Intake Social Worker - Canada Summer Jobs

VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is one of the largest not-for-profit home care providers in Ontario. Our team is made up of close to 3,000 caring and committed professionals who love what they do. Our providers tell us: “Home care is where I can truly make a difference. There is such a sense of accomplishment from helping people live independently at home.” Our teams work together to provide high quality, client-centred care to those who need it most in their homes, schools, retirement homes and other community settings. Many of our team members manage their own schedules in the community and they say, “The freedom and flexibility can’t be beat.” Providers form meaningful bonds with the clients and families they serve over time and are supported by a diverse regional team and beneficial home office programs. Team members tell us “I love the inclusive culture. I feel welcome and at home.” 

View more comments from our clients and their family members.

Pay Range

$25.04 - $29.61/hour (placement on salary range as per Collective Agreement)

As this role is being funded by the Canada Summer Jobs program, the following are eligibility requirements:

• You are between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment
• You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (foreign students are not eligible)
• You are legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations
• You have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations

What will be your role?

To perform all intake and assessment functions as the first point of contact for individuals and referral sources on all Responsive Community Care programs. This includes gathering relevant information, assessing needs, and ensuring appropriate program aligns with funder requirements. This includes receiving, assessing, and processing all requests for service from potential clients and referral sources. To provide clear and accurate information regarding service eligibility criteria, the full range of programs and support available, and offer timely referrals to other relevant community resources. This role is essential in ensuring adults, seniors, and families are connected to the most appropriate services based on their unique needs and locations, promoting access and equity. Participates in VHA services and quality initiatives. All activities are conducted within the policies, procedures, and standards of confidentiality of VHA.

Key tasks and responsibilities of the role:

• Conduct intake assessments to determine client eligibility for programs and services
• Gather essential background information to develop an initial, needs-based care plan
• Prioritize cases based on urgency, safety concerns, and organizational criteria
• Provide information and referrals to appropriate services when clients are deemed ineligible
• Make timely referrals to internal programs and external community resources
• Document all client contacts, assessments, and decisions accurately and promptly in the case management system
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of community resources, service pathways, and program criteria
• Follow up on referrals to ensure clients are successfully connected to recommended services
• Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and clinical supervision
• Identify barriers to service access and advocate for client needs as required
• Deliver culturally sensitive, client-centered, and trauma-informed support throughout the intake process
• Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, to assess their situation and problems and determine the types of services required
• Provide counsel and therapy to assist clients in developing skills to deal with and resolve their social and personal problems
• Plan programs of assistance for clients including referral to agencies that provide financial assistance, legal aid, housing, medical treatment and other services
• Serve as members on interdisciplinary teams of professionals working with client groups
• Act as advocates for client groups in the community, lobby for solutions to problems directly affecting client groups and develop prevention and intervention programs to meet community needs
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counselling and social programs

Key Skills, Experience and Behaviours Required for this Position:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field: BSW or Social Services combined with 1-3 years' experience.
• 1 to 3 years of experience as an intake worker or similar position for a social service agency.
• Knowledge of the social services available to adults with mental health issues, the disabled, seniors, child, and family.
• Excellent intake assessment, formulation, and case planning skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a client-centred approach and crisis intervention.
• Demonstrated commitment to client and family-centered care.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Outstanding ability to engage with people over the telephone.
• Ability to handle a high volume of telephone intake calls and inquiries.
• Ability to multitask and to be part of a high-energy team in a rapidly growing department.
• Knowledge of community social and health services and established contacts with other agencies.
• Knowledge of the City, TTC routes, and the various components of the Agency is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Computer skills in word processing and data entry.
• Demonstrate efforts to continuously develop and upgrade skills.

What makes VHA’s compensation unique?

• Benefits and pension plan for permanent eligible employees

• Compensation for education and professional development

• VHA is a leading learning organization so we can provide you with comprehensive orientation and training at the start and throughout your career

• Mentorship and peer support

• Career development opportunities

• Employee and family assistance program

• Wellness resources

• Perks & discounts

• Staff & service provider events

Accommodation and VHA’s commitment to DEI

At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), we passionately strive to uphold our commitments to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We champion inclusion and diversity in all parts of our organization and are strong believers that a diverse workforce is key to the ongoing and future success of VHA. We aim to review all applicants with fair and unbiased recruitment practices where opportunities are presented based on merits, skills, and experience. VHA is committed to providing reasonable accommodation and our services are accessible and sensitive to the needs of diverse groups. If you require any accommodation, please let us know in advance as we are happy to comply.

How to Apply?

Our online application should take about 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

VHA is accredited with Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada; an RNAO Best Practice Spotlight Organization designate; and a founding member agency of United Way Greater Toronto.

Thank you to everyone who applies. We will review applications as they are received. We’ll only be contacting those selected for further discussion.

In every role and at every level, we lead with purpose, build bonds that matter, and we’re passionate about providing spectacular care.