Individual Support Worker

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT WORKER - Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

Toronto West Integrated Services Team (TWIST)

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

Existing Vacancy

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://cotainspires.ca/

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 (ISW) provide individualized training, coaching and support to clients in order to help them to learn skills that will increase their independence in the community. For example, the ISW may help clients to learn any of the following skills: laundry, personal care skills, public transit, household maintenance, cooking silks, budgeting skills and social skills. The ISW will provide support to clients in their homes and community settings in either North York.  

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: 

• Provides individualized training, coaching and support to client with acquired brain injuries and behavioural management goals in order to help them learn skills that will increase their independence in the community. For example, the ISW may help clients to learn any of the following skills; laundry, personal care skills, public transit, household maintenance, cooking, budgeting and social skills while integrating the behavioral.
• Provides support to clients in their home and community settings.
• Assist client achieve personalized SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) recovery goals. 
• Promotes client’s skill development and independence.
• Understands and works towards the need for continued involvement with any client, which may need to be carefully reviewed on a regular basis to promote the greatest degree of independence.  

The Successful Candidate Requires:

• Post -secondary degree or diploma related to human services (e.g. Social Service Worker, Bachelor of Social Work, Developmental Social Worker, Psychology, Sociology, etc.) is preferred. As a minimum, the successful candidate must have a High School Diploma and certification as a PSW. 
• Relevant experience in supporting clients with special needs, physical and/or cognitive disabilities, mental health and or addiction issues. 
• Valid Crisis Prevention (CPI), First Aid/CPR, and ASIST certificates preferred. 
• Ability to work in partnership with clients. 
• Knowledge/sensitivity of the issues affecting people in the target group (e.g. acquired brain injury, mental health, poverty, unemployment, stigma, isolation). 
• Demonstrated client-centered and customer focus approach. 
• Ability to lift 10-25 lbs. (e.g. when demonstrating grocery/ laundry skills). 
• 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.
• Ability to identify client risk factors and coordinate appropriate follow-up.  
• Respectful and aware of client-worker boundaries. 
• Awareness of safety issues with client.

Other Requirements and Working conditions:

• Be available to work day & evening.
• Significant travel within GTA is necessary.
• Must have access to a vehicle. (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).

Upon successful completion of a three-month period of employment, permanent full-time and permanent part-time staff working more than 20 hours per week will be eligible for employer-paid group insurance benefits. These employer-paid benefits will include:  

• Extended health care 
• Life insurance 
• Accidental death and dismemberment insurance 
• Dental care 
• Travel assistance 
• Vision care 

Permanent full-time and permanent part-time staff working more than 20 hours per week are also required to enroll in employee-paid long-term disability coverage.

Application Details:

Please complete the application below before May 2, 2025 at 4:00pm. 

Cota is deeply committed to promoting diversity, advancing equity and fostering a culture of inclusion. Being part of Cota, you know that we recognize everyone's contribution. We are also respectful of each individual's dignity, unique experience, potential and protected rights in line with the grounds laid out by the Ontario Human Rights Code. As an equal opportunity employer, we remain dedicated to sustaining an experienced workforce that reflects the diversity of the clients and 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 interests, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Thank you, Cota's HR Department.

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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