Job title: Drop-In Worker – Canada Summer Jobs 2024

This is a Canada Summer Jobs 2024 posting. In order to be eligible, candidates must:

• Be between 15-30 years of age at the start of employment
• Be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or an individual to whom Refugee Status has been granted/conferred for the duration of employment
• Be legally entitled to work in accordance with relevant provincial legislation and regulations

International students, and those who are here in Canada on a work, youth, or visitor visa/permit are not eligible for the program.

Hourly wage: $18.00

Required Hours per week: 35

Length of Position: 8 weeks

Anticipated Start Date: Mid to late May/beginning of June

Organization Overview: Margaret's mission is to provide the continuum of housing and support services for individuals with mental illness through innovative programming, advocacy, and education which empowers them to build and reclaim their lives.

Job Overview: Under close supervision of the Drop-In Coordinator, the Drop-In Worker will assist in providing support, orientation, information and referral services to participants attending the Margaret's Toronto East Drop-In Centre ("Margaret's Drop-In"). The incumbent will receive training and hands-on practical experience.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Provide a welcoming environment for individuals attending the Drop-In Centre
• Orient participants to the rules and expectations of the Drop-In
• Collaborate in a collegial manner with drop-in participants, team members, other staff and volunteers, and with personnel we work with (e.g., referral agencies, food bank staff, etc.), while maintaining appropriate boundaries
• Link participants to appropriate housing, medical, and social services
• Advocate for participants who require assistance, including those in crisis, providing appropriate supports (e.g., assessing physical, emotional states), in a manner that helps ensure a safe environment for all
• Monitor symptoms of illness, addictions and the level of participant’s functioning capacity, and assess how this will impact the participant, and the drop-in as a whole
• Manage conflict constructively for positive outcomes, using the C.A.F. approach (Calm, Assess, Facilitate), and other established conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques
• Provide personal hygiene, harm reduction supplies, and clothing as needed
• Ensure facility is clean and maintained, and that hot meals, beverages, etc., are available to participants
• Collect data as requested by the City of Toronto
• Take part in ongoing learning and development, and attend team meetings as required
• Perform additional tasks as required

Required Skills and Competencies

• Post-secondary education in Social Services, a degree in Social Work/College Diploma in Social Services, with a specialty in mental health and addictions or equivalent experience
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, in a social service setting preferred
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities effectively
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and record-keeping
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Superior interpersonal skills with a high level of social and emotional intelligence
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a diverse team, demonstrating reliability and professionalism in all interactions
• Must demonstrate values of anti-oppression and anti-racism, and operate from a non-judgmental, client-centered framework
• Compassionate and empathetic approach to client care, with a commitment to upholding their dignity and respecting their autonomy
• A strong desire to contribute to a community-based organization and the improvement of the quality of life for a marginalized community
• Good Crisis management and Conflict Resolution skills
• Approachable and sensitive to the needs of others
• Able to lift and bend and perform light maintenance tasks
• Knowledge of available resources in the community an asset
• Ability to speak a second language an asset

Working Conditions:

• The incumbent will be working in a low-barrier Drop-In Centre, in close communication with designated clients and other individuals from the community who may be experiencing homelessness, mental health, and addictions issues
• Exposure to loud noises and crowded areas on-site

Margarets is an equal opportunity employer. Should you need accommodation for the interview process, please do not hesitate to reach out prior to your scheduled interview.