The Cota Team

Cota provides opportunities for you to develop a satisfying career through meaningful work and a competitive total rewards package. If you want to make an impact and be part of a supportive, high performing environment, consider growing your career at Cota.

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Personal Support Worker – Mental Health (#208)

JOB POSTING #208

Personal Support Worker – Mental Health
ASSERTIVE HOUSING FIRST TEAM (AHFT) West Team

Bargaining Unit Position
One (1) Permanent Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)

Cota is an accredited community-based organization that has been supporting adults with mental health and cognitive challenges to live well within their communities for over 40 years. We provide person-centred supports that assist individuals to find inspiration and hope in their inherent strengths and support them to pursue meaningful change in their lives, as they define it. We also work collaboratively with our funders, our partners and other stakeholders, across the provincial health and social service systems, to inspire positive change in the way that services are delivered to individuals living with mental health and cognitive challenges.

The AHFT utilizes the interdisciplinary team approach of an Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) to provide Housing First support to individuals who are homeless, living with mental health challenges and involved with a mental health court diversion program and/or are on release from a provincial correctional facility.

We are presently recruiting one (1) permanent full-time Individual Support Worker-Personal Support Worker position for this team.

The Individual Support Worker – Personal Support Worker (ISW – PSW) provides assistance with personal care and household management (ie, bathing, laundry, cleaning, and bedbug prep); assistance with routine activities of daily living, socialization and emotional support. The ISW-PSW is responsible for providing recovery oriented services in a manner consistent with Cota’s Mission, Vision and Values.

Job Duties:

The primary responsibilities of the ISW-Personal Support Worker are as follows:

Assist and support clients with household management, personal care, routine daily living activities, socialization and instruction in life skills
Provide recovery-oriented community-based support to individuals living with serious mental illness
All activities are performed to encourage client independence and promote client hope, self-determination and decision-making

Documentation and administrative tasks:

Properly document all client interactions and meet the Cota documentation requirements
Participate in daily team meetings and program activities, including planning and evaluation

Other responsibilities:

Works cooperatively, respectfully and constructively with clients, team members, other service providers, volunteers, management, and external stakeholders
Ensures confidentiality of client, employee, and program information is maintained at all times
Undertakes other related and/or delegated duties as may be assigned/required
Attends all training related to this position and actively participates in these sessions to the satisfaction of the instructors

The Successful Candidate for This Role Must Have:

Education:

A minimum of a High School Diploma required as well as certification as a PSW or Health Care Aide
Valid Crisis Prevention (CPI), First Aid/CPR, and ASIST certificates preferred

Experience:

Relevant experience in assisting clients with mental health issues with their personal care, routine activities of daily living and household management (cleaning, laundry, cooking, bedbug prep)

Knowledge and Skills:

Ability to work in partnership with clients
Knowledge of the issues affecting people in the target group (e.g. poverty, homelessness, unemployment, stigma, isolation)
Demonstrated client-centered and customer focus approach
Ability to lift 10-25 lbs. (grocery, laundry)
Computer competent (MS Word, E-mail, Internet)
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
Ability to prioritize needs and organize work efficiently
Ability to problem solve and make recommendations to resolve issues
Excellent oral and written communication skills

Judgment:

Ability to identify client risk factors and coordinate appropriate follow-up
Good judgment, the ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with others
Respectful and aware of client-worker boundaries
Awareness of safety issues with clients

Other Requirements:

The ISW – Personal Support Worker will:

Be required to work rotating day, evening and weekend shifts
Provide proof of a valid Ontario Driver’s license
Provide evidence of a clean driver abstract
Have access to a vehicle for daily use
Conduct visits in the clients’ homes, hostels, hospitals and other community settings

Pay: $18.11 per hour

To Apply:

Please forward a cover letter and your current resume on or before August 21, 2020 by 4:00pm to Human Resources via e-mail: opportunities@cotainspires.ca and reference Job Posting #208.

Posting ad date is December 17, 2019; the posting will remain open until successfully filled.

If you have any requirements for accommodation due to disability, please advise Human Resources during the recruitment and selection process. We will work with you to best meet your needs as per resources available to us.

