PWD Mental Health Worker

Job description

Department: Employment Center Affiliation: Unionized Position Reports To: Manager, Employment Programs Location: North York, ON Hours: Part -time, 28 hours weekly Extended Hours: Based on program and operational needs ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION Tropicana Community Services, a Toronto-based multiservice organization, provides all youth, newcomers, people of Black and Caribbean heritage and others in need with opportunities and alternatives that lead to success and positive life choices. Our mission is achieved through culturally appropriate programs such as counselling, childcare, educational, and employment services and youth development. POSITION SUMMARY Tropicana Community Services is seeking a qualified and community-focused Mental Health Worker to support youth currently enrolled in the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Program, funded in part through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) – Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. The Mental Health Worker supports youth with disabilities who face mental health–related barriers to participation, employment readiness, and community inclusion. The role focuses on reducing barriers, strengthening employability-related skills, and supporting participants to move toward greater independence, stability, and participation in education, training, or employment pathways. Services are delivered using a person-centered, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach that aligns with TCSO expectations and outcome-focused service delivery. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Participant-Centered Support Provide individualized, strengths-based support to youth with disabilities to reduce barriers related to mental health, daily functioning, and community participation. Support participants in developing employability-related skills, including routine-building, communication, self-advocacy, emotional regulation, and goal setting. Engage participants in one-to-one and group-based activities that support confidence, motivation, and readiness for education, training, or employment. Promote participant choice, self-determination, and active involvement in service planning. Mental Health and Crisis Support Observe and monitor changes in youth mental health and emotional well-being. Provide de-escalation and crisis support using trauma-informed and non-violent intervention approaches. Support youth in identifying triggers, developing safety plans, and practicing healthy coping strategies. Follow agency protocols and collaborate with supervisors, clinicians, and emergency services when required. Case Coordination, Referral, and Advocacy Collaborate with internal teams, families, caregivers, employers, educators, and community partners to support coordinated, outcome-focused service delivery. Support participants in accessing employment supports, education and training programs, healthcare, income support, and community-based services Advocate for participant accommodation needs, accessibility, and inclusive practices within service systems Contribute to transition planning and referrals aligned with participant goals and funder outcomes. Documentation, Monitoring, and Accountability Maintain accurate, timely, and outcome-focused documentation in alignment with ESDC Opportunities Fund requirements and agency policies. Document participant progress related to employability, skill development, participation, and goal attainment. Contribute to data collection, monitoring, and reporting activities required by funders. Ensure confidentiality, informed consent, and professional boundaries are maintained at all times. Team and Community Engagement Actively participate in team meetings, supervision, and training. Contribute to a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative team environment. Support program events, workshops, and community activities as required. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Degree in Social Service Worker, Social Work, Psychology, Community Services, or a related field. Experience supporting youth with mental health challenges and/or disabilities through paid work, co-op, or placement experience. Experience working with dual diagnosis, neurodiverse youth, or youth with complex needs is a strong asset. Knowledge of youth mental health, recovery-oriented practice, trauma-informed care, and anti-oppressive frameworks. Skills and Competencies Strong relationship-building and communication skills with youth, families, and community partners. Ability to respond calmly and effectively in emotionally challenging or crisis situations. Strong organizational, observation, and documentation skills. Ability to work independently while contributing to a team-based environment. Cultural humility and commitment to equity, inclusion, and community empowerment. Additional Requirements CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain). Non-Violent Crisis Intervention or equivalent training (or willingness to obtain). Clear Vulnerable Sector Check satisfactory to Tropicana Community Services. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends based on program needs. Proactively contributes to the organization. Initiates or assists with other projects as required What We Offer: Career growth and development opportunities A chance to play an active role in giving back to your community Employee Assistance Program Although we appreciate each application, only those candidates being considered for the position will be contacted. Tropicana Community Services commits to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA) through its information and support, advocacy, programming, internal policies, and governance structures. Tropicana Community Services will aim to ensure that our staff reflect the experience, skills and diversity of the communities we serve and create an inclusive, barrier-free work environment, beginning with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process please contact Human Resources. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.