Aaron Oja
Thunder Bay,ON
Summary
Social Service Worker diploma from Confederation College with over 2 years of experience working in frontline support roles with vulnerable and low-income populations. Dependable worker with a track record of success in the field, attention to detail and a proactive mindset. Seeks opportunities to improve processes and workflows for team benefit. Conscientious, hardworking and excels at multitasking in fast-paced environments. Organized and motivated employee eager to apply time management and organizational skills in various settings. Seeking employment with vulnerable populations through one-on-one support. Recent graduate with excellent research, technical and problem-solving skills with experience supporting people experiencing homelessness, mental health crisis, and addiction. Detail-oriented and able to learn new concepts quickly. Outgoing SSW (unregistered) pursuing night shifts and Weekends while continuing education.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Addiction Crisis Worker
St. Jospehs Care Group - WMS
Thunder Bay, Ontario
06.2024 - Current
- Maintained clinical documentation for admissions, discharges, transfers, etc. through medi-tech and hand written documentation.
- Educated clients about the risks of substance use disorder and provided community resources to connect to such as RAAM and Dilico.
- Advised family members over the phone on how best to support their loved one's recovery process.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive plans for clients.
- Identified treatment goals based on individual diagnosis and history.
- Created an environment where clients felt safe discussing their struggles without fear of judgement or stigma.
Transitional Outreach and Support Worker
Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board
Thunder Bay, Ontario
08.2023 - 08.2024
- Developed and maintained relationships with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies to maximize resources for community outreach.
- Engaged in outreach activities weekly within shelters, and encampments aiming to decrease homelessness.
- Provided support services such as assistance with housing applications or job placement referrals when needed.
- Prepared clients for transition to independent living by granting them access to funding and other resources provided by the provincial government.
- Maintained logs and electronic client records following department and agency policies for effective monitoring.
- Identified barriers to client success and developed strategies to overcome them.
- Maintained up-to-date records of over 100+ client Ontario Works files.
Residenal Worker
The Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre
Thunder Bay, Ontario
12.2022 - 06.2024
- Built and maintained strong relationships with clients.
- Maintained confidential client documentation to prevent data compromise.
- Maintained accurate records and documented client data in HIFIS (Homeless Individuals and Families Information System).
- Maintained daily logs of important events, situations, and client behaviours.
- Distributed correct medications while maintaining appropriate documentation for each individual.
- Gained first-hand experience using Narcan, as well as Narcan training through staff development sessions.
- Used accurate judgments and crisis intervention skills in high-stress situations, such as assaults and overdoses.
- Maintained the safety and security of 40+ clients by using the appropriate policies and procedures.
- Gained first-hand experience with clients who have challenges with substance use and abuse, mental health (Schizophrenia, depression, suicidal ideation and ADHD.), criminal charges and employment.
- Consistently provided information for upcoming service events such as ID clinics, food banks, and job fairs.
- Maintained proper Class B information/documentation with clients on parole through the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC).
Education
Certificate - Pre-Health Advanced
Confederation College of Applied Arts And Technology
Thunder Bay, None04-2025
Diploma - Social Service Worker
Confederation College of Applied Arts And Technology
Thunder Bay, None04-2023
Certificate - General Arts And Science
Confederation College of Applied Arts And Technology
Thunder Bay, None04-2021
Skills
- Case management
- Clinical documentation
- Mental health awareness
- Community referrals
- Resource navigation
- De-escalation techniques
- Crisis interventions
- Professional boundaries
- Multi-disciplinary planning
- Client confidentiality
- Referral coordination
- Suicide risk assessments
Certification
- Standard First Aid/CPR-C/AED Training - 2021
- Safe Food Handling Training - 2018
- Ontario Class G Driver’s License - 2023
- TCPS-2 Research and Ethics Training - 2021
- A.S.I.S.T (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) - 2023
- N.C.I (Non-violent Crisis Intervention) - 2023
- SPDAT Certified - 2023
References
Erin Beagle - Executive Director
Roots Community Food Centre
450 Fort William Rd., Thunder Bay ON, P7B 2Z6
Cell: (807)-631-8585
Erin@rootscfc.org
Melissa Legarde - Supervisor of Intake and Eligibility
The Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board
231 May St. S, Thunder Bay ON, P7E 1B5
(807)-766-2111 Ext. 4000
Melissa.legarde@tbdssab.ca
Timeline
Addiction Crisis Worker
St. Jospehs Care Group - WMS
06.2024 - Current
Transitional Outreach and Support Worker
Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board
08.2023 - 08.2024
Residenal Worker
The Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre
12.2022 - 06.2024
Certificate - Pre-Health Advanced
Confederation College of Applied Arts And Technology
Diploma - Social Service Worker
Confederation College of Applied Arts And Technology
Certificate - General Arts And Science
Confederation College of Applied Arts And Technology
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