Cota is an equal opportunity employer. We would like to thank all those that apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We request no emails, faxes, phone calls, or requests to meet please. Cota encourages a scent-free environment. Employees, students, volunteers, and visitors are asked to refrain from wearing fragrances and other scented personal care products (i.e. perfumes, deodorants, lotions, hairspray, etc.)

Supportive Housing Worker (#259)

JOB POSTING #259

SUPPORTIVE HOUSING WORKER
ADAM’S HOUSE

Bargaining Unit Position
One (1) Permanent Part-Time

15 hours per week
Every Sunday/Monday, 9am to 5pm

Cota is an accredited community-based organization that has been supporting adults with mental health and cognitive challenges to live well within their communities for over 40 years. We provide person-centred supports that assist individuals to find inspiration and hope in their inherent strengths and support them to pursue meaningful change in their lives, as they define it. We also work collaboratively with our funders, our partners and other stakeholders, across the provincial health and social service systems, to inspire positive change in the way that services are delivered to individuals living with mental health and cognitive challenges.

A minimum of a Community College Diploma in a field relevant to the target population. Higher level post-secondary education will be considered an asset
A minimum of 2 years direct or transferable experience suitable to working effectively with the relevant target population
Dual diagnosis experience and/or education will be considered an asset
Knowledge of community resources relevant to the target population being served and/or demonstrated ability to search for applicable resources/information
Ability to design and implement group activities and facilitate group meetings
Good crisis management and dispute resolution skills
Good interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
Basic computer literacy (Word, E-mail, Internet)
Experience in community mental health and/or in supportive housing settings
Basic understanding of different psychiatric conditions
Experience with the development of tenant recovery plans
Experience working with developmentally delayed or addiction is preferable

To Apply:
Please forward a cover letter and your current resume on or before August 5, 2020 by 4:00pm to Human Resources via e-mail: opportunities@cotainspires.ca and reference Job Posting #259.

Posting ad date is July 22, 2020; the posting will remain open until successfully filled.

Geriatric Mental Health Case Manager (#260)

JOB POSTING #260
July 23, 2020 – August 6, 2020

Geriatric Mental Health Case Manager
Scarborough Integrated Service Team (Community Paramedic-Led Clinics)

Bargaining Unit Position
One (1) Permanent Part-Time
20 hours per week

Cota is an accredited community-based organization that has been supporting adults with mental health and cognitive challenges to live well within their communities for over 40 years. We provide person-centred supports that assist individuals to find inspiration and hope in their inherent strengths and support them to pursue meaningful change in their lives, as they define it. We also work collaboratively with our funders, our partners and other stakeholders, across the provincial health and social service systems, to inspire positive change in the way that services are delivered to individuals living with mental health and cognitive challenges.

Community Paramedic-Led Clinic is an initiative working with Toronto Paramedic Services and Hong Fook Mental Health Association to provide weekly health clinics in 5 TCHC buildings in the Scarborough area. The program will provide home visits to tenants living in the building with a history of frequent ambulance use or emergency visits. The Paramedic-Led Clinics and home visits will assess the social-economic, environmental, and medical needs of the individual and then connect them to various community agencies. The Geriatric Mental Health Case Manager will assess risks, identify priorities, design creative service plans, and provide community-based case management supports to seniors living in the 5 TCHC buildings.

The Scarborough Integrated Service Team seeks a Case Manager with Geriatric Mental Health qualifications to join our interdisciplinary program. The case manager will work closely with Toronto Paramedic Services and Hong Fook Mental Health Association.

This team is comprised of Case Managers who have expertise in Acquired Brain Injuries, Mental Health, Geriatric Mental Health, Dual Diagnosis, Addictions, and Nursing. As a member of this interdisciplinary team, you will provide expertise in the area of Geriatric Mental Health by providing individualized support to clients living with age-related dementia and clients over age 65 living with a serious mental illness. You will contribute to the development of comprehensive client-centred assessments and treatment plans, and coordinate services for an assigned group of clients that includes a range of treatment, rehabilitation and support services. You will provide education about the nature of dementia, mental illness and/or emotional difficulties to clients and caregivers.

