeting, and scheduled strategic planning or team-building activities.
- Support the orientation and training of new staff, volunteers, and students, as needed.
- Provide cross-coverage for CMHA Huron Perth services, as required.
- Engage in ongoing professional development and training relevant to the role.
- Participate in continuous evaluation of service delivery and individual performance.
- Actively engage in regular supervision with the immediate supervisor.
- Contribute to the ongoing growth, development, and improvement of agency services.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Case Management and Housing Support
- Create a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment that fosters trust and engagement.
- Build relationships with participants, including those who may be difficult to engage.
- Uphold and promote participants’ dignity, rights, and well-being, using a trauma- and violence-informed approach.
- Conduct intake, triage, and screening using validated tools (e.g., VI-SPDAT, GAIN-SS), and coordinate connections to appropriate services and supports.
- Provide information and navigation support related to mental health, addiction services, and community resources.
- Deliver education on coping strategies and life skills (e.g., grounding techniques, self-care, nutrition, sleep hygiene, crisis planning).
- Provide crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and de-escalation as needed.
- Engage emergency services when additional intervention is required.
- Collaborate with caregivers and service providers to ensure coordinated care, where appropriate.
- Conduct follow-up with participants based on identified needs.
- Participate in an on-call rotation to provide after-hours program support.
- Complete life skills assessments and support participants in developing skills for independent or congregate living (e.g., budgeting, meal preparation, housekeeping, safety).
- Support participants in meeting tenancy obligations, including rent payment, unit upkeep, and guest management.
- Monitor participant engagement and progress toward housing stability, including addressing concerns and supporting discharge planning when necessary.
- Develop and co-facilitate group programming in collaboration with the peer support team.
- Assist participants in securing and maintaining housing of their choice.
- Promote independence and self-efficacy in community living.
- Communicate participant goals and service plans effectively with team members to ensure coordinated support.
- Advocate for and connect participants to appropriate housing services, supports, and community resources.
- Collaborate with and support landlords, including mediation when required.
- Encourage and support participants in achieving their goals, using a strengths-based approach.
- Develop and update crisis plans as required.
- Support participants with physical and mental health needs in collaboration with CMHA Huron Perth staff.
- Implement prevention and diversion strategies to support housing retention and reduce risk of homelessness.
- Maintain an active caseload of approximately 10–15 participants.
Administrative
- Maintain accurate, complete, and timely clinical documentation for all participant interactions.
- Report clinical activity statistics in accordance with agency requirements.
- Complete all required monthly, annual, and program reports in a timely and thorough manner.
- Maintain participant records and complete data entry in EMHware in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
Working Hours: Employees will be required to work Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm with flexibility, when required, and with notice, to support participant needs – 70 hours in a bi-weekly period.
