Case Manager - Occupational Therapist

North York Supportive Housing for People with Problematic Substance Use and/or Concurrent Disorders Program ("NY-PSU")

One (1) Bargaining Unit, Permanent Part-Time Position

(22.5 hours per week)

About Cota

If you're looking to contribute your expertise at a community-based organization making a positive impact in the lives of thousands of people each year - Cota would love to hear from you!  

We provide a collaborative and inclusive work environment that emphasizes employee support, learning opportunities and excellence in our field. We offer flexible hours and employer-paid benefits for some classifications along with other perks and wellness activities. 

For 50 years, Cota has been supporting adults with mental health and cognitive challenges to live well within their community. We provide person-centred support to help individuals find inspiration and hope in themselves, so they are better able to pursue meaningful change in their lives. 

To find out more about us and our programs/services and employee benefits please visit our website!

Role Overview and about the Team

The NY-PSU is an innovative program, operating from a Housing First perspective. The program is designed to provide wrap-around supports to individuals who are homeless and who are living with mental health and problematic substance use, to secure and maintain safe and stable housing. We are presently recruiting one (1) experienced, dynamic and motivated Occupational Therapist to join our team.

Summary of Duties:

Responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to those below:

• Conducting comprehensive psychosocial, ADLs, vocational and mental status assessments and developing a recovery plan 
• Facilitate skills development, promote involvement in leisure and recreational opportunities in the community, and promote optimal daily functioning
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to plan, develop, coordinate and provide core community based services
• Prepare clients, by teaching and coaching to return to paid or unpaid employment
• Links clients to possible employment / volunteer opportunities
• Provide education and support to clients and their families
• Provide psychoeducational groups: e.g.:  vocational skills, coping skills
• Linking and coordinating clients to needed services, family support and education, as well as case management

Summary of Qualifications:

• Current registration with College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
• Membership in CAOT or OSOT
• Working knowledge of psychiatric and mental health disorders and related psychiatric/psychosocial interventions and treatment models
• An advanced understanding of the principles of recovery
• Excellent Knowledge of Ontario's Mental Health Act and Health Care Consent Act
• Good understanding of issues related to problematic substance use
• Good understanding of harm reduction philosophy
• Experience working with clients with a concurrent disorder and those living in unstable housing situations or homelessness 
• Demonstrated group facilitation skills
• Demonstrated ability to provide in depth mental health assessments, risk assessments, mental status examinations, and development of crisis and discharge plans
• Functions effectively within an interdisciplinary team
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to engage in conflict resolution
• Ability to practice using excellent critical thinking, organizational and problem solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to the Housing First model and philosophy
• Knowledge of PSR and Recovery as guiding principles for assessing and developing treatment plans for clients
• Excellent computer skills (e.g., Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook)
• Experience working in a community agency an asset

Other Requirements:

The successful candidate will be required to:

• Conduct visits in the clients' homes, hostels, hospitals and other community settings working in sometimes difficult conditions, including hoarding and pest infestations
• Comfortable working with a broad range of client groups
• Have access to a vehicle