PWD Mental Health Worker

Department:
Employment Center

Affiliation:
Unionized Position

Reports To:

Manager, Employment Programs

Location:

North York, ON

Hours:

Part-time, 28 hours weekly
Extended

Hours:

Based on program and operational needs

Tropicana Community Services, a Toronto-based multiservice organization, provides all youth, newcomers, people of Black and Caribbean heritage and others in need with opportunities and alternatives that lead to success and positive life choices. Our mission is achieved through culturally appropriate programs such as counselling, childcare, educational, and employment services and youth development.

Tropicana Community Services is seeking a qualified and community-focused Mental Health Worker to support youth currently enrolled in the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Program, funded in part through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) – Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities.

The Mental Health Worker supports youth with disabilities who face mental health–related barriers to participation, employment readiness, and community inclusion. The role focuses on reducing barriers, strengthening employability-related skills, and supporting participants to move toward greater independence, stability, and participation in education, training, or employment pathways.

Services are delivered using a person-centered, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach that aligns with TCSO expectations and outcome-focused service delivery.

• Provide individualized, strengths-based support to youth with disabilities to reduce barriers related to mental health, daily functioning, and community participation.
• Support participants in developing employability-related skills, including routine-building, communication, self-advocacy, emotional regulation, and goal setting.
• Engage participants in one-to-one and group-based activities that support confidence, motivation, and readiness for education, training, or employment.
• Promote participant choice, self-determination, and active involvement in service planning.

• Observe and monitor changes in youth mental health and emotional well-being.
• Provide de-escalation and crisis support using trauma-informed and non-violent intervention approaches.
• Support youth in identifying triggers, developing safety plans, and practicing healthy coping strategies.
• Follow agency protocols and collaborate with supervisors, clinicians, and emergency services when required.

• Collaborate with internal teams, families, caregivers, employers, educators, and community partners to support coordinated, outcome-focused service delivery.
• Support participants in accessing employment supports, education and training programs, healthcare, income support, and community-based services
• Advocate for participant accommodation needs, accessibility, and inclusive practices within service systems
• Contribute to transition planning and referrals aligned with participant goals and funder outcomes.

• Maintain accurate, timely, and outcome-focused documentation in alignment with ESDC Opportunities Fund requirements and agency policies.
• Document participant progress related to employability, skill development, participation, and goal attainment.
• Contribute to data collection, monitoring, and reporting activities required by funders.
• Ensure confidentiality, informed consent, and professional boundaries are maintained at all times.

• Actively participate in team meetings, supervision, and training.
• Contribute to a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative team environment.
• Support program events, workshops, and community activities as required.

• Degree in Social Service Worker, Social Work, Psychology, Community Services, or a related field.
• Experience supporting youth with mental health challenges and/or disabilities through paid work, co-op, or placement experience.
• Experience working with dual diagnosis, neurodiverse youth, or youth with complex needs…