The successful candidate requires a combination of:

A minimum of Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (i.e. Psychology, Social Work, etc.), AND
One year of experience in a position working with the Geriatric Population
Knowledge of Dementia and other age related illnesses
Extensive knowledge of formal and informal community services for seniors
Knowledge and understanding of the client population and an ability to work effectively with people living with serious mental illness
Demonstrated strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with a serious mental illness to live successfully in community residences, work in market jobs, and have access to helpful, adequate, competent, and continuous supports and services
Knowledge of principles of case management theory and practice using a client-centred and mental health Recovery philosophy
Excellent clinical judgement and decision-making skills including a keen awareness of participant-clinician boundary issues
Experience working on a multidisciplinary team is an asset
Experience working in a community agency is an asset
Experience working with other organizations as a team
PIECES certificate training is an asset
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.)
Excellent knowledge of community resources and/or demonstrated ability to search for applicable resources/information

Working conditions:

Visits will be conducted in the participants’ homes, clinics, hospital and other community settings
Availability to work day & evening hours, and weekends as may be required

Other Requirements:

Valid driver’s license and car required for travel within Scarborough

To Apply:
Please forward a cover letter and your current resume on or before August 6, 2020 by 4:00pm to Human Resources via e-mail: opportunities@cotainspires.ca and reference Job Posting #260.

Posting ad date is July 23, 2020; the posting will remain open until successfully filled.

Residential ADL Assistant (#262)

JOB POSTING #262

RESIDENTIAL ADL ASSISTANT – ABI COLLEGEVIEW

Bargaining Unit Position
One (1) Casual Position (weekend and weekday shifts)

Cota is an accredited community-based organization that has been supporting adults with mental health and cognitive challenges to live well within their communities for over 40 years. We provide person-centred supports that assist individuals to find inspiration and hope in their inherent strengths and support them to pursue meaningful change in their lives, as they define it. We also work collaboratively with our funders, our partners and other stakeholders, across the provincial health and social service systems, to inspire positive change in the way that services are delivered to individuals living with mental health and cognitive challenges.

We are seeking a dynamic and innovative individual who will work enthusiastically to deliver recovery oriented, client and family centered and comprehensive services that meet client needs, ensure client safety and work within a quality improvement framework to identify opportunities for enhancing quality and quantitative outcomes of the services. Client and family centered care is guiding principle at Cota that helps improve decision making processes, health outcome and client experiences. The successful individual will embed this guiding principle into their work.

We require an experienced ABI Residential ADL Assistant to work at our ABI Collegeview Program. Collegeview is a supportive housing program located at the Collegeview Apartment site in the Yonge St./College St. area of downtown Toronto. This program provides rent-geared-to-income accommodation and supports to adults with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) requiring various levels of physical, cognitive, and behavioral support. Residents reside in their own apartments and share a communal kitchen with other residents. The goal of the program is to assist residents with activities of daily living and other individual goals so that they can maintain their housing and lead productive lives within the community.

The Residential ADL Assistant provides household management, personal care including pest control preparation, assistance with routine activities of daily living in the residential setting, socialization and emotional support for tenants residing in the setting. All activities are performed to encourage tenants’ independence and respect tenants’ choices.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE REQUIRES:
• A minimum of high School Diploma required as well as certification as a PSW or Health Care Aide
• Ability to provide personal care (ie. Toileting, bathing, safe lifts and transfers) and other activities of daily living and household management (ie. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, community escorts)
• Ability to lift 10-25 lbs.
• Demonstrated understanding of ABI symptoms and strategies
• Good interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Basic computer literacy (Word, E-mail, Internet)
• Good judgment, the ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with others
• Effective communication skills to interact with team, case managers, program manager, etc.
• Demonstrated client-centered and customer focus approach
• Sensitive to challenges experienced by marginalized groups such as poverty, access issues, mental health and Acquired Brain Injury
• Valid Crisis Prevention and Intervention Certificate (CPI), First Aid/CPR Certificate, ASIST and Safe Food Handling Certificate preferred
• Experience working with clients who have special needs, physical and/or cognitive disabilities, mental health and/or addiction issues is an asset preferred
• Availability to work day, evening and weekend shifts

PAY: $18.11 per hour

TO APPLY:
Please forward a cover letter and your current resume on or before August 14, 2020 by 4:00pm to Human Resources via e-mail at opportunities@cotainspires.ca, and reference Job Posting #262.

