Triage Specialist

COMPETITION #CN-TS2024

The Children’s Cottage Society is a charitable agency established in Calgary in 1986. The Society’s mission is to help build strong children and safe nurturing families through prevention programs and support services, and we believe that resilient children blossom in healthy families. We invite you to join our team and be a part of fulfilling our vision of achieving better outcomes for children and their families.

This position plays a crucial role in assessing and prioritizing the needs of families seeking crisis supports. The successful candidate will be responsible for answering the main phone line for the agency, conducting initial assessments, determining the urgency of cases, and connecting individuals with appropriate resources and support. The Triage Specialist will work collaboratively with colleagues within the Children’s Cottage and from external partner agencies to help connect parents and children to much needed resources.

This position will work Ten-Hour days in a four on and four off rotation. This position will work evenings from 2:00 pm to midnight.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in psychology, social work, or related mental health field is preferred but equivalencies will be considered.
• Minimum one to two years of experience working with families experiencing crisis.
• Valid Standard First Aid Certificate with CPR level B.
• Current Police Security and Child Intervention Record checks with satisfactory results.
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
• Indigenous Awareness Teachings.
• Diversity Training.
• Experience using client information systems and databases, ETO (Efforts to Outcomes) is preferred.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough understanding of best practices in mental health support and crisis intervention.
• Strong assessment and referral skills.
• Proficient computer skills required along with experience with client databases.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to function as a positive role model demonstrating empathy and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to stay updated on family related resources available in the community.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• • Client Assessment:
    • Conduct thorough and compassionate assessments of a family’s service needs.
    • Gather pertinent information related to a family’s situation, identifying key factors that require immediate attention.
  • Triage and Prioritization:
    • Evaluate the urgency and severity of a family’s needs to prioritize cases effectively.
    • Ensure a systematic approach to determine the level of intervention required for each situation.
  • Resource Navigation:
    • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of available social services, community resources, and support networks.
    • Connect families with relevant resources and services based on their unique needs.
  • Crisis Intervention:
    • Identify and respond to crisis situations promptly, ensuring appropriate support and intervention.
    • Collaborate with crisis intervention teams and emergency services, as necessary.
  • Documentation:
    • Keep detailed and accurate records of client interactions, assessments, and referrals on the ETO (Efforts to Outcomes) database. All documentation is to be completed within 24 hours of each interaction with a family.
    • Compile statistical data for reporting purposes and program evaluation.
  • Collaboration:
    • Work closely with social workers, counsellors, and other professionals to ensure that families are connected to the resources they need.
    • Collaborate with both internal and external agencies and organizations to expand the network of available resources.

• Confidentiality:

• • • Adhere to all agency confidentiality policies and guidelines in handling sensitive client information.

• Other Duties as Required:
  Attend and actively participate in program staff meetings.
  Participate in other duties and trainings as required by the Program Manager, Director of Programs, or CEO.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• • A Police Information Check at commencement and every three years, which includes a vulnerable sector search, is a requirement to maintain employment.
  • A Child Intervention Record Check at commencement and every three years, which includes a vulnerable sector search, is a requirement to maintain employment
  • Proof of Education (original Documents) required as part of commencement.

WHAT DO WE OFFER

In addition to having the opportunity to work for an energetic, progressive, and community focused organization and with a workforce of diverse, committed individuals, we offer the following benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision benefits.
• RRSP Contribution Program
• An annual Health Spending Account 
• Prioritizing wellness in the workplace and a psychologically safe work environment

Please send a Cover Letter and Resume quoting Competition (#CN-TS2024) and salary expectations to:

careers@childrenscottage.ab.ca

Deadline: Open until a suitable candidate is found
We appreciate the interest of all applicants, however we will only contact those invited for an interview.