Case Manager

Are you passionate about working with individuals who are exiting homelessness? Do you have a strong foundation in addictions and mental health?

If so, this position may be for you.

Job Overview : Reporting to the Team Lead, the Case Manager works within a multidisciplinary team and provides ongoing intensive case management supports to program participants which focus on;

physical / mental health and substance use awareness, system navigation, coaching, crisis support, life skills development, and meeting social, cultural and basic needs.

The Case Manager understands the population we serve and prides themselves on providing an inclusive and safe environment for all program participants as they establish and maintain permanent housing.

This is a permanent full-time position.

Key Responsibilities :

Program Philosophy

• Offer culturally sensitive services where indicated
• Uphold the principles of Harm Reduction and Housing First
• Understand the Residential Tenancy Act
• Understand and follow program policies and procedures

Administrative

• Understand and practice from the Standards of Accreditation (CAC)
• Complete monthly evidence-based assessments tools with program participants, and required data entry (HMIS and CIVI etc.)
• Create, implement and update client-centred service plan goals, safety planning, wellness contracts and treatment plans
• Complete daily administrative shift duties

Client Care

• Provide case management, using an Intensive Case Management model, to individuals exiting homelessness
• Support program participants who experience acute, severe and persistent mental health and substance use disorders
• Connect participants to appropriate services in the community and assist in facilitating referrals as needed
• Teach and support participants in their suites and community settings with daily living skills (e.g. cooking, cleaning, financial literacy, grocery shopping, budgeting, laundry, etc.)
• Help identify risk factors which could lead to eviction, and work alongside program participants to reduce the likelihood of eviction, including supporting with monthly room inspections
• Accompany and / or provide transportation support to external appointments, and assist with activities of daily living
• Advocate for the rights of program participants
• Aid participants with systems navigation including justice, financial, and health care system(s)
• Assist participants with obtaining and maintaining income supports
• Assist program participants with rent payment and rental arrear payment plans as needed
• Understand and support participants with medication assistance as required
• Demonstrate strong crisis support and de-escalation skills
• Openness to a wide scope of practice with commitment to innovation and flexibility

Team

• Demonstrate exceptional written and oral communication skills including active listening skills
• Participate in team and treatment planning meetings
• Demonstrate initiative and an ability to work as an effective member of a team under minimal supervision, supporting colleagues as needed
• Display a high degree of professionalism as well as collaborate with partner agencies
• Welcome and provide ongoing feedback to promote a healthy workplace environment, strong team cohesion and exceptional program delivery
• Contribute positively to team culture

Program Tasks

• Adhere to all health and safety regulations in the building
• Complete daily cleaning duties and assist with prep / clean-up for participant’s activities as needed (meals, recreation etc.)
• Facilitate monthly recreation group

Qualifications and Experience :

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is an asset; diploma with relevant experience will be considered
• Experience working in the homelessness sector, along with strong knowledge of community resources is required. Practicum experience will be considered
• Must be knowledgeable and comfortable working within harm reduction, housing first, strength based, natural and logical consequences, and trauma informed care techniques as well as an understanding of anti-oppressive practice
• A strong foundation in addictions and mental health, including schizophrenia, personality disorders, PTSD and trauma
• Knowledge, skills and abilities to work with complex individuals experiencing addictions, mental health, isolation, homelessness and poverty concerns
• Ability to work independently and with confidence when navigating conflict or at risk populations
• Ability to work with a diverse range of individuals including demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and providing appropriate person-centred supports for LGBTQ2IA+, Indigenous peoples and persons with culturally diverse backgrounds
• Exceptional communication, organization, advocacy, teaching, and rapport-building skills
• Ability to adapt and effectively build relationships with hard to engage individuals while maintaining appropriate boundaries and ethics
• An assertive, professional and positive personality, with an ability to effectively represent the organization
• Experience with management alcohol programming and opioid replacement therapy (Suboxone and Methadone) considered an asset
• First Aid (either Standard / Intermediate or Emergency / Basic) - Level C CPR within 30 days of hire date, certification must be valid for a minimum of 6 months upon hire
• Class 5 driver’s license, personal vehicle for business use, clean 3-year drivers abstract, and $2 million liability coverage are required
• A satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal record clearance is required
• Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada : Calls to Action.

Working Environment :

• The Prelude is a 24 / 7 residential program; the majority of this role is on-site with the exception of occasional mandatory and / or voluntary trainings that may occur offsite
• 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours / week)
• Standard Hours : 7am 3pm, Monday through Friday
• Continuous extended periods of sitting, standing, and walking
• Frequent climbing / carrying objects up or down stairwells
• Occasional driving as part of work duties
• Occasional physical action requiring the ability to bend / crouch, reach above shoulder height, kneel / crawl, and carry objects (up to and over 20Ibs.

throughout shift. This includes lifting or transferring clients who require assistance supporting themselves.

Occasional time outside in all weather conditions

Benefits :

Some of the great benefits as an agency that the Alex has to offer :

• 3-weeks’ vacation
• Medical and Dental Coverage
• Health / Wellness Spending Accounts
• RRSP and / or Student Loan Repayment Program (up to 5% match)
• Personal Days
• Floating Holiday
• Sick / Wellness Days
• Employee Family Assistance Plan (EFAP)
• Professional Development

About The Alex : The Alex is a beacon of hope for Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens, offering wrap-around health care, housing, social, and wellness programs.

With a patient and client-centered approach, we envision a community where every individual is valued and empowered to thrive.

Our mission is to improve quality of life through accessible and integrated health, housing, and social services. With five decades of experience, we have earned a reputation for tackling tough health and social issues, guiding individuals on their journey from crisis to wellness, and from challenge to change.

Program Overview : The Prelude is a low-barrier Place-Based Supportive Housing (PBSH) program that provides safe and stable housing to adults with a history of homelessness and a high level of vulnerabilities due to concurrent health disorders.

Our philosophy is that everyone is entitled to appropriate housing and the supports they need to sustain that housing. We deliver our services within an Intensive Case Management model and adhere to the principles of harm reduction, housing first and strength-based practice.

Our residents range from 18 70+ years, with tri-morbidity, polysubstance use, and cognitive barriers to independent housing (such as brain injury, dementia etc.).

Working Conditions : This position requires frontline staff to be exposed to emotionally disturbing events, such as : medical distress, threatened / actual serious injury, violence, abuse and death;

where clients may be experiencing fear, terror, hopelessness, rage, self-harm and conflict. It is understood and accepted that you will be working in distress / high-stress situations, which may include emergency response where resiliency and stress tolerance and the ability to maintain composure, remain calm and focused is imperative.

Exposure to bodily fluids may also occur.