Hong Fook Mental Health Association is a community-based organization serving the Greater Toronto Area. We provide leadership in promoting the mental health of people in the Cambodian, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese communities. The Association helps people keep mentally healthy and manage mental illness. We achieve our mission through service, education, advocacy and research in a supportive environment.
Our service framework is based on a Whole Person, and is built on the core values of Equity, Diversity, Cultural Competence, Empowerment, Capacity Building, Community Participation, Self Help and Mutual Support.
As a member of the Youth and Family Services Team, the individual in this position will be responsible to outreach and engage with hard-to-reach youth, and provide intake service through screening, scheduling, and assessment of both internal and external youth referrals. The position assigns new youth clients for programs, and single session counselling after screening is complete and ensures continuity of care.
Position: Youth Outreach and Intake Worker – Full Time Permanent
A. Major Responsibilities
· Maintain, through appropriate communication and coordination, a collective working relationship with other professionals – both within and outside of the organization – to facilitate partnerships with community groups, and inform the Youth Outreach Worker Manager of emerging issues, service gaps and matters of interest and/or concern.
· Reach out to and engage at-risk youth in-person and in community, in accordance with the Stages of Change model, which promote assets, competencies and resiliency.
· Receive incoming referrals and complete preliminary screening to determine eligibility for Youth and Family Services (i.e. programs, drop-in, peer support group, Brief Counselling Services)
· Coordinate timely access to both internal and external services for potential youth, their families, and service providers and referring agencies
· Advocate for youth’s needs and assist by facilitating linkages to community resources and collaborating with appropriate service providers or community organizations
· For Brief Counselling Service:
o Schedule single session therapy with casual Clinicians within 5 business days
o Assist with short-term counselling case assignment
· Carry out brokerage/advocacy/resourcing functions that ensure youth have access to programs, services and opportunities needed for healthy development by:
o Engaging youth to identify issues, needs, goals, aspirations, skills, abilities and services needed as well as barriers to accessing these services.
o Provide youth with general information, contacts, referrals services and support as needed to facilitate access to programs, services and opportunities i.e., recreation, housing, employment, education, health, including substance abuse, social abuse, social and emotional issues, etc.
· Work collaboratively with youth, parents, schools, police and youth service providers to develop effective service delivery plans that ensure that youth have access to programs, services and opportunities needed for healthy development.
· Facilitate connections between youth and their neighbourhood, and promote awareness of the positive role of youth in the community.
· Implement and maintain strength-based and evidence-based professional standards of practice within the program, and ensure that program service standards are in accordance with the Stages of Change model, a Positive Youth Development Framework and relevant legislation, i.e. Child and Family Services Act.
· Engage parents and provide education and information on issues related to parenting, etc. as well as services available.
· Maintain service statistics and records of all services as required.
· Prepare program reviews as required, and ensure that documentation and service statistics are completed in a timely manner.
· Actively participate in required Youth Outreach Program team meetings.
B. Working Conditions:
- Full Time 37.50 hours per week
- Working locations: HF offices, community and virtually as needed
- Flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends
C. Education and Experience
· Child and Youth Worker Diploma, Social Service Diploma or equivalent.
· Two years of directly related experience, preferably with substance abuse and mental health issues specific to youth.
· Experience with client database system
D. Skills, Knowledge and Other Requirements
· Registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
· Good oral and written communication skills.
· English proficiency (both oral and written communication skills) and ability to speak fluent Cantonese and Mandarin.
· Advanced knowledge and skills in counseling and assessment techniques with individuals.
· Knowledge and skills in mental health assessment and intervention.
· Ability to work co-operatively and negotiate effectively within a multi-disciplinary team of service providers.
· Ability to effectively and decisively deal with crisis.
· Ability to collaborate and work co-operatively with others.
· Ability to work in diversified environment.
· Knowledge of community resources, the Child and Family Services Act, Mental Health Act and other relevant legislations.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook.
· Strong organizational skills.
· Required a satisfactory result of Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check.
· Access to a vehicle and possess valid Ontario Driver’s license and good driving record.
E. Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk and hear. The employee is required to type on a keyboard and use a mouse. The employee is often required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
The employee is required to walk up two sets of stairs. At times, the employee may be required to lift and carry approximately 1 – 7 lbs. of materials. The employee is occasionally required to do heavy lifting.
F. Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. The noise level of the work environment is usually low.
For employees who provide direct service to consumers with mental health issues and their families, while working off-site they are to take all reasonable precautions to ensure their own safety and that of their client’s.
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Accommodation
Hong Fook welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- registered social worker (required)
Work Location: In person