Community LINKS Information and Referral Practitioner

Community LINKS Information and Referral Practitioner

Wage: $22.00 per hour

FT Contract Position: Maximum of 44 hours per week

Reporting to: ICA Team Lead & Senior Social Worker

Job Purpose:

The Community LINKS Information and Referral Practitioner collaborates with multiple independent programs, organizations, and services in Lethbridge in order to create a coordinated system to serve citizens more effectively. The ICA system is designed to serve individuals needs across diverse service providers in government, non-profit, voluntary, and private sectors ranging from social and wellbeing supports to housing supports and counselling.

Individuals Served:

• Individuals who face barriers with system navigation, such as, substance use, relationship breakdown, in transition, mental health issues, chronic medical issues, etc.
• Individuals who display a willingness to participate in the program.
• Individuals who would benefit from information, service referrals, system navigation, referrals to case management and follow up.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Supporting individuals at various locations within the community
• Complete screeners and other tools with individuals requesting services
• Support Community LINKS Intake and complete assessments for individuals requiring additional services
• Complete all case notes, support plans, follow up forms and other documentation as per agency and accreditation standards
• Identify needs and assist with connection to additional appropriate community resources when required
• Provide referrals, outreach, and advocacy to individuals
• Engage in person centered, recovery orientated practice focused on improving or maintaining emotional, mental and physical well-being and overall quality of life
• Actively liaise with human service organizations, health organizations, community groups, and peer support groups
• Assist individuals in accessing supports that enable them to live independently, have quality of life and/or remain housed
• Advocate for individuals and assist in navigating legal, financial and medical options available in the community
• Connection with community partners to help educate individuals on social and financial matters
• Update and maintain information on current services and supports being offered in the community.
• Collect and input data for funders and partners into Efforts to Outcomes Data base.

Non-Client Work:

• Meetings with Supervisor as scheduled.
• Team Meetings as scheduled.
• Case Conferences as required.
• Participation in community pods as assigned.
• Community Events as assigned.
• Training as required per CMHA Policies.

Professional Skills / Abilities Required:

• Work independently in the absence of supervision
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and written
• Proficient in using applications such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) and comfortable with using electronic databases
• Prioritize workload and manage time effectively
• Ability to build and nurture relationships with community agencies and professionals in the community in order to meet the referral needs of the target population
• Ability to understand and practice a strength based approach to meeting individual needs.
• Ability to build strong rapport with all individuals served
• Ability to practice reflexivity
• Experience practicing with diverse, marginalized populations
• Extensive knowledge and relationships with resources available in the community
• Effective problem-solving skills, and ability to exercise reasonable and professional judgment
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as support the development of critical thinking and professional decision-making skills in others
• Proven ability to implement system navigation and referral to appropriate services in a respectful and client-focused manner
• Work with initiative, commitment and enthusiasm

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor degree or higher from an accredited University in a related field
• Proof of registration with a recognized regulatory body if applicable
• Knowledge and experience in harm reduction strategies, crisis intervention, and therapeutic communication
• Knowledge of outreach services, community service providers and local systems of care
• Knowledge and respect of local Indigenous culture and ways of knowing
• An understanding of homelessness, addiction, mental health and concurrent disorders
• Knowledge and proficiency in using applications such as Microsoft Office, electronic databases

Practice Standards / Policy Compliance:

• Must be able to facilitate a Person Centered, Strength Based approach
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge of Community Practice, Assertive Engagement Strategies, Crisis Intervention Techniques, and Recovery Model
• Must adhere to relevant Standards of Practice
• Must be able to maintain accurate comprehensive documentation. Documentation must be in accordance with agency standards, and according to funder requirements.
• Must adhere to all CMHA Policy and Procedures.

Conditions of Employment

• Current First Aid and CPR
• Current & Clear Criminal Record Check (less than 6 months old)
• Current & Clear Youth Intervention Check (less than 6 months old)
• Possession of valid Alberta Driver’s license
• Own or use of a reliable vehicle for work purposes
• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination

COVID-19 considerations:
Staff are required to wear PPE and follow all CMHA Policies regarding cleaning and disinfecting.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $22.00 per hour

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

COVID-19 considerations:
COVID-19 Precaution(s):

Remote engagement process
Personal protective equipment provided
Temperature screenings
Social distancing guidelines in place
Virtual meetings
Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Lethbridge, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: One location