Posting ad date is July 31, 2020; the posting will remain open until successfully filled.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer (#265)

Posted: August 10, 2020 – August 24, 2020

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

Non-Unionized Position

One (1) temporary full-time position
(Until March 31, 2021)

Introduction:

Cota is an accredited community-based organization that has been supporting adults with mental health and cognitive challenges to live well within their communities for over 45 years. We provide person-centred supports that assist individuals to find inspiration and hope in their inherent strengths and support them to pursue meaningful change in their lives, as they define it. We also work collaboratively with our funders, our partners and other stakeholders, across the provincial health and social service systems, to inspire positive change in the way that services are delivered to individuals living with mental health and cognitive challenges.

Are you a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer (DE&I Officer) seeking the opportunity to work in a dynamic, rewarding and innovative environment? Are you qualified and passionate about working in an organization where you can collaborate with our diverse employees, volunteers, students and other stakeholders to support continuous improvement through the application of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices? Would you like to work alongside an established HR team, who is passionate about matters of diversity, equity and inclusion in supporting employees and leaders in all aspects of HR functions in line with Cota’s strategic direction of “Investing in our People”? Are you excited about working in an organization that is all about the delivery of safe, recovery oriented, client & family centered comprehensive services? Would you like to be part of the ‘Cota Family’ as we continue inspiring, and providing excellent community-based support through our diverse workforce to our clients?

If your answer to any of the above is yes, then the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer (DE&I Officer) role in Cota is right for you!

We are seeking a dynamic and innovative individual who will work collaboratively with employees, volunteers, students and other stakeholders to support continuous improvement within our organization through the application of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

Job Description:

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer (DE&I Officer) reports to the Director, People + Culture and is responsible for ensuring that Cota’s workplace and service delivery practices are ones in which human rights are respected and the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion are fully integrated. To this end, the DE&I Officer will be responsible for assessing Cota’s existing practices through engagement with Cota employees, volunteers, students and service users to identify areas for continuous improvement, recommending strategies and approaches for positive impact and, once authorized, for coordinating their respective implementation.

Key Responsibilities:

During this term of this contract, the DE&I Officer will work with Cota’s Diversity and Equity Task Force to conduct an initial audit of Cota’s internal practices and provide a summary report making recommendations for improvement, that are both positive and possible, to the Director, People & Culture in relation to:

Internal policies
Education & training
Communications: internal and external
Recruitment practices
Discipline practices
Ensuring that access and inclusion best practices are used in service delivery for our clients
The formation and development of a standing Cota Diversity & Equity Committee, inclusive of a proposed Terms of Reference
Systems and processes to ensure safe ways exist for employees, volunteers and students to seek support or bring forward concerns in relation to issues of diversity
A proposed evaluation processes/measures to gauge progress

Once approved, the DE&I Officer will begin coordinating the implementation of such organizational improvement strategies, initiatives, and programs that promote the overall vision, strategy, and goals for equity, diversity and inclusion.

Other Responsibilities:

During the course of this contract the DE&I Officer may also be called upon to assume any of the following duties, as appropriate and as time allows:

Design, deliver and facilitate workshops, trainings, assessments, dialogues, and interventions with and for Employees, staff and management with the goal of enhancing awareness of the experiences of historically marginalized populations.
Raise awareness and promote changed attitudes that are embedded in equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-oppression, intercultural understanding and mutual respect for members of Cota community.
Facilitate dialogues and group conversations in which there is potential for conflict among participants, with an understanding of how identity, history, power, systematic discrimination and other barriers to equality impact the work environment, the communities we serve and the larger society.
Facilitate equitable and sound conflict resolution between parties, as necessary
Facilitate meaningful collaboration and engagement between other equity, diversity and inclusion-seeking service provider organizations, and with the broader external community in order to nurture and sustain effective partnerships.
Other related and/or delegated duties, as assigned.

