Transitional Housing Worker (THW) – Carlton House (Relief)

The Role and Opportunity

The Canadian Mental Health Association is looking for a Transitional Housing Worker (THW) for Carlton House. Carlton house provides Transitional Shelter for Refugees and newcomers with embedded Mental Health and Addictions Supports. The THW will support the clients of Carlton House’s mental health and social care needs. They will work closely with the team and will be instrumental in supporting clients’ goals. The team will consist of a Manager, Case Managers and Housing workers. The THW will ensure that clients have access to support when needed as well as respond to any situations their shift. Shifts will consist of evening and overnight shifts. This model of care will ensure seamless and coordinated support for refugees settling in Toronto. By supporting this model CMHA Toronto can ensure the availability of services critical for refugees to start their new lives.

Hourly Rate: $30.19

Location: 213 Carlton Street

Candidates must be available for weekday shifts (Monday–Friday), including both day (8:00am–4:00pm) and evening (4:00pm–12:00am) availability.

About CMHA Toronto

CMHA Toronto [https://cmhato.org/] is the city’s leading community mental health agency. We provide accessible, quality care for Toronto residents through programs, research and advocacy that create belonging and hope. At CMHA Toronto, we take a client-first, recovery-oriented approach to supporting people and their families when they experience mental health challenges or live with mental illness. By integrating health and social care, we provide services that aid in long-term wellness including housing, employment, community connections and so much more. Our goal? Help everyone thrive in the community.

Responsibilities and Duties

Reporting to the Clinical Lead, the THW will be required to provide on-site support including direct ADL support, group facilitation, social recreational programming, conflict resolution, supportive counselling, etc. The role will require Crisis prevention/intervention; risk assessment/management; monitoring and follow-up. There will also be a mix of onsite duties as well as administrative tasks including documentation and coordination of the operation of the shelter. The THW will also be required to maintain trusting, respectful and collaborative working relationships with clients and colleagues; liaising with CMHA Toronto, City of Toronto service providers, and other community supports. 

The THW will

• Provide on-site mental health and addictions support tailored to client' needs, 

• Deliver settlement navigation and support, information, orientation, and shelter support at the Carlton House location.

• Facilitate internal/external referrals for services not provided by the program, including specialized and individualized supports.

• Facilitate group and individual sessions for skill-building, life skills training (e.g., household maintenance, budgeting), and addressing diverse client needs.

• Develop and implement community outreach plans to promote programs and services.

• Provide flexible support, including evenings and weekends, and assist clients with their migration journey and integration into the community.

• Help prepare and serve meals to residents either alongside, or in the absence of, the designated cook, maintaining kitchen routines,and food safety standards.

• Offer transitional shelter support,support safety and long-term housing plans

The role will involve developing therapeutic alliance with clients and their support systems from a trauma informed and strength-based approach. The THW will advocate on behalf of the client and connect them with community resources as well as establishing effective working relationships with staff of other agencies.

Experience & Education Required

CMHA Toronto’s ideal candidate will have a minimum college diploma in Social Work/Social Sciences, 

Recreation/Rehabilitation Therapy or a combination of educational and related work/life experience. 

The candidate will bring a minimum of two years’ experience in direct service delivery and work experience in the settlement and/or community work sectors to support adults with mental health and addictions needs.  Experience in community mental health, as well as lived experience with refugee/settlement challenges or mental health and addiction issues, will be considered an asset. Community and shelter experience will be considered an asset. 

The Candidate will have sound knowledge of crisis intervention/prevention, addiction issues, recovery-oriented approaches, culturally competent care, trauma informed care, as well as severe and persistent mental illness. 

The candidate will bring a solution-focused approach to work and the ability to manage crises, as well as the ability to work with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds/communities, demonstrating a non-homophobic and anti-racist approach. The candidate will also have the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team, work independently, and possess effective analytical, assessment, and decision-making skills. Additionally, the candidate should be trained in trauma-informed care, family-centered practices, culturally competent care, and motivational interviewing.

Why Choose CMHA Toronto? 

If you care about mental illness and mental health and you have the right skills, then CMHA Toronto may be the place for you. We have a positive and fair workplace culture, where staff are provided with opportunities for learning and advancement. We are also big believers in wellness and work-life balance.  Our benefits include:

• Health Care of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), a predictable, secure monthly income upon retirement 
• Work-life balance and flexibility – to ensure you have time for the things that matter to you 
• Work with like-minded, passionate individuals and make an impact on mental health service delivery 
• Build genuine and authentic connections, with colleagues and clients, with the goal of making a difference 

CMHA Toronto is committed to promoting a workplace culture of inclusion, openness, mutual respect, and a ‘no blame and accountable’ environment. Our staff report that they value the flexibility in work schedules and the work-life balance CMHA Toronto encourages. They appreciate the training and development opportunities provided to staff and the encouragement for continuous learning. Staff often comment on the sense of family and personal support that exists throughout the organization.  

CMHA Toronto is committed to an equitable, diverse, inclusive, anti-racist and anti-oppressive workforce reflecting the diversity of the communities within which we work and is an equal opportunity employer. As such, we encourage equity-seeking candidates to apply, especially those who identify as black, Indigenous, people and women of colour, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ or women. We recognize and honour the intersectionality of equity-based identities. Personal experience with mental health issues, either through self or a loved one, is an asset. If you are contacted by our offices regarding a job opportunity, please advise prior to the interview should you require any accommodation. 

To be eligible for this role candidates will be required to adhere to our COVID-19 policy and provide proof of vaccination. 

Important Disclosure

We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process. 

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

CMHA Toronto thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.