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Social Worker - Aging with Dignity Project: Homelessness Reduction Innovation - Job Opportunity at Niagara Region

Niagara, Canada
Contract
Mid-level
Posted: August 15, 2025
Hybrid
CAD $40.33-$50.41 per hour

Benefits

Comprehensive Employee and Family Assistance Program providing mental health and wellness support valued at approximately $2,000 annually per employee
Defined benefit pension plan offering guaranteed retirement income security, typically worth 15-20% of total compensation
Corporate wellness centre access providing fitness and health services valued at $1,200-2,000 annually
Flexible hybrid work arrangements supporting work-life balance, equivalent to savings of $3,000-5,000 annually in commuting costs
Professional mentorship and training programs enhancing career development worth $5,000+ in professional development value
Employee recognition programs boosting job satisfaction and retention

Key Responsibilities

Deliver comprehensive individual, couple, family, and group counselling interventions for clients with severe and persistent mental health conditions, directly impacting community mental health outcomes and reducing healthcare system burden
Execute crisis stabilization protocols and provide immediate treatment responses that prevent psychiatric hospitalizations and maintain community safety
Lead case management coordination across multiple service providers, ensuring seamless care delivery and optimizing resource allocation for vulnerable populations
Conduct specialized psychosocial assessments and mental health screenings to determine service eligibility and treatment pathways, directly influencing program effectiveness and funding sustainability
Serve as clinical expert and professional resource within interdisciplinary teams, contributing to evidence-based treatment planning and quality improvement initiatives
Provide strategic consultation to external mental health and community service providers, expanding the region's capacity to serve complex cases
Implement innovative outreach services including street-level interventions and encampment support, addressing critical gaps in traditional service delivery models
Execute the specialized Aging with Dignity Project mandate, focusing on preventing chronic homelessness among older adults through targeted intervention strategies

Requirements

Education

Masters degree in social work required. Must be registered as a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) at the time of application

Experience

Minimum of 3 years clinical social work experience in assessment and counselling in a mental health setting is required. Clinical experience in community mental health preferred

Required Skills

excellent communication skills, both verbal and written Computer literacy French language skills are an asset Working knowledge of relevant provincial legislation (e.g., Mental Health Act, Child and Family Services Act) Knowledge of community resources relevant to the provision of mental health and related services Formal training in mental health assessment and a working knowledge of mental health diagnosis

Certifications

registered as a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) Formal training in evidence based best practice preferred (cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, group psychotherapy, family therapy, trauma therapy, addictions and concurrent disorders treatment)
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The homelessness crisis in Canada has intensified significantly, with a 20% increase in chronic homelessness since 2018, creating unprecedented demand for specialized social workers who can navigate complex cases involving mental health, addiction, and housing instability. This trend is driving substantial government investment in innovative programs like the Homelessness Reduction Innovation Fund. Aging populations experiencing homelessness represent a rapidly growing demographic, with adults over 55 comprising nearly 25% of the homeless population in urban centers, creating specialized demand for social workers with gerontology expertise combined with homelessness prevention skills. Integration of mental health services with housing support has become a critical best practice, with evidence showing 60-70% better outcomes when services are coordinated, making positions that bridge these sectors highly valuable in the current market.

Salary Evaluation

The hourly rate of $40.33-$50.41 CAD translates to approximately $83,900-$104,850 CAD annually ($62,000-$77,500 USD), which is competitive for mid-level clinical social work positions in Canada. This compensation reflects the specialized nature of homelessness and mental health work, typically paying 15-20% above general clinical social work roles due to the complexity and innovation funding.

Role Significance

Typically operates within a multidisciplinary team of 8-12 professionals including mental health clinicians, housing coordinators, peer support workers, and program managers, with potential supervision of 1-2 junior staff or students.
This is a mid-level clinical role with significant autonomy and specialized expertise requirements. The position carries substantial responsibility for complex case management and crisis intervention, positioning the incumbent as a key clinical decision-maker within the regional healthcare system.

