Case Management Peer

At Ottawa Inner City Health (OICH), we do health care differently. It’s part of who we are. We are a nurse-led, trauma-informed organization working on the front-lines of homelessness and mental health. We work in the margins- the grey area- with clients experiencing complex trauma, mental illness, and substance use challenges. Our approach is hands-on, harm reduction focused, relationship-driven, and rooted in human dignity.
We are currently seeking one (1) regular full time Case Management Peer.
Why this role matters
The primary role of the case management peer is to provide increased/effective services to OICH’s downtown shelter and community clients in the area of treatment options and goal settings. The case management peer will help client access recovery-oriented services. This worker will reach out to clients within shelters, build relationships with partners and, be able to advocate for clients and navigate social services and health care systems. This position includes accompanying OICH clients to their appointments.
Duties

• Assist clients in navigation of additional treatment systems in Ottawa
• Help client getting ID replaced, attend court or address other life goals that impede access to recovery.
• Assist in completing housing and social service agency paperwork.
• Engage and encourage clients to develop and reach recovery goals
• Develop strengths-based care plans with each client
• Be client-centred, trauma-informed, harm reduction based in your approach
• Work effectively and collaboratively within a team and with the other Case Management Peers, OICH staff and workers from partner organizations
• Be persistent with clients/utilize motivational interviewing to help clients realize their strengths and abilities
• Maintain healthy boundaries with clients
• Book appointments, provide activity reports and maintain case management files
• Provide appointment accompaniment and other program support activities as required.
• Attend scheduled supervisor check-ins, team meetings and attend training and skill development workshops.

Qualifications

• Personal experience with any of the following: substance use, mental health and/or homelessness.
• Knowledge and comfort working with Aboriginal communities, the homeless & under housed, injection drug users, sex trade workers, as well as LGBTQIA+ people.
• Knowledge about stimulants, opiates & injection drug use issues, alcohol abuse and treatments such as suboxone / methadone.
• Good people skills are required; must be open, non-judgmental and willing to learn.
• Knowledge of motivational interviewing, strength-based approach and trauma-informed care.
• Demonstrate good attendance and ability to work in a safe manner.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in French or other commonly used languages an asset.
• Familiarity and comfort with computer software such as email, word documents and spreadsheets.
• Well-developed skills in setting and maintaining appropriate boundaries, confidentiality and building trust with our clients.
• Ability to work within a harm reduction framework
• Ability to be assertive without being aggressive
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to avoid upsetting or offending clients
• Ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary health and social care team
• A demonstrated level of stability in your personal life which will allow you to be at work reliably and not be affected by exposure to people who are living with mental illness and using substances in a negative way or in a way that will affect your recovery
• Internal candidates must be in good employment standing with OICH and must not have any active disciplinary action on file.

Hours of Work:
The Case Management Peer will be scheduled based on the operational needs of the program and employment status. Shifts typically includes:

• Monday - Friday
• 7.5 hours + 30 minute break.
• Start shift: starting between 7 and 8 am, depending on operational and client needs.