Case Worker – Harm Reduction

The Harm Reduction – Caseworker is responsible for leading the design and implementation of programming that promotes harm‑reduction principles and approaches that empower tenants and tenant‑led initiatives. The goal is to create an inclusive community, encourage participation in the broader community, and develop effective harm‑reduction strategies to meet the emotional, practical and social support needs of the tenants and the community as a whole.

The Caseworker also supports tenancy retention through eviction prevention, developing and implementing community development initiatives.

• Uses effective eviction prevention measures to assist tenants to assume and maintain their tenancy obligations.
• Uses harm‑reduction principles in facilitating and supporting tenant‑centered activities (e.g., tenant committees related to areas of importance for residents such as safety, health and wellness, building‑related issues, housing stability, etc.).
• Provides harm‑reduction strategies that empower individuals as they address issues related to substance use, mental health, health and wellness and housing.
• Provides crisis prevention, intervention and counseling for women, children and gender‑diverse people to respond to crisis in ways that support individual and community well‑being.
• Engages individuals in identifying needs, developing treatment plans, and assists tenants to problem‑solve and access relevant community support plans that identify ongoing housing and mental health/addictions support.
• Works with a tenant support network and referral partners to develop individualized support plans that identify ongoing housing and mental health/addictions support.
• Creates and delivers programming specifically designed to build community capacity with the use of a harm‑reduction framework that gives individuals and groups of residents the opportunity to develop and use harm‑reduction strategies in all aspects of their lives (health, relationships, independent life skills, housing, etc.).

• General knowledge of an academic or technical discipline normally acquired through the completion of an undergraduate degree (e.g., Bachelor of Social Work in mental health and health field, Occupational Therapy, etc.). Cases for equivalency will be considered.
• 3–5 years’ experience working in a supportive housing setting in a direct service setting with children, youth and adults who experience impacts of poverty, homelessness/under‑housing, violence/trauma, mental health/addictions, or concurrent disorders.
• In‑depth understanding of harm reduction, trauma, mental health and substance use.
• Demonstrative experience, knowledge and understanding of harm‑reduction approaches as a holistic framework that incorporates supportive housing, community development, advocacy and peer support.
• Demonstrated experience in cultivating leadership within groups and developing dynamic and innovative programming.
• Supportive counseling and group‑work approach that is flexible, client‑centered and strengths‑based.
• Life‑skills certificate an asset; arts‑based and social media skills an asset.
• Working knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act, Housing Services Act, and Ontario Human Rights Code.
• Excellent crisis intervention and conflict mediation skills, with the ability to remain calm in crisis.
• Proven experience working independently, developing and facilitating groups.
• Ability to deliver culturally sensitive services and very good knowledge and understanding of community resources.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge and application of Anti‑Oppression, Trauma‑Informed, Harm‑Reduction, and feminist frameworks.
• Knowledge of a second language or culture an asset.

• Staff at YWCA Toronto work in dynamic environments that can present both rewards and challenges. To support safety and well‑being, all employees are provided with appropriate training, protective equipment, and access to wellness resources.
• Exposure to unpredictable behaviours and situations, with required adherence to use de‑escalation and crisis intervention safety protocols.
• Regular…