INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT WORKER - Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

Toronto West Integrated Service Team (TWIST)

One (1) Bargaining Unit, Permanent Full-Time Position

Monday - Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm

Compensation: $23.11/hour - $25.62/hour 

About Cota

Cota is an accredited not-for-profit organization that has been providing community-based support to people living with mental health and cognitive challenges for over 50 years. At present, our wide array of services delivers much needed support to over 4,000 people/year who live with mental health challenges, psychogeriatric mental health conditions, acquired brain injuries, developmental disabilities, dual diagnoses and/or the experience of homelessness. These services include, but are not limited to, case management, supportive housing and adult day program services. A full listing of our services can be viewed on our website at  https://inspires.ca/cota

Cota is presently seeking a dynamic and innovative individual to join our amazing team in the capacity of the role outlined within this posting. Followed by our mission to support individuals with mental health and cognitive challenges to live well within their communities, we strive toward a vision of a supportive, inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. If you feel you have the skills and qualifications to perform the duties of this role while consistently exemplifying Cota’s values Hope, Respect, Dedication, Equity, Accountability, Collaboration and Innovation, we would love to hear from you.

Role Overview

The  Individual Support Worker’s responsibilities are primarily focused on providing instructional coaching, guidance, support and assistance to individuals enrolled in a Cota program or service.  

The Individual Support Worker is responsible for providing Recovery Oriented services to Cota's service users in a manner consistent with Cota's Mission, Vision and Values. 

About the Team

The Toronto West Integrated Service Team (TWIST) is presently seeking one (1) experienced, dynamic and motivated Individual Support Worker to join our interdisciplinary program. This team is comprised of Case Managers who have expertise in Acquired Brain Injuries, Mental Health, Mental Health & Justice, Dual Diagnosis, Geriatric Mental Health, Homelessness, Addictions and Nursing.

Primary Responsibilities: 

Assisting with the Development of Client Support/Goal Plans:

• • Providing input into assigned clients’ Support/Goal Plan.
  • Sharing responsibility with the team for implementing supports that assist clients in pursuing/achieving their goals.
  • Playing a primary role in supporting clients with Activities of Daily Living.

Providing Direct 1:1 Support to Clients in Relation to Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as:

• • Establishing and/or maintaining personal hygiene routines.
  • Assisting with laundry routines.
  • Maintaining and/or cleaning the service user units/rooms.
  • Assisting service users with menu planning, grocery shopping and/or cooking.
  • Supporting service users with community integration activities.
  • Attending medical appointments.
  • Supporting clients in managing behavioural challenges.
  • Supporting service users with medication administration, if required, but only after receiving the appropriate training.
  • Other supports with ADLs as identified by the Supervisor and/or Manager.

Documentation and Data entry: Documents of all service user contacts/interactions in the appropriate service user chart according to Cota’s documentation guidelines.

• • Enters data relating to service user interactions into Cota’s database system according to data collection guidelines.
  • Assists with other data collection activities within the program, as determined by the Supervisor and/or Team.

Supporting the Maintenance of Safe/Clean Environment:

Directly assists with maintaining the site in a clean and orderly state.  This may involve:

• • • Cleaning/setting up vacant client/tenant units to prepare them for occupancy as scheduled, or, as required.
    • Cleaning common areas such as common rooms/lounges, common kitchen, building exterior space area as scheduled, or, as required.
    • Assisting with any pest control/eradication efforts, as required.
    • Continually assessing the environment for safety and security issues and recommending action to address any deficiencies. 

Participating in Team Meetings/Events: provides input and ideas for improving services, efficiencies and ongoing program planning.

• • • Supports other activities with the team, including planned outings and group activities. 

Other Responsibilities: 

• Maintains current certification and/or up-to-date training in identified “Required Training” areas for MH&CS Division Service providers.
• Observe Cota rules and regulations, policies, procedures, practices and current legislation, in particular, the Ontario Human Rights Code.
• Comply with all Health and Safety policies and procedures to ensure every reasonable precaution is taken for the protection of workers and service users, and that health and safety concerns or incidents are responded to promptly.
• Works cooperatively, respectfully and constructively with service users, Team members, management, other service providers, and external stakeholders.
• Ensure that the confidentiality of service users, employees and Cota information is always maintained.
• Undertakes other related and/or delegated duties, as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Certificate in a relevant field, such as a PSW or Health Care Aide.  Higher level post-secondary education is considered an asset.
• Relevant experience in assisting service users with personal care, activities of daily living, and household management.

Experience:

• Relevant experience in assisting service users with personal care, activities of daily living, and household management.
• Direct or transferable experience suitable for working effectively with the relevant target population.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Good interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Basic computer literacy (Word, E-mail, Internet).
• Good judgment and ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with others.
• Consistent/ reliable and flexible.
• Ability to recognize safety issues and follow safe work practices.
• Demonstrated client-centred and customer focused approach.
• Ability to solve problems and make recommendations to resolve issues.
• Effective team player.
• Sensitive to challenges experienced by marginalized population groups such as poverty, access issues, mental health and addictions.

Other:

• Must have (Please note that access to a vehicle means owning, borrowing, or renting a vehicle. Alternatively, it can include using ride services such as Uber, cabs, and taxis at no cost to Cota). 

Application Details:

Please complete the application below before July 15, 2025 at 4:00pm.

Cota is deeply committed to promoting diversity, advancing equity and fostering a culture of inclusion. We are respectful of each individual's dignity, unique experience, potential and protected rights under the Ontario Human Rights Code. As an equal opportunity employer, we are dedicated to ensuring our workforce reflects the diversity of the communities that we serve.

Additional Information:

Interview Process: Cota may choose to conduct parts/all of the hiring process virtually. Please note that as part of maintaining an agile workforce, all Cota staff may be required to be reasonably reassigned to support the operational needs of our essential services.

 Screening Process: Please note that Cota uses AI to screen potential applicants for all roles.

We would like to thank all those that apply; however, due to high volumes of interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Thank you, Cota's HR Department.

 __________________________________________________________________ 

Hope, respect, dedication, equity, accountability, teamwork, and innovation are key values of Cota. We are dedicated to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace, upholding dignity, and acknowledging each person's individual contributions and potential as an equal-opportunity employer. We uphold the Ontario Human Right Code and strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ people, and others who provide various viewpoints. Cota ensures an accessible hiring process in line with the AODA principles, providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities. For any accommodation requests, please contact hr_recruitment@cotainspires.ca