Support Coordinator (Children's Services) Interactive Substance Use Program

Posting closes:  February 9, 2026 at 5:00pm

About Us:

The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW) provides a full care system for those with addictions, mental health or developmental needs. We serve everyone from children to adults to seniors, all under one roof. Our programs help individuals and families to lead lives filled with meaning and promise. We have 400 staff at offices in Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Fergus, and Mount Forest. 

We are fully accredited by Accreditation Canada and our proud of our Exemplary Status (the highest standing) received at our most recent accreditation exercise.

Why Join our Team:

Competitive Compensation and Benefits:  Our compensation package includes a competitive salary and generous benefits supporting the wellness of our staff.  We are proud to be members of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) offering one of Canada’s largest and most respected defined benefit plans.

Career Development Opportunities:  Our wide range of services and supports allows for varied opportunities for career growth.  Our multi-disciplinary approach to care offers cross collaboration and enhanced opportunities for learning.  A formal succession planning process is key to our internal leadership recruitment.

Values that include:  Mutual Respect, Accountability, Integrity and Excellence and Innovation and a culture that is welcoming and inclusive. 

Commitment to Health and Safety:  We have a strong health and safety culture at CMHA WW and work tirelessly to address the health and safety needs of staff and the people we serve. 

The Opportunity:

We are recruiting for a SUPPORT COORDINATOR (Children’s Services) Interactive Substance Use Program

• This is a regular full-time position to fill an existing vacancy (35 hours per week Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) based at 737 Woolwich St. Guelph.

Reporting to the Manager, Children’s Services, the Support Coordinator helps the youth and family/supports access and coordinate resources and community opportunities that will support the substance use, mental health and daily living needs of the youth.  The intent is to provide short-term support and to build capacity to engage with supports and community more independently in the future. The Support Coordinator also provides individual and group services to clients of the Interactive Substance Use Program (ISUP).

Responsibilities include:

SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WITH PLANNING AND NUMEROUS ASPECTS OF THEIR LIFE USING RECOVERY PHILOSOPHIES AND VALUES

• Working with individuals and when involved, with their family or caregivers to plan for and address needs that are impacting their substance use health. Areas of the youth’s life requiring support and planning might include: recreation, leisure, education, volunteer work, relationships, accessing health treatment, housing, emotional support, budgeting, medication issues, household skills training and legal and addiction concerns.


• As a member of the ISUP team, the Support Coordinator provides individual and group support to the program participants


• Develops plans to reduce barriers to accessing/obtaining services and supports


• Helping individuals to problem-solve concerns and issues related to aspects of their lives that have been impacted by substance use and/or concurrent disorders


• Creates and implements service agreements


• Coordinates supports and resources to promote the action of developed plans


• Along with the ISUP team, evaluates and modifies effectiveness of the youth’s or family’s planning on a regular basis

DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN EFFECTIVE TEAM COORDINATION, ACCESS AND COMMUNICATION WITH PRIMARY CARE AND OTHER SUPPORT NETWORKS

• Collaborates with the youth to develop goals related to service needs to support the youth’s treatment plan


• Liaise with family and community members on behalf of the youth supported (where appropriate)


• Provides information and education to family and community members on child/youth’s mental health and developmental needs


• Facilitates collaborative case conferences as needed


• Actively participates in the development and facilitation of group sessions within the Interactive Substance Use Program

 CRISIS INTERVENTION AND PLANNING

• As a member of the youth’s treatment team, the Support Coordinator will assist with developing crisis and safety plans


• Alongside the youth, the Support Coordinator develops a list of resources to support the youth through treatment and recovery


• Assists the youth to make connections with services and resources


• Ensures communication of the crisis plan with identified community partners and natural supports


• Provides crisis intervention and follow-up as required

ADVOCATE WITH AND ON BEHALF OF THE YOUTH AND FAMILY BEING SUPPORTED

• Assists families to clarify their needs/wants and desired outcomes


• Develops, supports and evaluates the implementation of individual service plans

EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATES WITH PEOPLE SUPPORTED, NATURAL SUPPORTS, PROFESSIONAL AND ALL MEMBERS OF THE TEAM

• Provides a respectful and safe atmosphere to meet with youth and their families/supports


• Assists in clarifying information, desires and feelings for and on behalf of people supported


• Provides clear verbal and written communication to all parties and ensures understanding, when appropriate

DOCUMENTATION ACCOUNTABILITY

• Follow policies and standards related to documentation and the collection of relevant service information.


• Complete standardized assessment(s) as necessary and appropriate for the individual’s needs.


• Participate in quality improvement and evaluation activities within Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington.


• Follow policies and standards regarding confidentiality and chart documentation.


• Follow policies and standards that contribute to an accurate automated client database.

TEAM ACCOUNTABILITY

• Aligns with CMHA WW Mission, Vision and Values.


• Participate in team activities related to service planning and provision.


• Attend team meetings and planning activities.


• Work collaboratively with other services and teams within Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington and the community to ensure seamless approach to service delivery.


• Work within the health and safety guidelines provided by the agency, which includes annual mandatory training requirements.

Qualifications:

• College Diploma and/or University Degree in the field of social work, psychology or other health related discipline with a specialization in substance use


• 2 to 5 years related experience working with youth and families with substance use health and concurrent disorders/issues


• Well developed assessment and intervention skills


• Well developed knowledge base of the various service systems and resources within the catchment area


• Demonstrated experience working in a harm reduction model with a trauma informed lens with youth and families seeking assistance with substance use health and concurrent disorders/issues


• In-depth understanding of resilience and recovery


• Excellent problem recognition and problem-solving skills


• Strong interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills


• Sensitivity to social and cultural diversity


• Ability to work collaboratively within an inter-disciplinary team


• Ability to work collaboratively with formal and informal community resources


• Demonstrated high degree of accuracy and attention to detail


• Able to handle multiple responsibilities with competing priorities in a fast-paced progressive environment


• Must be organized, self-directed, able to set priorities and manage time effectively


• Demonstrate interpersonal skills and be able to interact patiently, effectively, and professionally.


• Committed to service excellence and client safety


• Strong alignment with CMHA WW’s Mission, Vision, Values and Philosophy


• Proficient in the use of Microsoft office programs and technology including internet and intranet


• A valid driver's license, vehicle and insurance as travel is required

CLASSIFICATION AND RATE OF PAY:  Level 5 (OPSEU) - $33.07 to $40.30 per hour

CMHA WW, as an equal opportunity employer, embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace.  Our goal is to attract, develop and retain talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We welcome applications from all qualified persons

*We do not use AI in our screening process.