It is expected that the DE&I Officer will contribute to the positive culture at Cota and act with tact and discretion when engaging highly sensitive matters that affect employees.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in related field and/or equivalent experience; experience in Human Resources with solid knowledge and working experience with diversity and inclusion initiatives, change management, strategy development and leadership programs.
Substantive knowledge and experience to participate comfortably in discussions on equity, diversity, inclusion using current discourse (e.g. anti-oppression, social justice, inter-culturalism, feminism, critical race theory, disability studies, queer studies, decolonization etc.) while remaining open to new and challenging ideas.
Proven demonstrated experience and knowledge in the development and implementation of educational programs and campaigns related to equity, inclusion and diversity.
Strong interest and/or grounding in dialogue and conflict resolution theory and practice
Advanced skills in public speaking and group facilitation and familiarity with a range of facilitation methods and approaches.
Exceptional listener, with strong written and oral communication skills, analytical thinking skills, and organizational abilities.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to navigate difficult and complex conversations with employees, staff and management.
Ability to effectively execute directives, policies, and strategies and make sound judgments and careful evaluations of alternatives in the absence of specific policies.
Ability to work with multiple stakeholders across the organization greater community, and to develop and sustain effective relationships.
Maintains a professional manner under duress and prioritizes multiple tasks while setting healthy boundaries.
Authentic passion for lifelong learning, who stays current with leading and innovative diversity research and topics.

The following would be considered additional assets:

Advanced degree in diversity and inclusion related area
Experience applying blended learning strategies
Change Management training and/or certification
Other industry based certifications related to Adult Education, Diversity and Organizational Development

HOURS OF WORK

The majority of the working hours fall within regular business hours. Flexibility is required to attend occasional evening, early morning and/or weekend meetings.

To Apply:

Please forward a cover letter and your current resume (in one file) on or before August 24, 2020 by 4:00pm to Human Resources via e-mail opportunities@cotainspires.ca and reference Job Posting #265.

Posting ad date is August 24, 2020; the posting will remain open until successfully filled.

Staff testimonials

More information

Organizational Culture & Support

Cota is a values based organization, and an inclusive workspace that values diversity. Cota’s commitment to its values are reflected across its programs, services, policies, procedures and organizational committees.

Cota has a strategic commitment of “Invest in Staff” recognizing that the relationship Cota holds with its staff is inextricably linked to the quality of services we provide, how we support them to do their work and how we value and recognize their contributions. As such, we will continue to invest in our staff, to the best of our abilities, over the term of the 2016-2021 Strategic Plan.

Total Rewards

Cota has a competitive total rewards package, which includes benefits that cater to the various facets of an employee's well-being. Benefits vary by position and may have eligibility requirements, but some of the benefits that you could possibly enjoy are listed below.

Health, Dental, Vision and other Coverag – Eligible employees and their dependents have access to 100% company-paid comprehensive health benefits, including extended health, dental, vision, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (ADD), life insurance, and paramedical (massage therapy, physiotherapy etc.) coverage.

Paid Sick Days - Generous paid sick day benefits are available for eligible employees for personal or family illnesses. Unpaid leaves are also available.

Paid Vacation and Float Days – Generous paid vacation and float days, depending on years of service. This is in addition to statutory holidays.

Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) – Eligible employees can prepare for retirement through company contributions to a group RRSP. Employees can also make additional voluntary contributions to the plan.

Long-term Disability (LTD) – 100% employee-paid LTD benefits protect your income if you are unable to work due to personal illness or injury.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) – All employees have WSIB coverage.

Discounted Gym Memberships - Cota facilitates unsubsidized, discounted gym memberships with GoodLife Fitness.

Other Discount Programs – Cota has partnerships with other organizations to provide savings to employees (Perkopolis, Navigators Insurance).

Employee and Family Assistance Program – Provides immediate and confidential help for any work, health, or life concern.

Rewards, Recognition & Wellness

Rewards and Recognition - Cota has structured a robust rewards and recognition program to ensure appreciation for staff is embedded in all that we do. Activities include recognizing long service employees, annual staff Value Awards, “You’re a Superstar” cards, breakfast with the CEO, and regular shout outs from the senior management team.

Wellness Activities - Various wellness events are organized through the Staff Recognition and Wellness Committee and other groups or individuals. Events include an annual dinner, summer barbeques, potluck celebrations, and lunch and learns. The Staff Recognition and Wellness Committee created monthly wellness newsletters and programming based on the wellness interests of staff.