Service Navigator_FT-Perm

DATE: April 4, 2025
LOCATION:   Toronto, ON – The Access Point
COMPENSATION: $53,630 - $65,589 annually prorated

LOFT Community Services is a unique and dynamic charitable organization that supports people living with complicated issues such as mental and physical health challenges, substance use challenges, poverty and homelessness. Serving approximately 13,969 annually and providing 1,788 units of supportive housing last year, LOFT is one of Ontario’s largest mental health service providers of its kind. LOFT is also recognized as a Nonprofit Employer of Choice™ Award (NEOC) recipient.

To help fulfill our mission, LOFT is hiring a Full-time Permanent Service Navigator.

Job Summary
Join our team of community mental health professionals.  We are seeking experienced mental health case managers, social workers or intake workers to provide mental health phone support, service navigation and assessment for people with serious mental health issues. This position is situated at our office located at Front St. E and Jarvis St.  Proficiency in languages other than English is an asset.
If you are passionate about supporting people experiencing mental health challenges our fast-paced environment offers an opportunity to engage with a diverse range of clients and to make a difference in their lives.  Use your assessment and engagement skills to help applicants secure the community mental health services they need.  At The Access Point, we work in collaboration with more than 45 community mental health service providers across the City in the homeless, mental health, hospital and addiction and mental health supportive housing sectors. 

The Toronto Mental Health and Addictions Access Point (The Access Point) provides one place for people who need help to access community mental health, addictions and supportive housing in Toronto.  Working in collaboration with more than 45 providers across the City, our team receives more than 7,000 new referrals each year, assessing people’s needs and matching them to the best service available through more than 17,000 virtual visits.  If you are passionate about supporting people experiencing mental health challenges our fast-paced environment offers an opportunity to engage with a diverse range of clients and to make a difference in their lives.  You will work with professionals in the homeless, mental health, hospital, addiction and supportive housing sectors as you connect people to service and help them meet their needs.  We are committed to quality improvement, staff training and a positive work environment. Join our team and be a part of a City-wide initiative that you’ll be proud of.

What You Will Do

• Provide mental health support by phone and screen clients for service eligibility
• Conduct assessment interviews, assess risk and identify clients with more urgent needs for priority access to services
• Maintain strong relationships with service providers in The Access Point network, collaborate to resolve service issues, and ensure a smooth process of connecting people to service
• Oversee service and housing program eligibility and match clients to vacancies based on program requirements and client eligibility
• Maintain inventories of services and community resources to support the work of The Access Point
• Participate in external committees and support program partnerships
• Respond to inquiries from applicants, families, the general public and referral sources on mental health and addictions services and supports accessible through The Access Point
• Maintain contact with people waiting for service to ensure they are supported and to address any changes in applicant needs, risk level or priority for service
• Be knowledgeable about all services and programs accessible through The Access Point to ensure appropriate matching of clients to the best service to meet their needs
• Be knowledgeable about a broad range of health and social services outside of The Access Point network to connect people to supports they may need that are not mental health related e.g. income supports, seniors services, immigration and settlement supports, housing and homelessness services, employment training.

What You Bring:
Must Haves

• Completion of degree or diploma in health/human services or equivalent experience
• Minimum 3 years counselling and/or case management experience in the adult mental health, addictions, homelessness and/or mental health supportive housing sector
• Strong risk assessment skills, with an ability to support clients in distress and de-escalate challenging situations
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to form supportive relationships with marginalized individuals
• Knowledge of concurrent disorders and experience with the continuum of addiction services
• Comprehensive knowledge of community resources for supportive housing, mental health and substance use
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated creativity and flexibility in problem-solving on an individual, program and systems level
• Sound judgment using professional standards that is first and foremost respectful of the clients being served
• Experience working with people by phone and in a high volume environment is considered an asset
• Demonstrated ability to deliver services in partnership with other providers and stakeholders
• Computer literacy and experience with Microsoft Word, client service databases and electronic mail systems

Nice-to-Haves

Demonstrated ability to work within an anti-racist, anti-oppression framework

What We Offer

A comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability

Defined Benefits Pensions Plan

24/7 Employee Assistance Program

E-learning program available all year round

Starting vacation time above minimum standard,

Additional paid personal and paid sick days

Professional development budget available to help you nurture and shape your career

Corporate Gym membership rate with GoodLife Fitness

Access to Perkopolis, a comprehensive corporate discount program

Access to unlimited DEI trainings through partnership Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion

Tuition reimbursement program

Maternity-leave top up program

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

LOFT Community Services is a values-driven organization with a deep belief that each person has the ability to grow and change. We value compassion, collaboration, and community delivered with dignity, innovation, and excellence. LOFT’s vision is that together, we can all live successfully in our community. Our client population reflects Ontario’s diverse community and it is LOFT’s goal to build a workforce who also reflects that diversity. LOFT believes there are many ways to develop skills and build experience and expertise. So even if you don’t “tick all the boxes” but think you’d thrive in this role, you are encouraged to apply.

Note: A satisfactory vulnerable sector check (VSC) is also required.

CLOSING DATE: April 20, 2025