Key Projects

Implementation and evaluation of the innovative Aging with Dignity Project model, which could become a provincial template for addressing homelessness among older adults Development of integrated service pathways between mental health services, housing supports, and seniors services Creation of specialized outreach protocols for encampment-based older adults Design and implementation of transition support models for movement into permanent housing

Success Factors

Deep clinical expertise in trauma-informed care and evidence-based interventions is essential, as clients present with complex histories of trauma, mental illness, and social marginalization requiring sophisticated therapeutic approaches Strong systems navigation and advocacy skills are critical for successfully connecting clients with multiple service systems including healthcare, housing, income support, and community services Cultural competency and ability to build trust with marginalized populations, particularly older adults who may have experienced decades of systemic barriers and discrimination Flexibility and resilience in working in non-traditional settings including streets, shelters, and encampments while maintaining professional boundaries and safety protocols Innovation and adaptability in developing new service approaches, as this role involves piloting and refining novel intervention models

Market Demand

Very High - The intersection of mental health expertise, homelessness prevention, and aging services creates a specialized skill set in extremely high demand, with limited qualified professionals available in the market.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Advanced clinical assessment and intervention skills are absolutely essential as clients present with complex, co-occurring disorders requiring sophisticated diagnostic and treatment capabilities that directly impact program success and client safety Crisis intervention and de-escalation expertise is critical given the high-risk nature of the client population and the variety of settings where services are delivered, including potentially volatile street-based encounters Case management and care coordination abilities are fundamental to success as the role requires orchestrating services across multiple systems and providers while advocating for client needs and navigating bureaucratic barriers Cultural competency and trauma-informed practice skills are essential for building therapeutic relationships with clients who have often experienced significant trauma and marginalization

Beneficial Skills

Bilingual capabilities in French would significantly enhance service accessibility in the Niagara region where francophone populations may face additional barriers to service access Training in specialized evidence-based interventions such as dialectical behavior therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy would enhance treatment effectiveness and align with best practice standards Experience with data collection and program evaluation would be valuable given the innovation funding requirements and potential for scaling successful interventions Knowledge of housing systems and tenancy support would complement the homelessness prevention mandate and improve client outcomes in securing stable housing

Unique Aspects

This position represents a rare opportunity to lead implementation of an innovative, federally-funded pilot project that could influence provincial and national approaches to homelessness prevention among aging populations
The role combines clinical social work practice with program development and evaluation, offering experience in both direct service and systems-level intervention
Working across multiple service systems (mental health, housing, seniors services) provides exceptional professional development in integrated care models
The position includes both traditional clinical work and street outreach including encampments, offering diverse practice settings and client engagement approaches
The 12-month contract structure, while temporary, positions the incumbent as a specialist in an emerging area of practice with strong potential for permanent opportunities

Career Growth

Career advancement typically occurs within 3-5 years given the specialized expertise gained and the high demand for experienced professionals in this sector.

Potential Next Roles

Clinical Supervisor or Team Leader in specialized mental health or homelessness programs Program Manager for provincial or federal housing and mental health initiatives Senior Policy Advisor in government departments focused on homelessness, mental health, or aging services Clinical Director in community mental health organizations or integrated health systems

Company Overview

Niagara Region

Niagara Region operates as a upper-tier municipality serving over 475,000 residents across 12 local municipalities, functioning as a significant regional government with comprehensive service delivery responsibilities including public health, social services, transportation, and economic development.

As a major regional government employer in Ontario, Niagara Region is recognized for progressive social policy implementation and innovation in service delivery, particularly in areas of mental health and homelessness prevention where they have secured competitive federal funding.
The organization serves as the primary coordinator of health and social services across the Niagara Peninsula, working with both urban centers like St. Catharines and Niagara Falls and rural communities, requiring sophisticated service delivery models to address diverse population needs.
Government employment typically offers strong job security, comprehensive benefits, and emphasis on evidence-based practice and policy compliance. The focus on innovation funding and collaborative partnerships suggests a more progressive approach than traditional government roles.
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