Case Manager

Case Manager – Housing First, Scarborough (Full Time, Permanent) 

The Role and Opportunity

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Toronto is seeking a dedicated Case Manager for the Housing First Intensive Case Management (HFICM) and Strengthening Communities in Scarborough (SCS) program based in Scarborough. This program serves individuals with complex mental health and addiction needs through a recovery-based and trauma-informed care approach. You will have an opportunity to join a dynamic interdisciplinary team dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals experiencing homelessness and / or at risk of homelessness at Toronto Community Housing sites in south Scarborough and individuals in the greater Scarborough area. Your goal will be to enhance the well-being and housing stability of clients, while improving access to health and social services across the broader system.

Salary: $54,943 – $60,203

Hours of Work: 35 per week 

About CMHA Toronto

CMHA Toronto is the city’s leading community mental health agency. We provide accessible, quality care for Toronto residents through programs, research and advocacy that create belonging and hope. At CMHA Toronto, we take a client-first, recovery-oriented approach to supporting people and their families when they experience mental health challenges or live with mental illness. By integrating health and social care, we provide services that aid in long-term wellness including housing, employment, community connections and so much more. Our goal? Help everyone thrive in the community.

Responsibilities

Intensive Case Management

• Meet with clients 1-3 times per week to deliver the HFICM program.
• Provide services at various locations, including client homes, CMHA offices, community spaces (e.g., coffee shops, parks), and external agency or healthcare offices.
• Manage a caseload ofapproximately12-16clients for long-term care.
• Assess clients’ needs, such as housing, daily living skills, employment, and social resources.
• Collaborate with clients to develop short-term goals for daily living and long-term recovery goals, while continuously monitoring their progress.
• Offer supportive counseling, health monitoring, symptom management, and liaise with community health services.
• Accompany clients to medical, social services, or legal appointments.
• Teach life skills, facilitate community integration, and connect clients with appropriate resources.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to access services and overcome barriers.

Crisis Intervention

• Respond to crises, including mental health emergencies, substance use relapses, and housing crises, as needed.
• Conduct wellness checks and risk assessments to ensure client safety.
• Deescalate crises using techniques like Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) or Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
• Coordinate emergency supports, including calls to 911, transportation to emergency rooms, referrals to shelters, Safe Beds, crisis lines, or harm reduction services.
• Accompany clients to crisis support services when required and maintain communication with emergency responders.

Housing Support

• Assist clients with housing searches for private market rental units using third-party housing platforms, adhering to housing and subsidy policies.
• Schedule and attend housing viewings with clients, advocating for them with property managers, especially against potential discrimination.
• Support the application process by helping clients gather necessary documentation and follow up on application decisions.
• Once a lease is accepted, assist clients with lease review, key collection, tenant insurance, utilities, and coordinating their move.
• Provide long-term housing support, including life skills development (e.g., cooking, cleaning, budgeting), addressing pest control issues, and coordinating extreme cleaning services when needed.

Administrative Tasks

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date health records, documenting all client interactions and relevant contacts.
• Complete monthly assessments of clients’ mental health status and semi-annual Ontario Common Assessment of Needs (OCAN).

Experience & Education Required  

• Post-secondary degree/diploma in Social Services or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of full-time experience in direct service delivery to adults with psychiatric disabilities.
• Knowledge of Housing First Model of Practice, Recovery Principles, Trauma and Violence Informed Care, and, the Strengths-Based Model.
• Experience working with diverse communities and familiarity with homeless outreach initiatives and the shelter system.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to anti-racism and a non-homophobic approach in service delivery.
• A valid Ontario driver’s license, access to a vehicle, and appropriate insurance.

Why Choose CMHA Toronto? 

If you care about mental illness and mental health and you have the right skills, then CMHA Toronto may be the place for you. We have a positive and fair workplace culture, where staff are provided with opportunities for learning and advancement.

Our benefits include:

• Health Care of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), a predictable, secure monthly income upon retirement 
• Comprehensive Group Health Insurance – Health, Dental, Vision, Paramedicals 
• Short-term and Long-term Disability programs and life insurance to protect your income upon illness or injury 
• Work-life balance and flexibility – to ensure you have time for the things that matter to you 
• Annual Professional Development Funding for career learning and advancement 
• Work with like-minded, passionate individuals and make an impact on mental health service delivery 
• Build genuine and authentic connections, with colleagues and clients, with the goal of making a difference 

CMHA Toronto is an award-winning workplace committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, empathy, and accountability. Our staff value the flexibility in work schedules, the emphasis on work-life balance, and the organization's commitment to continuous learning through training and development opportunities. Many employees highlight the strong sense of community and support that make CMHA Toronto feel like more than just a workplace—it feels like a family.

As an equity-informed employer, CMHA Toronto reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We encourage applications from equity-deserving candidates, including Black, Indigenous, and racialized individuals, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and women. We recognize and honour the intersectionality of equity-based identities. Personal experience with mental health challenges, whether firsthand or through a loved one, is considered an asset. If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please inform us before the interview if you require an accommodation.

To be eligible for this role candidates will be required to adhere to our COVID-19 policy and provide proof of vaccination. 

Important Disclosure:

We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process. 

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

CMHA Toronto thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.