Case Worker

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY:

The Residential Caseworker renders direct casework and conducts assigned group work to assist clients within The Salvation Army- Crossroads Residential Services Bethany Home policies and program.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Casework Accountabilities & Client support

• Under the direction of the Program Coordinator, works with clients in developing and following case plan goals in collaboration and consultation with their MSS Social Workers.

• Develop a realistic and well-documented case plan with the clients, focusing mostly on education and housing barriers, utilizing SMART goals, safety plans, and community referrals and supports.

• Builds relationships with the MSS Social Workers assigned to the youth at Bethany Home, including regular weekly case conference meetings. This work includes, among others:: advocating and being a liaison for clients, developing recommendations regarding placement options to MSS Social Workers, etc.

• Run risk assessments with the clients and work with other specialized staff in addressing issues due to behavioural matters and clients' barriers to future placement options.

• Attempts to meet with clients in the first 72 hours after they are admitted into the home to assess immediate barriers and needs and develop a safety stabilization plan.

• Orientates clients with the house rules and regulations, as needed.

• Completes discharge processes when clients are discharged from Bethany Home (discharge form, exit survey, follow-up plan), as needed.

• Casework duties, including analysis of data, formulation of stabilization plans and supports (in consistency with The Salvation Army - Crossroads Residential Services Bethany Home policies), identifying barriers and supporting clients to achieve safe, realistic, and reasonable goals, provision of ongoing support and community referrals, interpersonal conflict resolution, advocacy services, among others.

• Builds and maintains a therapeutic environment with youth. Confront in a therapeutic manner, if necessary, to de-escalate tensions and resolve conflict. Document observances of the clients along with actions taken by the Caseworker.

• Ensures the psychological needs of residents are being met through programming, individual counselling, etc.

• Attends and facilitates case conferences with the MSS and Program Coordinator.

• May support clients with appointments (medical, counselling, etc.).

• Provides statistical and evaluative information to management and funders.

• Supports the efforts made to meet the client's spiritual needs and cultural practice by working with the Spiritual Care team.

• Maintains an active interest in all phases of the residential program and suggests improvements to the same.

Case Management

• Provides responsible case management services for all program participants (clients in their caseload).

• Meets and interviews clients to complete intakes, develop case plans and establish goals, monitor progress, and provide ongoing support.

• Conducts individual counselling sessions, keeping records as to the nature of each session. Make self-available to other clients as required.

• Records and maintains case plan documentation. All documentation should provide objective information, including behaviour, attitude, and concerns regarding all activities, events, and interactions.

• Conducts regular wellness checks, building appropriate relationships with clients and securing their holistic care.

• Monitors the environment and clients to ensure safety and security.

• Responds to day-to-day "urgent" needs of clients when available.

Communication & Reporting

• Maintains accurate, comprehensive, legible, and current client file records.

• Maintains confidentiality and keeps accurate statistical records (SAMIS).

• Promptly reports and follow up with incident reports in accordance with policy.

• Contacts other social service agencies on behalf of the client and based on their case plan goals, including liaison with other non-profit organizations.

• Identifies and reports maintenance needs and safety concerns to the maintenance staff.

Other Duties

• Practices The Salvation Army professional code of ethics and communicates and cooperates with all co-workers, partners, and clients respectfully, openly, and honestly, maintaining confidentiality at all times.

• Required to work in cooperation with other staff members in job-related areas and treat all clients, staff and members of the public with respect, dignity, and confidentiality.

• Dress in a manner that is professional and presentable with respect to the employment position Adhere to standards consistent with the values and philosophy of Crossroads Residential Services and The Salvation Army.

• Participates fully and constructively in staff meetings and service training.

• Engages in formal evaluation sessions with the direct supervisor after the probation period and annually thereafter.

• Reads and follows the Policy & Procedures Manual and the Employee Handbook.

• Represents the organization in a professional manner.

• Responsible to work safely and report all unsafe or unhealthy working conditions to the Health and Safety Committee.

• Works in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army's health and safety policies and procedures.

• Participates in regular supervision and performance reviews/evaluations as required.

• Other work-related duties as assigned by the Program Coordinator or designate.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Governance Boards and Councils: None

Internal: Program Coordinator, clients, other staff

External: Ministry of Child and Family Services

MANAGERIAL/TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY:

• Reports directly to: Program Coordinator or designate.

• No direct reports.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:

• Uses or maintains organization assets in accordance with established guidelines.

• Does not process any financial transactions with no budget responsibilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Weekend and evening work may be required.

• The incumbent's work environment is typically in an office or work site within residential settings.

The incumbent may be exposed to the risk of moderate injury or illness due to:

• Physical attacks by others (i.e., being attacked by a client/resident)

• Exposure to infectious diseases

• Exposure to toxic chemicals

• Sharp Objects (i.e., needle sticks)

• Other dangerous situations

• For this position, <25% travel required.

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army's Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completion of a formal post-secondary/college program of two academic years in Social Services, Human Services, or any other relevant fields

• Certification in Mental Health & Addictions would be an asset

• A different combination of education and experience might be considered

• CPR First Aid (()Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certicate or willingness to obtain

• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Certificate - training will be provided if necessary

• Current Drivers licence and driving abstract

• Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• A minimum of two years of prior related experience, including housing sector casework support experience or frontline experience in a social service environment.

• Experience on how to work with people from diverse backgrounds and enjoy assisting others to solve problems.

• Have a solid understanding of issues facing persons experiencing a housing crisis, various social issues pertaining to homelessness and its impact on the families served.

• Have knowledge and a solid understanding of the Mental Health and Addiction supports systems available to youth in the region.

• Conflict resolution and mediation skills are an asset.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.

• Strong understanding of professional boundaries when working with a vulnerable population.

• Patience and ability to deescalate situations.