Description:
As a Service Navigator in the Sunnybrook Emergency Department you will be part of a multidisciplinary team that co-ordinates a support network and linkages for older adult and seniors with serious mental illness and other challenges (e.g. addictions). A key component of this position is building a support network of community resources that will enable the individual to increase their independence, dignity and self-respect. The role will require direct service which begins in hospital and continues back into the community, practical assistance, crisis intervention, linkages to primary care and a range of other services to support the individual's needs.
WHAT YOU WILL DO:
- Assists clients in the development and implementation of a care plan tailored to the client's needs and issues designed to improve quality of life. Identify and refer to resources specific to those needs and issues;
- Act as a liaison and client advocate among those involved with the client's care including family, other care-givers, medical and other multi-disciplinary providers;
- Provide supportive counselling or referral and linkages to health care, programs or service providers;
- Provide crisis management/intervention and assist in the development of crisis plans for clients;
- Develop respectful and trusting relationships with clients using Recovery and Psychosocial Rehabilitation principles;
- Maintain strict confidentiality and follow all other required policies and procedures;
- Consistently interact with clients, staff, family members, other community agencies and partners in a professional manner that reflects favourably on the organization.
- Attend and actively participate in all required training;
- Liaise, collaborate and coordinate with other professionals, service providers and partners;
- Complete other duties, from time to time, as assigned by Program Director
WHAT YOU BRING:
- Completion of degree in social services/human services or equivalent
- Minimum 3 years of experience in providing support to vulnerable seniors and older adults with special needs including mental illness, addictions and severe social isolation. Completion of Gerontology is an asset.
- An understanding of harm reduction, and psychosocial rehabilitation principles, the therapeutic relationship, and an ability to come to an agreement with client on goals/priorities
- Crisis intervention skills, with well-developed problem solving abilities and interpersonal skills
- Group counselling related to mental health, addictions and related issues
- Good oral and written communication skills and computer literacy, including MS word and Excel
- Counselling, responding and assessment skills
- Creativity and flexibility to approaches
- Knowledge of community resources and supports
- Ability. to work effectively as put of a team and interact with workers from a variety of agencies
- Understanding of cultural competency and framework
- Valid drivers' license preferred;
- Knowledge of other languages is an asset