support worker

mental health case manager

case manager

housing manager

community health worker

COTA Health

Working here has been incredibly frustrating and, at times, disheartening.

The workload is consistently high, with increasing administrative demands driven by ministry requirements. As a result, the role has shifted away from meaningful client connection  which is supposed to be the core of this work and toward constant documentation and output metrics.

Staff are expected to manage unrealistic caseloads with little recognition or compensation that reflects the complexity and emotional weight of the job. There has been no meaningful pay progression, despite the level of responsibility and burnout many staff experience.

Management appears disconnected from the day-to-day realities of frontline work. Feedback is frequently requested, but nothing changes. Concerns about workload, burnout, and workplace culture are acknowledged with phrases like “we take this seriously,” yet there is no visible follow-through.

There are also ongoing concerns among staff about how individuals with disabilities are supported and understood within the workplace. While benefits are provided, the overall approach lacks the depth and awareness needed to truly support employees with complex needs.

Advancement opportunities feel limited and often depend on staying quiet rather than contributing ideas or advocating for change. This creates a culture where staff feel undervalued and unheard.

Mental well-being is not meaningfully prioritized, despite the nature of the work. Burnout is not only common, it’s expected.

I would not recommend this organization to others seeking a supportive or sustainable work environment.

Through taking on the role of a Site Support Worker who travels to various low income boarding homes, I learned of the complex systems that play into the support network for those who face mental health challenges.  I learned that workers in this field needed to perform magic tricks to be able to navigate through the system to effectively support their clients.
The most enjoyable part of this role was without a doubt working directly with the clients.  Even though diagnosed with mental health and living a life below the standards these individuals were very thoughtful, courteous and endearing.  It was an honor to have had the pleasure to communicate with them and see their resilience, heart and compassion for others around them.
The hardest part of this role was keeping my emotions and anger intact as the owners of these homes were cheating the system to save a buck which resulted in clients not receiving the minimum standards of living.  Seeing clients go unnecessarily  hungry while boarding home owners were becoming more wealthy was heartbreaking and infuriating!.
Many of my co-workers showed signs of defeat while trying to bring social inclusion and hope for recovery to the clients.  Big applause to all as they have a very draining role within the mental health sector.

Worked in the community as a case manager with high-intensity clients. Coworkers were dedicated and supportive, but not all were professional, and the quality of care and documentation standards varied wildly.  Staff felt unappreciated and micromanaged, as it seemed management was more focused on treating the role like a sales job with KPIs rather than a human service position. Senior executives were often out of touch with on-the-ground reality, including the costs associated with doing our job well in the face of program cuts and budget restraints (e.g., an extremely low mileage reimbursement rate).  The organization could benefit from soliciting and implementing staff ideas rather than paying lip service and focusing on meaningless DEI working groups and initiatives that don't actually bring about meaningful change for racialized or marginalized employees. The work with clients was challenging and diverse, but very fulfilling and allowed employees to create strong community networks.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The flexibility of hybrid work, although staff take advantage of this and turn their role into almost fully remote. And since management is too busy pretending to be busy, it goes unnoticed 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The micromanaging. I was informed that as a case manager, that I can support my clients reach their goals. Some of their goals require outside support and when accessed, that is frowned upon. It seems like this organization like to pretend to be busy, push paper, and not actually accomplish anything. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
You know how former school bullies go into specific professions? They sometimes end up as case managers, and somehow get hired here. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Varies on the clients you support and their needs.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Community services in a personal delivery, through collaboration and compassion.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Nothing within the company was stressful, only de-escalation moments with clients and finding public facilities.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Self-regulation and standards of practice keep this company progressive, independent, and focus is spent on client solutions rather than corporate performance.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Weekly meetings with the team and Psychiatrist make meaningful connections to client care and help the cultivation of ideas, strategies ,and solutions.

What is the best part of working at the company?
You get the support that you need from your manager and others.
You get the benefit from working at home.
They’re very supportive regarding all the clients.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
For my particular situation, stress free.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
It gives you the sense of belonging.


What is a typical day like for you at the company?
My typical day is starting with emails and phone calls

I worked for this company for over a decade. Initially it wasn’t a bad place to work but changed drastically.  Mangers are very inexperienced, unsupportive and never around.  IT never responds to calls or emails for support. The company doesn’t care about client needs or improvement. Administrative duties are excessive and the company doesn’t recognize any of it. No wage increase for over 8 years. There is zero moral and a very high turnaround. 

Working in this setting was very fast pace and challenging, ability to multi-task is key. Not enough training at the beginning and it's up to the worker to figure things out along the way. Lots of work load on front line staff. Clients make the job worth it. Pay does not equate the workload. Great job to have to get experience in the field of mental health and addiction. 

I will say I love working most especially with my client because they make learn more and see how other people and their cultural background works out. More challengeable environment. My co-workers are one of the best I have ever worked with. They are more of a team player.  
The hardest part of the job is when are aggressive towards staff, treat against staff and being hurt by our client.

I am very happy at Cota, I love the residents, the staff and especially management. They are very future forward, update with all the new health information. They keep their workers informed at all times. I would recommend working at Cota but as a full-time staff because you are guaranteed your hours. It is hard as a casual staff, because you might only get 1 shift per month if you are lucky.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Support worker 57 salaries reported	$26.89 per hour
Mental health case manager 18 salaries reported	$32.35 per hour
Case manager 18 salaries reported	$31.76 per hour
Housing manager 6 salaries reported	$29.32 per hour
Community health worker 2 salaries reported	$41.02 per hour

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