Navigator/Access Specialist (Brampton HART Hub)

Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin (CMHA Peel Dufferin) is pleased to partner with various agencies in the Peel Region, including Peel Addiction Assessment and Referral Centre (PAARC), to offer services to the local community at the *new* Brampton based Homelessness and Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub.

HART Hubs are community-based care hubs designed to address mental health, addiction and housing needs for people experiencing homelessness. They provide integrated care, offering a wide range of services such as primary care, mental health services, addiction care and employment supports. With targeted community outreach and rapid referral pathways, HART Hubs aim to support individuals with complex needs, helping them recover, achieve housing stability, and inclusion.

Achieving our vision means we’re recruiting people who are passionate about driving change and delivering evidence-based, responsive and affirming care that meet people where they are. Are you ready to join us?

About Peel Addiction Assessment & Referral Centre (PAARC):

PAARC is a notable not-for-profit charitable organization funded by the Ministry of Health, through Ontario Health Central Region. With full accreditation from the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, we're dedicated to providing comprehensive services to those dealing with alcohol, drugs, gambling, gaming, and various behavioral dependencies, alongside supporting mental health challenges. Our commitment to a diverse, inclusive workplace and a person-centered approach underlines our services and team ethos.

About the role

As part of the multi-disciplinary team, the Navigator/Access Specialist will complete all necessary assessments to better understand client needs, provide appropriate immediate interventions, and develop a plan for additional services as part of a stepped care approach.

We are hiring for one (1) full-time, permanent role working at the Brampton HART Hub

Benefits included: Mileage reimbursement, RRSP matching, group health/dental plan, LTD/life insurance, EAP, 4 weeks of vacation to start, professional development opportunities

What you'll do

• Act as a low-barrier first clinical response and front-line resource to the community, including assisting the registration and intake and processing referrals from other sources.
• Conduct comprehensive standardized assessments to determine eligibility for services and level of need, using information obtained from clients and collateral sources.
• Provide short term task-based interventions to clients who need immediate supports to alleviate distress.
• Provide single session 1:1 support for clients who will benefit from immediate supports to alleviate distress.
• Facilitate the seamless connection to other HART Hub services
• Regularly assess for risk and respond with mitigation strategies, including crisis intervention and de-escalation supports and connecting to crisis services when appropriate.
• Refer and link clients to community resources that support recovery goals, including service navigation and education.
• Facilitate recovery and/or social-recreational groups as needed, including developing new group materials.
• Promote awareness of services within the community and represent the HART Hub at community events.
• Actively participate in staff meetings, team huddles, supervisions, case conferences, trainings, and events as required.
• Update all appropriate documentation within 24 hours of client contact
• Participate in internal or external committees, including communities of practice as requested by the HART Hub Program Manager or home organization
• Participate in PAARC All-Staff Events, meetings and training activities, as requested
• Represent PAARC at all times in a professional manner

Skills & Competencies Required

• Demonstrated experience working within a multidisciplinary team and evidence of an ability to collaborate and partner.
• Working knowledge and/or an understanding of various disciplines; including but not exclusive of mental health, substance use, harm reduction, newcomer challenges and barriers faced by those in marginalized populations.
• Demonstrated cultural competence, ability to work and apply practical understanding of different elements of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging as well as an understanding of social determinants of health and impact on vulnerable communities.
• Knowledge of a variety of evidence-informed treatment modalities including motivational interviewing and trauma informed practices.
• Experienced at engaging in matters that require sensitivity and empathy across a diverse community, excellent judgement, and discretion; ability to operate with various frameworks including culturally sensitive, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and intersectional.

Requirements

• Educational Background: Post-secondary degree or diploma in relevant discipline
• Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience in the mental health and addictions sectors with a focus on assessment, brief interventions and short term supports.
• Registration with a regulatory college considered an asset
• Certifications: Current CPR and First Aid required; GAIN Q3 MI ONT Certification preferred.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in prevalent languages in the Region of Peel (such as Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Arabic) and French considered a strong asset.
• Transportation: Valid Ontario Driver’s License, insurance, and reliable vehicle required.

Working Conditions

• Onsite at the Brampton HART Hub location (10 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton). Hours of operation are 9:00 am – 9:00 pm, Monday to Sunday (no bed services at this location)
• Community based work required to meet with clients
• The Hub is open 365 days a year, including statutory holidays. Shift work is required. 12 hour rotational shift day/afternoons including weekends. Will be expected to work on average 42 hours per week.

By joining our team at PAARC, you're not just accepting a job; you're embarking on a rewarding career path that offers growth, fulfillment, and the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive, supportive community. Apply now to be part of a dynamic team where your work truly matters and helps transform lives every day.

PAARC is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to accessible and inclusive employment practices in compliance with AODA. We value diversity and encourage all qualified candidates, including women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and Aboriginal Peoples, to apply. Our commitment extends through all recruitment stages. We encourage candidates to specify if they require any accommodation to ensure their full participation in the recruitment process, striving for an inclusive work environment where everyone is respected and valued.