Access and Engagement Worker

0.8 - 1.0 FTE

POSTING DATE: September 14, 2026

RESPONSE DEADLINE: September 26, 2026

ABOUT WANASAH

Wanasah is a mental health agency created to address the urgent mental health and addictions needs of Black youth and their families through the provision of effective Black-centric mental health services in the community. Wanasah recognizes the need for inclusive, trauma-informed care with meaningful incorporation of spirituality and community voice in its programming. We work within an anti-racist, anti-Black racist and anti-oppression framework that incorporates principles of intersectionality.

Wanasah is based in Regent Park, Toronto.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an organization that is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of Black youth in Toronto.

More information about Wanasah can be found at our website: www.wanasah.ca.

Position Summary

Access and Engagement Workers bridge the gap between youth and clinicians, to provide essential mental health and addictions services to those in need. They have robust community experience, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to professionalism and ongoing learning. This role involves outreach, client engagement, navigation, resource referral, case management, workshop development, and group facilitation.

The Access and Engagement Worker will work with Black youth aged 12-25 with mental health, substance use, and addictions concerns and their families in Regent Park and neighbouring areas. These youth may be experiencing serious diagnosed/undiagnosed mental illness, problematic substance use, involvement with the criminal justice system and/or a mental health crisis.

Regent

Park has a large Black East African community along with other diverse Black populations that make up our clients. The position will report directly to the Program Manager and work closely with other members of the Wanasah team, namely Mental Health Counsellors, Community Support Worker, and Spiritual Care Facilitator, as well as partner agencies in the community.



A key focus will be on building trust and engagement with clients, their families and other community stakeholders. The Access and Engagement Worker will utilize a Black-centric, person and family centered, spiritually affirming, healing centered approach.

Key Responsibilities

Community Engagement and Outreach

- Develop and maintain positive relationships with community agencies, schools and other resources with an aim to facilitate linkage to Wanasah services
- Develop, implement, and deliver outreach activities to engage with potential clients
- Promote mental health and addiction services within the community, raising awareness and reducing stigma
- Create and deliver workshops and support group sessions tailored to the needs of the youth

Client Engagement and Service Navigation
- Build trust and rapport with youth, facilitating their engagement in mental health and addiction services
- Support the clinical team in identifying and engaging with clients and their families
- Provide interventions such as advocacy, system navigation, and crisis support to your caseload of clients and their families
- Support clients to develop and adhere to care plans linked to mental health, substance use, and addictions.
- Ensure intervention strategies incorporate cultural, ethnic, and spiritual considerations related to mental health, substance use, and addictions.

Best Practices and Documentation
- Implement models of best practice and evidence-based practice relevant to the role.
- Maintain timely and accurate records of client/family interactions and outreach activities.
- Participate in professional development activities

Areas of Accountability:
- Participate as a full member of Wanasah’s team.




- Comply with Wanasah Policies & Procedures.
- Maintain strict privacy and confidentiality in accordance with policy and procedures.
- Conduct all interactions (internal and external) in a manner consistent with Wanasah’s values.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
- 2-3 years’ experience in a community setting
- Degree in Social Sciences/Social work or diploma in a related field (e.g. Social Services Worker, Child and Youth Care Worker)
- Strong understanding of the dynamic and the culture of Regent Park and neighbouring communities, including the diversity of the Black community.
- Knowledge of issues impacting youth with mental health, substance use, and addictions concerns, and familiarity with local resources and supports.
- Understanding of the role of spirituality and/or faith in providing meaningful mental health and addictions services.
- Proven experience working effectively as a team member, including collaboration with community partners.
- Proven commitment to ongoing learning and development.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Thorough understanding and commitment to anti-Black racism, anti-racist, and anti-oppression theory and practice.
- Lived experience of anti-Black racism or extensive understanding and commitment to resisting anti-Black racism.

Information about the position:
- Based in Regent Park and surrounding community
- Home and community visits required
- The standard work week is 37.5 h/week, Monday to Friday. An evening or weekend day is anticipated.
- A medical/dental benefits package is included.
- Starting salary range (full-time): $ 53,191.80 to $ 56,146.90

Please submit a cover letter and resume by Sept 26, 2026 to [email protected] We are committed to championing accessibility, diversity and equal opportunity. Requests for accommodation should be made when contacted. While we thank all individuals for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Pay: $53,191.80-$56,146.90 per year

Work Location: In person

📌 Access and Engagement Worker (Toronto)
🏢 Wanasah: Mental Health Services for Black Youth
📍 Toronto