INTERNAL/EXTERNAL
Job Title: Concurrent Disorders Support Services (CDSS) Program Worker
Position Type: Bargaining Unit, Permanent, Reduced Full-Time
Number of Positions: 1
Rate: $26.52 per hour
Vacation: 4 weeks to start
Benefits: Group benefits with Life Insurance, AD&D, Extended Health and Dental Care with
premiums 100% paid by the employer, LTD with premiums 100% paid by employees; paid
sick leave and float day
RRSP: RRSP with 6.5% employer contribution and 4% employee contribution after successful
completion of probation
Hours: 22.5 hours per week (3 days between Monday to Friday)
Supervisor: Senior Manager, Access Services
Posting Date: July 5, 2023
Application Deadline: July 19, 2023
Location: 145 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON, M5A 1S1
Why Fred Victor?
For over 125 years, Fred Victor has been a leader in providing place and purpose to people in need in Toronto. Our
mission is to improve the health, income and housing stability of people experiencing poverty and homelessness.
We are committed to ending chronic homelessness. This is an ambitious and bold goal but we believe, achievable.
145 Queen Street includes a community hub where people gather and find a range of services geared to their needs
including: housing, healthy meals, drop-in programs, mental health and justice support, concurrent disorders support,
harm reduction supports and health services. It is a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can access
resources, become engaged, advocate for their own community, and build their lives. 145 Queen Street relies on inter-
program collaboration to support the community around accessing individualized support. CDSS operates out of 145
Queen Street East.
The Concurrent Disorders Support Services Program Worker provides case planning assistance for workers with
complex clients with concurrent disorders, referrals within partnering agencies, and training to increase capacity in the
health and social services sector for serving clients with concurrent disorders. CDSS provides support and referrals to
people 16 years and older living with substance use issues and other mental health concerns who have complex needs.
CDSS is a partnership of agencies providing prioritized access to people referred through CDSS.
Does this sound like work you want to be a part of?
We offer a caring and collaborative environment, an opportunity to join a diverse team of caring professionals and a
chance to make a difference. With over 60 programs and services and more than 21 sites, there are lots of
opportunities to grow your career with us. Many members of the management team started in relief and front-line
roles.
What You Will Do
- Provide point of access, intake, assessment, referrals, and some case management services, utilizing a
Support Services Program.
- Develop professional, respectful working relationships with clients and workers.
- Advocate for the rights of clients to ensure that they receive services, supports and entitlements.
- Look for alternative and creative solutions to client issues and appropriate service provision.
- Respond to calls or applications submitted by referring workers in a timely manner.
- Offer consultation by phone to referring workers.
- Engage referring worker and clients.
- Negotiate service from partner agency as soon as possible and puts support in place as necessary to
- Ensure completion of application and consent forms.
- Ensure client data is entered into Pirouette and accurate client files are maintained.
- Keep up to date records of all partner services and identifies gaps in service.
- In collaboration with the Senior Manager, initiates improvements in practice and administration.
- Produce brochures and communication materials regarding the CDSS/Partner updates.
- Assist with identifying training needs and provide training opportunities to workers in the community.
- Evaluate the impact and satisfaction of training events.
- Represents CDSS on community networks, committees and events as assigned.
- Provide outreach to community groups of interest and presents CDSS to external agencies and groups as
- Develop a transition plan with the client and their supports and facilitate a clear understanding of the
- Maintain effective working relationships with other providers and resources as well as other relevant
- Maintain program and agency documentation as per Fred Victor policies.
- Maintain confidentiality as per “Personal Health Information Protection Act” and Fred Victor policy.
- Work with the Senior Manager to utilize clinical supervision appropriately.
- Actively participate in staff meetings.
- Participate in agency and other meetings and initiatives as required.
- Promote the values, vision and mission of Fred Victor.
- Other duties as directed by your supervisor.
What You Bring to the Team
- A degree/diploma in Social Work, Social Services, Health or related field or equivalent work experience.
- Minimum 3-5 years’ experience working in social services setting with a particular focus on community-
- Excellent knowledge of community resources and the mental health and addictions service system
- Demonstrated ability to develop trusting, respectful working relationships with clients.
- Demonstrated ability to practice trauma informed care.
- Familiarity with Case Management Standards and practice is essential.
- Demonstrated proficiency in engaging workers in assessing and planning service for complex clients.
- Relevant lived experience will be considered an asset.
- Excellent supportive counselling skills and demonstrated ability to clinically assess the client using clinical
- Experience working successfully in interdisciplinary team or formalized partnerships.
- Knowledge and understanding of a Mental Health Recovery Model.
- Strong understanding, analysis and commitment to social justice issues, equity, anti-racism and anti-
- Able to effectively work independently and within a team.
- Very strong interpersonal negotiating and mediating skills necessary for prevention, intervention and
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and set limits with clients.
- Strong verbal and written skills.
- Computer literacy in Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience in Pirouette is an asset.
What Sets You Apart
- Passion for working to provide services that are client centered and trauma informed to people experiencing
- Commitment to addressing service gaps to individuals living with concurrent disorders.
- Dedication to service enhancement and service provision to people living with concurrent disorders.
Working Conditions
- There is a likelihood of exposure to unpredictable behavior, unpleasant odors, bodily fluids and pests including
- This is stressful and emotionally challenging work that deals with vicarious trauma, grief and compassion fatigue
- Required to travel to various locations to meet with clients, referring workers and service providers.
- Travel will be by public transportation, unless approved to use personal vehicle.
Compensation and Benefits
- For the Concurrent Disorders Support Services Program Worker position, Fred Victor offers an hourly rate of
- 4 weeks of vacation to start + 1 float day
- Generous paid sick leave allowance
- A comprehensive Dental, Extended Health and LTD group benefits package includes individual and family
coverage, including prescriptions, hospital accommodation, hearing care, paramedical practitioners and a wide
variety of dental care. Additional insurance includes vision care and travel for emergency medical services.
- 6.5 % of your gross salary will be contributed to a group RRSP on your behalf after successful completion of
- Access to employee and family assistance plan
How You Can Apply
Send your resume and cover letter as one document telling us why you want to join the Fred Victor Team by July 19,
2023 at 5pm. Please send to Anne Carruthers, Senior Manager, Access Services acarruthers@fredvictor.org Please
include “Concurrent Disorders Support Services Program Worker” in the subject line.
A Police Record Check is required by the final candidate prior to hiring.
All candidates offered a position with Fred Victor from September 30, 2021 onward must be fully vaccinated and provide
proof of their vaccination as a condition of employment. Fred Victor will comply with its Human Rights obligations and
accommodate employees who are legally entitled to accommodation.
Accessibility & Accommodation
Fred Victor is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment where employees feel valued and
respected, and where every employee has the opportunity to realize their potential. As such, we welcome and
encourage applicants who identify as racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons
across the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identities and have lived-experience.
If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation and/or assistance during the application process, please
contact us in advance. We strive to provide reasonable accommodations whenever requested. Information received
relating to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality.
