Mental Health and Substance Use Worker, Jane-Trethewey Site

# Summary 

• Mental Health and Substance Use Worker, Jane-Trethewey Site

• Full-time, Permanent Position (35 hours per week) 

• $68,314 to $80,925 per annum (for MSW) plus benefits

• $62,184 to $73,664 per annum (for BSW) plus benefits

• Salary is commensurate on experience an education (filling of vacancy)

# About the organization 

 About Unison:

Unison Health and Community Services is a non-profit, community-based organization that serves neighbourhoods in North West Toronto. Operating out of six locations, Unison offers core services that include primary health care, counselling, health promotion, Early Years programs, legal services, harm reduction programs, housing assistance, adult protective services, Pathways to Education™ and a Diabetes Education Program. Unison’s mission is working together to deliver accessible and high quality health and community services that are integrated, respond to needs, build on strengths and inspire change.

Unison Health and Community Services is committed to working from an inclusive, pro-choice, sex positive, harm reduction, anti-racist, anti-oppression and participatory framework.

# About the position 

 Unison is seeking a Social Worker who has experience and understanding of cultural needs and working within Afro-Caribbean and/or Black communities. The Social Worker is responsible for providing ongoing assessment and appropriate interventions to the clients served by Unison Health and Community Services. The Social Worker will report to the Program Manager, Mental Health and Substance Use.

Job Specific Responsibilities: 

• Provide psychosocial assessment, counselling, therapy, advocacy and referral services to individuals of all ages, couples, groups and the community
• Ensure appropriate treatment is delivered to clients by maintaining client records and ensuring their confidentiality within the bounds of legislation
• Act as a client advocate on individual and systemic issues
• Perform case management functions
• Work within the guidelines of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
• Contribute to the on-going evaluation, development and implementation of the therapeutic programs that respond to the psycho social health needs of the target group
• Liaise with community agencies regarding issues relevant to client needs and identify and develop partnership/collaboration opportunities when applicable
• Participate in interdisciplinary case conferences as needed
• Provide support to Primary Care team in client crisis management 
• Participate in Quality of Care chart audits with Social Workers across sites
• Participate in the review, development and updating of social work and clinic procedures; provide input to the development of applicable policies.

# Qualifications

•  Bachelors or Masters Level in Social Work

• Certification and membership in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
• Bilingualism in English or Somali, or other African Dialects an asset
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in group work and community development
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and sensitivity to, the impact of social, economic, environmental and cultural issues on diverse communities
• Knowledge and understanding of Brief Solution Focussed Practice work
• Knowledge of issues affecting communities facing barriers to access in an urban environment
• Familiarity with the social, economic and cultural conditions of the project’s geographic area, experience in working with local service providers, community groups and networks, and an understanding of local issues and priorities are an asset
• Experience serving Unison’s priority populations (seniors with complex needs, people with mental health & addiction issues, LGBTQ2IA+, and youth facing barriers)
• Experience working within the Afro-Caribbean and/or Black communities
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills, including computer literacy
• Excellent interpersonal skills with colleagues, students, community members, volunteers, etc.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with individuals and groups
• Thorough knowledge of and proficiency in current assessment, psychotherapy and psychosocial counseling techniques for working with individuals, couples and communities
• Demonstrated ability to develop and facilitate psycho-educational support groups
• Ability to effectively deal with crises; 3-5 years direct therapy experience and 3-5 years experience working with youth, adults and children, preferably in a community-based setting
• Ability to work flexible hours.