WoodGreen Community Services·Toronto, Ontario
Provide psychosocial and primary care support to seniors experiencing homelessness, mental health, and substance use challenges. Responsibilities include goal setting, crisis intervention, and assisting clients with activities of daily living to promote independence.
Program Overview – Cedarvale Supportive Housing, Community Care (540 Cedarvale Avenue, Toronto, ON)
The Cedarvale House Supportive housing program provides housing for seniors who have experienced homelessness and may be living with mental health and/or substance use challenges. The program provides onsite psychosocial, primary care supports and services including intensive case management; harm reduction and addiction support; therapeutic and supportive counselling; 24-hour staffing; assistance with activities of daily living; nursing services; life skills development; social and recreational activities; volunteer opportunities; and follow up support.
As a Client Support Worker, you will play a vital role in promoting the well-being and independence of program participants. You will work in partnership with clients to support their goals and enhance their quality of life, while fostering and inclusive, supportive, environment.
In this role, you will support clients through activities such as goal setting, care planning, and life skills training. You will also provide assistance with daily living, crisis intervention, harm reduction strategies, and connection to health and social services. Your work will include both one-on-one and group engagement to encourage participation and build community.
What You Will Do Build positive, respectful relationships with program participants, providing emotional support and encouraging active engagement in program activities.
Deliver one-on-one support aligned with Coordinated Care Plans, assisting with tasks such as form completion and navigating community resources.
Participate in the intake process, including applicant screening, interviews, onboarding, and follow-up for new participants.
Monitor client progress and well-being, contributing to care plan evaluations and recommending adjustments as needed.
Support goal setting and care planning to promote independence and community integration.
Assist with activities of daily living and use tools such as ADL/IADL to assess and support client needs.
Facilitate housing stabilization by helping with applications, monitoring waitlists, and liaising with housing support organizations.
Encourage participation in community activities and identify services that meet individual needs, providing guidance and instruction for successful engagement.
Collaborate with external service providers and community partners to strengthen support networks.
Respond to crises and distress behaviors using de-escalation strategies and trauma-informed approaches, ensuring safety and team communication.
Perform delegated health-related tasks, including medication management under professional guidance.
Arrange and, when necessary, accompany clients to appointments and community activities.
Maintain accurate documentation and case notes in a timely manner.
Uphold health and safety standards, including emergency procedures and fire regulations.
Contribute to program development and evaluation initiatives.
Working Conditions This position includes some evening, and weekend shifts each month.
Work environment may involve exposure to second-hand smoke, odors, pests, and situations where clients use substances or have incontinence issues.
Clients may express distress through language or behavior, including swearing Ability to lift up to 40 lbs is required.
What You Bring to the Team Social Service Worker diploma or other related education.
2+ years’ experience supporting older adults with lived experience of homelessness, mental health concerns, and/or substance use.
What Will Set You Apart Ability to interact effectively with high-risk, marginalized, and vulnerable individuals.
Demonstrated ability and experience dealing with aggressive behaviors and effective de-escalation and boundary-setting skills.
Demonstrated ability in written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Demonstrated ability in conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills.
Demonstrated use of good judgment.
Demonstrated competency with using computers, databases, and web-based applications.
Knowledge of geriatric and aging issues.
Knowledge of harm reduction approach.
Knowledge of Mental Health Act.
Knowledge of community resources and various systems in Toronto.
WoodGreen is an equal opportunity employer.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free selection process and work environment.
If contacted in relation to an employment opportunity, please advise our People & Culture representatives at careers@woodgreen.org of the accommodation measures required.
Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.
This public job posting uses AI-powered tools to screen, assess, or select applicants.
Requires a Social Service Worker diploma or related education and at least 2 years of experience supporting older adults with complex needs. Candidates must be able to lift up to 40 lbs and possess strong de-escalation and communication skills.
Market context
In Ontario, behavioral-health roles are typically driven by ongoing need in community, outpatient, and support settings serving people with mental health or substance use challenges. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for experience with diverse populations plus a high school diploma or GED, with a bachelor’s in social work or a related field preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show relevant client-facing experience and readiness to work with varied needs.
