Keys to Housing Stabilization

One (1) Bargaining Unit, Permanent Full-Time Position

Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

Existing Vacancy

Compensation: $29.40/hour-$34.11/hour

Cota is an accredited not-for-profit organization that has been providing community-based support to people living with mental health and cognitive challenges for over 50 years. At present, our wide array of services delivers much needed support to over 4,000 people/year who live with mental health challenges, psychogeriatric mental health conditions, acquired brain injuries, developmental disabilities, dual diagnoses and/or the experience of homelessness. These services include, but are not limited to, case management, supportive housing and adult day program services. A full listing of our services can be viewed on our website at https://cotainspires.ca/

Cota is presently seeking a dynamic and innovative individual to join our amazing team in the capacity of the role outlined within this posting. Followed by our mission to support individuals with mental health and cognitive challenges to live well within their communities, we strive toward a vision of a supportive, inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. If you feel you have the skills and qualifications to perform the duties of this role while consistently exemplifying Cota’s values Hope, Respect, Dedication, Equity, Accountability, Collaboration and Innovation, we would love to hear from you.

Role Overview
Follow-Up Housing Support Worker provides intensive follow-up support for individuals that are housed by the city, with extremely high needs (Addictions, ABI, mental health issues), and require up to 5 visits a week in order to stay housed. Our Keys to Housing Stability follow up services are committed to being flexible and responsive to the unique needs and desires of each client.

About The Team
COTA is one of the community partners in the "Keys to Housing Stability" program, with the City of Toronto. This program works with street-involved, homeless individuals and its goal is to end street homelessness within the City of Toronto utilizing the Housing First strategy. The principles behind this strategy involves a focus on housing individuals directly from the street, providing services in a client centred, solution focused manner, greater system coordination of existing services and resources, and providing a range of creative programs designed to meet specific needs of homeless individuals in accessing housing.

Primary Responsibilities





Outreach supports and the development of a trusting relationship between the client and the service provider

One-on-one support to provide a range of practical housing and housing stabilization options

Developing a strong relationship with the landlord and stay informed about rental payments

Encouraging and accompanying on community integration initiatives

Collaborating in the development of an individualized housing plan that respects client's personal preferences and autonomy

Support in accessing basic necessities such as food, clothing, and furniture bank

Support in accessing case management if needed after discharge

Collaborative development of a personalized pre-determined safety plan

Collaborative development and implementation of an individualized recovery plan

Assistance to achieve/maintain optimum health and wellness

Direct Follow-up Support In All Areas, Such As

Education about the nature of mental health challenges

Support and education to care givers and/or the person's support network, as appropriate

Development of self-management strategies

Encouragement, emotional support and motivation

Development of personal support networks

Development/maintenance of general life skills

Support in maintaining housing

Referring to and accessing other desired/needed community and primary health care services (referrals to primary health care services as may be required)

Collaboration with external stakeholders and/or partner agencies

Independent and team collaborative work

Qualifications
Education

A University Degree or Community College Diploma in a related field

Experience

Experience in community mental health and in supportive housing settings

Experience working with developmentally delayed, homelessness and/or addiction problems is preferable

Previous working and/or reporting relationship with external stakeholders and/or partner agencies is an asset

Clinical experience and demonstrated ability to engage and connect with people with serious mental health problems and homeless issues

Knowledge And Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Ability to write reports as required by funders





Proficient with computer software programs including Word, Excel, Outlook

Excellent knowledge of community resources specific to the homeless and/or demonstrated ability to search for applicable resources/information

Other

Be available to work day & evening

Significant travel within GTA is necessary

Must have access to a vehicle (Please note that access to a vehicle means owning, borrowing, or renting a vehicle. Alternatively, it can include using ride services such as Uber, cabs, and taxis at no cost to Cota).

We are committed to fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We recognize lived experience as a valuable form of knowledge and encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of experiences, identities, and perspectives - including those with lived experience of housing insecurity, mental health or substance use recovery, or engagement with community supports. Accommodations are available throughout the hiring process upon request.

Benefits

Extended health care

Life insurance

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

Dental care

Travel assistance

Vision care

Permanent full-time and permanent part-time staff working more than 20 hours per week are also required to enroll in employee-paid long-term disability coverage.

Additional Information
Interview Process: Cota may choose to conduct parts/all of the hiring process virtually. Please note that as part of maintaining an agile workforce, all Cota staff may be required to be reasonably reassigned to support the operational needs of our essential services.

Screening Process: Please note that Cota uses AI to screen potential applicants for all roles.

We would like to thank all those that apply; however, due to high volumes of interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Hope, Respect, Dedication, Equity, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation are key values of Cota. We are dedicated to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace, upholding dignity, and acknowledging each person's individual contributions and potential as an equal-opportunity employer. We uphold the Ontario Human Right Code and strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ people, and others who provide various viewpoints. Cota ensures an accessible hiring process in line with the AODA principles, providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities.

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📌 Follow-Up Housing Support Worker (Ontario)
🏢 Cota
📍 Ontario