case manager

_*Reports to:*_ Program Manager _*Full Time 37.5 hrs/ week*_

Job Title: Case Manager ? Bridge of Hope Program

Organization: REST Centres

Location: Brampton Office with travel requirements across Peel Region, including Missisauga Office

About REST Centres: REST Centres is a B3 (Black-led, Black-focused, Black-serving) charity dedicated to eradicating youth homelessness in Peel Region. Our mission is to provide transitional housing and support services to youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness, particularly those transitioning from the foster care system. We implement a housing-first, community-driven approach to keep youth off the streets and facilitate their transition to independent living. Our continuum of care surrounds youth with holistic support, including access to shelter, essential resources, and support for physical, mental, and emotional well-being, as well as the cultivation of life skills and self-belief.

Program Overview: The Bridge of Hope program operates on a host-home model, where community members provide living spaces to youth in need of immediate housing. Our goal is to place youth in environments where they feel welcomed, safe, and supported, aiming to prevent homelessness by offering an alternative to emergency shelters. We focus on alleviating homelessness among BIPOC youth, particularly within the Black community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Engage with youth experiencing homelessness and provide holistic support services tailored to their individual needs.
• Develop comprehensive case plans using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.
• Offer personalized support, referrals, and interventions addressing mental health, substance use, social integration, housing, and conflict management.
• Facilitate life skills training workshops to empower youth with essential skills for independent living.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure wraparound care and consistent support for youth.
• Provide emergency support to youth in crisis, connecting them with community resources and emergency management services as required.
• Participate in Case Management meetings with REST staff and relevant partners, ensuring coordinated and consistent care for youth.
• Work closely with the internal Case Management Team to facilitate placement and sustain independent living for youth.
• Conduct monthly follow-ups with youth to ensure adherence to case management plans and goals, employing assertive engagement when necessary.
• Assume a leadership role in coordinating housing and wraparound support with internal staff and stakeholders.
• Regularly provide detailed reports and updates on participant progress, housing placements, and retention efforts.
• Document all activities and outcomes in alignment with organizational policies.
• Contribute to program development, marketing, and implementation endeavors, including stakeholder outreach and facilitating life skills workshops.
• Support the evaluation of program effectiveness by collecting and analyzing data on youth outcomes, service utilization, and overall program impact. Use findings to make recommendations for program improvements and ensure that services are continuously enhanced to meet the evolving needs of youth.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed care and experience working with youth (16-24) who have experienced trauma.
• Familiarity with the Housing First philosophy and experience supporting individuals in obtaining and maintaining housing.
• Proficiency in motivational interviewing and crisis management techniques.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Valid Ontario driver's license, First Aid/CPR certification, and vulnerable sector screening.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.
• Bachelor of Social Work or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-3 years of experi