Position: Program Coordinator

Position Type: Two (2) Permanent Full Time Unionized (35 hours per week: days, evenings)

Reports To: Program Manager

Language: One Bilingualism (French and English) required; one English required

Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

PURPOSE

The Program Coordinator is responsible for supporting program operations and coordinating front-line clinical services for the program, working as part of a multidisciplinary team and reporting directly to the Program Manager. The Program Coordinator’s responsibilities include providing general on-site clinical support, scheduling staff, reporting on program objectives, supporting effective daily operations, training and guiding program staff.

This position may require working in an environment with exposure to challenging conditions, including unpleasant situations and odors. The Program Coordinator will provide support services to acute and complex clients, including those involved in active substance use.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

Client Service Delivery Coordination:

• Establish positive and supportive relationships with clients
• Coordinate resources and ensure clients have access to appropriate services including mental health counseling, addiction treatment, or other necessary support systems
• Support the intake process
• Support staff in teaching and coaching clients on activities of daily living
• Support staff in assisting clients in domains of life: basic needs, physical and mental health, housing, financial, social, spiritual, legal, educational and vocational
• Support staff in crisis intervention and the provision of supportive counselling to clients
• Provide on-call support while on duty

Program Coordination:

• Assist the Program Manager in ensuring smooth day-to-day program operations and effective service delivery
• Assist the Program Manager in coordinating the scheduling of staff, clients and services
• Assist the Program Manager in program development and improvement activities
• Collaborate with the Program Manager to foster a work environment that is conducive to Salus’s values
• Collaborate with the Program Manager to develop and maintain relationships with external service providers in the community to support programming
• Support the orientation, training and functional supervision of program staff
• Provide team leadership, guidance and support to promote effective service delivery and continuous quality improvement
• Maintain petty cash and reconciliation
• Maintain program inventory and coordinate purchase of budgeted items including household goods and office supplies
• Maintain the inventory of keys and monitor key replacement

Foster Collaboration:

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including support staff, case managers, occupational therapists, and specialized partner agency staff, to ensure integrated care for the client
• Support the coordination of team meetings and consultations with internal and external stakeholders
• Support staff engagement on committees and agency-wide activities/ initiatives
• Maintain open communication with program staff, ensuring clients' needs are met

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain general program records and statistics, including through specialized programs (NEO)
• Support staff in maintaining accurate, timely, and confidential clinical records for each client in Salus’ client management software (EMHware)
• Support staff in documenting treatment goals, progress, interventions, and outcomes in accordance with agency policies and regulatory requirements
• Conduct monthly data audits to ensure staff are accurately documenting information
• Monitor client satisfaction and program outcomes for reporting to funders
• Collect data relevant for program evaluation and prepare reports

Program Safety:

• Promote and monitor staff and client safety and compliance with practices, policies and procedures of Salus
• Bring forward maintenance, fire and safety issues to the Program Manager
• Collaborate with the joint health and safety committee to ensure a safe working environment

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, social sciences or equivalent educational background in a related discipline
• Two (2) years of experience working in a residential or supportive housing setting
• Five (5) years of experience working with individuals living with mental health or substance use health challenges, and homelessness
• Valid drivers license and access to a reliable vehicle

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of computer software applications such as Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, and client management software such as EMHware)
• Knowledge of mental health, substance use health and treatment modalities
• Knowledge of community resources for individuals living with mental health, substance use health and homelessness
• Knowledge of group dynamics theory and practice
• Knowledge of Psycho-social Rehabilitation Principles
• Knowledge in the areas of teaching and coaching
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and prevention
• Knowledge of suicide prevention and intervention

SKILLS

The Program Coordinator will demonstrate skills in the following areas:

• Excellent leadership, interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent ability to build rapport and empathize with marginalized individuals
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong organizing skills
• Ability to analyse complex situations and to respond accordingly
• Ability to promote agency values
• Ability to de-escalate and resolve conflict or crisis
• Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks
• Good time management
• Healthy personal and professional boundaries
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work effectively with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams

SUITABILITY

The Program Coordinator will demonstrate the following personal attributes:

• Leadership
• Compassion
• Respect for others
• Acceptance of others
• Flexibility
• Positive attitude
• Good judgement
• Good self-care

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Bilingualism (English/ French) is required for designated positions.

Why Work at Ottawa Salus?

Salus has a proven record of accomplishment of supporting clients and tenants with serious and persistent mental illness in the Ottawa area. The value of the work we provide to our clients and tenants is changing lives. The pride felt by our staff makes working here a fulfilling experience.

We offer all these and many more including:

• generous Health benefits and pension plan (HOOPP)
• compressed work week
• paid vacation days