Case Manager, Community Homes for Opportunity

POSITION SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Program Manager, the Case Manager, Community Homes for Opportunity (“CHO”) will provide person-centred, recovery-oriented, case management to support individuals with a serious mental illness. The incumbent will participate as a member of a team, managing an assigned caseload of mental health clients, residing within the CHO program. The incumbent will perform other duties as required, which may include, but are not limited to: Data entry, report generation and community education. Services are delivered to individuals and their families (or their personal support networks).

ORGANIZATIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

In addition to specific key job responsibilities identified in this position description, the incumbent is also responsible to contribute and support the overall culture and working environment of the organization by:

• Demonstrating and exemplifying the organization’s mission and values in day to day work
• Acting with the highest standard of professionalism with clients, family members, community partners, the general public and colleagues.
• Working in a manner that preserves and respects the privacy and confidentiality of personal health information.
• Working from a harm reduction perspective.
• Working in a manner that is fiscally responsible.
• Working in a manner that promotes and maintains the reputation of the organization and minimizes risk of harm and/or liability to the organization.
• Working in a manner that complies with the organization’s policies and procedures.
• Working in a manner that meets Health and Safety requirements to ensure a healthy and safe workplace.
• Acknowledging, respecting and affirming the diverse needs of our community, clients and the organization’s employees with the goal of reducing disparities in health outcomes
• Contributing to the organization activities to collect, analyze and report data.
• Maintaining competence, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing professional development and where applicable, a professional license to practice.
• Contributing to the organization’s work by promoting awareness, participating in committees and agency event.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct and complete assessments for individuals residing within the CHO program, screening for serious mental illness and assessing appropriateness for service.
• Engage clients in developing clear goals that promote long-term stability and growth.
• Provide case management services in a respectful, individualized, supportive and flexible manner by meeting regularly with clients in one of the agency offices and/or in their home/community.
• Support and facilitate the completion of referrals including preparing plans for housing, income support, mental health and/or addictions, risk management, schedule of upcoming appointments; Develop or facilitate a reintegration plan prior to program discharge.
• Provide psychoeducation about illness, symptom management, medication side effects, and coping skills. Training includes methods for dealing with conflict, anger management, reactivity, impulse control, and other triggering behaviours.
• Assist clients who wish to explore other housing options to find safe and affordable housing, including supporting housing applications and referrals.
• Meet with family members and clients when appropriate.
• Develop effective working relationships with community organizations, police, hospitals and the public
• Attend medical appointments with clients, as required
• Liaise with other mental health, housing and social service organizations.
• Provide support and education to house staff regarding daily support and care plans for residents
• Complete and regularly update wellness plans, adhering to Ministry of Health standards.
• Ensure up-to-date knowledge of mental health and other relevant legislation.
• Ensure all file management and reporting functions are maintained in a comprehensive and timely manner
• Attend and actively participate in team meetings, case conferencing and all-staff meetings
• Attend and co-facilitate monthly resident house meetings
• Actively participate in the supervisory process with immediate supervisor
• Engage in and complete special projects as assigned
• Be supportive of, and an active participant in, the constant evolution and growth of the agency
• Other duties as assigned

Administrative

• Maintain a complete, accurate and comprehensive clinical record of each client contact
• Report statistics about clinical activities using designated agency format as required
• Complete monthly, annual and other reported documentation as required in a punctual and comprehensive manner
• Maintain administrative and clinical records, including client files and data entry, as per Policy and Procedure Manual
• Maintain adequate levels of harm reduction supplies, placing orders when supplies are low

General

• Participate on internal agency committees and/or outside community committees as appropriate.
• Adhere to policies and protocols as outlined in the Human Resource and Procedure Manual
• Attend and actively participate in any team and staff meetings, the Annual General Meeting, and periodically scheduled strategic planning, team building and agency events
• Assist with the orientation and training of new agency staff, volunteers and interns/students as designated and need
• Provide coverage of CMHAHP AMHS services for other team members as needed.
• Help ensure the organization and program objectives are met
• Work harmoniously with colleagues, including not behaving in ways that are likely to be offensive in any manner to others and confronting such behaviours by others
• Conduct self in a responsible, professional manner
• Perform other duties that may be assigned from time to time

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge and skills acquired through completion of a university degree (Bachelor of Social Work, Criminology, Psychology, Sociology or other related field) or College equivalent combined with significant case management experience. A registered member in good standing of a professional college deemed relevant by the employer (i.e. CNO, OCSWSSW, or CRPO) is considered an asset. Minimum two (2) years prior experience with people with serious mental illness, as well as experience in system navigation and collaborative care. Additionally, the incumbent should possess:

• Experience in group facilitation; Community development and networking; Record keeping and file management; and managing clients with complex needs.
• Comprehensive knowledge of mental illness and treatments, functions and principles of case management.
• Ability to function independently, maintain effective working relationships with others, identify problems (practical, individual and interpersonal), use related problem solving skills, and work effectively under pressure or deadlines, with frequent interruptions or unpredictability.
• Demonstrated, well-developed interpersonal and teamwork skills, organizational and time management skills, verbal and written communication and listening skills, and advocacy and negotiation capabilities.
• CPR and First Aid Certified.
• Crisis prevention training is an asset.
• Vulnerable Sector Screening – Criminal Background Check.
• Ability to travel throughout the agency’s catchment area, specifically within Huron or Perth County.
• Bilingualism in both official languages at the advanced level is an asset for all positions.
• Valid Ontario Driver’s License, reliable transportation, carrying $2 million liability coverage (if transporting clients) are required.