Provide clinical support and care for clients with severe and persistent mental illness, concurrent disorders, personality disorders, challenging behaviours, and medical co-morbidities who are homeless and/or underhoused, within an inter-professional and Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team.Provide client-centered, assertive case management required to proactively engage clients, in various community settings (i.e., supportive housing, shelters, hospitals), to promote empowerment and independence through achievement of personalized goals.Conduct biopsychosocial and standardized assessments, provide counseling, implement financial and social supports to facilitate individualized recovery-oriented treatment plans.Coordinate a smooth flow of care through referral and connection to appropriate community services and resources, advocacy and systems navigation for clients and families/caregivers. Liaise, collaborate and negotiate client care across various hospitals, healthcare networks, community services, as well as housing providers, criminal justice and correctional systems, and law enforcement agencies.Address the social determinants of health while providing collaborative education and capacity building of clients, family, caregivers, in addition to housing and community service providers, from diverse ethno-racial and cultural backgrounds.

Worked within an inter-professional team to provide early intervention services for youth/young adults, ages 14-35, experiencing a first episode of psychosis. Provided assessment, biopsychosocial and clinical treatment, counseling and assertive case management services to clients presenting with substance use, social isolation and homelessness. Worked with clients/families and community service providers in varied community settings; independent/supportive housing, shelters and hospitals.Provided psychoeducation and resources regarding mental illness, treatment, and appropriate service referrals to clients and their families, within a recovery-based model. Advocated for clients and families facing systemic barriers and supported in the navigation of community services. Supported clients with development of coping skills/strategies as well as delivered financial and social supports to facilitate independence and empowerment.

Worked with a caseload of clients, and provided one-to-one clinical counselling to address issues around mental health; including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), acute and chronic depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Was responsible for program development of an evidence-based group program based on acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) for individuals facing anxiety and depression; including research, consultation with experienced therapists, curriculum planning and organization. Supported facilitation of several groups including a health and yoga program (Mind Body and Yoga), WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) and mental health workshops (Soup and Soul). Participated in outreach meetings, presentations and community fairs aimed at closing gaps in service delivery for individuals affected by complex/severe mental health issues. Received weekly supervision with MSW supervisor in an individual and team setting which contributed to clinical knowledge and experience.

Worked as a Mental Health Case Manager in a collaborative partnership between St. Michael's Hospital and COTA Health, practicing the FACT (Flexible Assertive Community Treatment) model of care. Worked within an inter-professional Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Team to provide Intensive Case Management (ICM) and Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services to meet the needs of clients with complex mental illness, concurrent disorders and co-morbid medical conditions. Supported frequent clients/users of hospitals (i.e. Emergency Departments, psychiatric inpatient units etc.), homeless shelters, and independent/supportive housing.Provided community-based individualized case management support through a recovery-oriented and client-centered approach within diverse community settings, to formulate recovery goals and foster independence. Conducted biopsychosocial assessments while providing clinical counseling to clients face to face or through a 24/7 on-call crisis support telephone line, assisting clients to develop coping skills and problem-solving techniques for self empowerment. Collaborated with other hospitals, healthcare networks, community service providers, housing institutions and individuals within the criminal justice and correctional systems, and law enforcement agencies to ensure a well-coordinated service system for clients.Advocated for clients to receive equitable services across public sectors, institutions and systems. Developed coordinated client-centered care plans with/for clients and completed the Ontario Common Assessment of Need (OCAN) and other standardized assessments as required.

Managed a complex caseload of clients with acquired brain injuries (ABIs) and communication disorders (i.e. aphasia and apraxia).Provided case management and counseling to help adults and seniors gain greater autonomy and stability in their cognitive, behavioural, physical and psychosocial well-being.Assisted individuals affected by mental health issues, concurrent disorders and chronic medical conditions. Collaborated and liaised with clients and families from diverse ethno-racial and cultural backgrounds, as well as health-care professionals to create a personalized Individual Rehabilitation Plan (IRP), to identify needs and establish concrete goals. Visited clients in their homes and communities and provided outreach services focusing on their IRPs, in line with the principles of recovery. Aided clients with community reintegration through developing their communication and problem-solving skills, emotional adjustment and pursuit of essential and recreational activities.

Performed intake for clients accessing the shelter system.Assisted in the organization and supervision of drop-in meals (serving upwards of 800 people per day) and provide food, clothing and basic necessities to clients. Fielded inquiries from clients and completed referrals to other agencies as required.Was responsible for monitoring client/buildng safety and security, including supervising dormitories.Picked up food or clothing donations and re-stocked dormitory supplies.Worked flexible hours; day, evening and overnight shifts.

Was responsible for case management of several clients in Barrett House (HIV – AIDS supportive housing) and St. Joseph’s Residence (seniors supportive housing using harm reduction model).Pursued a client-centered approach while conducting assessments for persons with complex needs and supported them in developing goals to improve their quality of life. Researched and developed appropriate client referrals to community resources and services, while establishing partnerships with social service agencies.Participated in various team meetings, as well as consultation meetings with different community partners where issues, concerns and action plans were created for clients.Acquired understanding of the Drug and Alcohol Recovery Enrichment (DARE) Program; intake interviews, mental health workshops, art therapy and anger management sessions.Experienced working in a health care team through provision of relevant information and input in AAPRICOT (Addiction Assessment Psychotherapy Referral in the Community of Toronto) assessments with a community doctor, and addressed mental and physical illnesses with a Registered Nurse.

Delivered interactive workshops for youth addressing issues such as settlement and acculturation, English language/communication skills, pre-employment, life skills and school support; also covered mental health-based topics including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, bullying, etc. Interviewed, supervised, trained and evaluated Youth Program Assistants, placement students and youth volunteers. Provided immigrant youth with resources through one-on-one mentoring and needs assessments. Developed greater understanding of obstacles faced by newcomers such as stigma associated with immigration and socio-economic inequalities; accomplished through building rapport with clients. Established professional ties within community (i.e. social service agencies, schools and youth). Developed program budget plans, funding proposals and constructed program evaluations as well as monthly reports for CIC (Citizenship Immigration Canada).

Worked in a team-oriented environment, with the specific goal of helping immigrant youth settle and acculturate into Canadian society. Was responsible for coordinating programs for newcomer youth, including: academic assistance, sports and healthy living activities, navigation, social skills and leadership training.Performed extensive outreach to the community through presentations and workshops with the goal of educating and training parents/youth about various issues.Recruited youth participants/volunteers using social media and other resources. Enhanced greater awareness of strategies for approaching youth with social issues through frequent training sessions focused on mental health and well-being. Worked flexible hours to facilitate the provision of needs of newcomer youth through trips to various locations such as Toronto Island, Black Creek Pioneer Village and the CN Tower.