Relief Newcomer Mental Health Specialist (Full-time)

The Cross-Cultural Community Services Association (TCCSA) is a not-for-profit organization that aims to facilitate the well-being of diversified communities through social services. The mission of TCCSA is to enhance the well-being and resilience of diverse communities by strengthening competencies and fostering participation through effective and professional human services. 

TCCSA is seeking one 4-month Relief Newcomer Mental Health Specialist to support the Settlement team in our Peel Centre by making mental health support and programs more accessible to meet the needs of diverse newcomer communities. The Newcomer Mental Health Specialist will provide short-term support to newcomers and enhance their knowledge and practice of wellness and stress management practices.

The details of this job posting are listed as follows:

Job Title: Relief Newcomer Mental Health Specialist  

Unit: Settlement

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours/week (required to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends and some holidays)

Application Deadline: November 15, 2024

Location: In-person, TCCSA Peel Centre 

Salary Range: $34.65 to $36.38 per hour (based on experience)

File #:#23-24 (Peel Centre)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• To provide individual short-term mental health support for newcomers through identifying problems and goals, and presenting options;
• To provide case management services by coordinating with the appropriate additional supports and services needed to ensure optimum progress;
• To facilitate newcomers’ access to needed mental health services and resources, where there are barriers due to language, culture and race by providing interpretation or translation; 
• To make appropriate referrals to longer-term mental health support services as required;
• To develop, organize and facilitate information workshops related to mental wellness and stress management, and addressing mental health stigma;
• To offer support groups to newcomers, particularly women and youth, about coping strategies, support, skill-building and self-help opportunities;
• To liaise with partner agencies and community stakeholders to facilitate effective service delivery of mental health services for newcomers and to promote mental health awareness and education;
• To develop and distribute mental health support resources through community events, and presentations at local community venues, places of worship and businesses;
• To organize regular training for staff members and volunteers about different mental health-related topics;
• To monitor program activities, budget and expenses as directed;
• To keep and maintain records in a timely and professional manner;
• To update and maintain program-related data and tracking history in agency's database, prepare and submit timely statistical and progress reports;
• To ensure collection and entry of service data into iCARE and other funding reporting systems on a regular basis;
• To ensure program and service contents are relevant to funders’ priorities and the needs of newcomers;
• To attend internal/external meetings as required;
• To work in all TCCSA and itinerant service locations as assigned;
• Responsible for carrying out the above responsibilities and all other duties as required by TCCSA.
• A master’s level education in Social Work, social sciences or equivalent training in a related health discipline. Relevant combination of training and experience will also be considered; 

Qualifications

• Membership in good standing in a related provincial regulatory association such as RSW (Registration and good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers);
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in providing mental health support to individuals and families;
• Proven ability in program organization, supportive counselling, and community outreach;
• Knowledge, understanding and sensitivity to issues affecting immigrant and refugee communities;
• Excellent knowledge of government and community resources supporting mental health;
• Demonstrated interview, assessment, analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent inter-personal skills; demonstrated teamwork experience and ability to establish and maintain an excellent working relationship with stakeholders; 
• Effective communication skills to work with clients from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds;
• Excellent organization skills, ability to multi-task while maintaining accuracy; 
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a diverse, multicultural environment;
• Proficiency in written and spoken English, as well as a second language commonly used by newcomers and refugees such as Chinese, Ukrainian, or one of the South Asian Languages;
• Proficiency with OCMS, MS Office, Google Services, Zoom, other videoconferences and social media that facilitate work and communication, knowledge in graphic software such as Canva is an asset;
• Ability to use technology and applications/platforms to support program functions;
• Ability to perform detailed planning, information analysis, and report preparation;
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team; 
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including some evenings, weekends and holidays;
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada;
• Proof of a clear “Vulnerable Sector Screening” with a local police service is mandatory; 
• Able to travel in the GTA, has a valid Ontario Driver’s license and access to a car is an asset.