Sage Gates-Assaf
Ottawa,ON
Summary
Professional with extensive experience in mental health care within acute hospital settings, passionate about working in community-based mental health care, outreach, and case management. Known for building and fostering strong relationships with clients using a nonjudgmental, strengths-based approach, and the ability to collaborate well within a multidisciplinary team to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Student (previous) and Volunteer
Capital City Mission Drop-In Centre
Ottawa, Ontario
09.2024 - Current
- Assist clients in accessing essential services at the community drop-in center using a low-barrier approach.
- Organized and facilitated art groups during student placement to promote wellness, foster connection, and alleviate isolation among participants.
- Distribute food, drinks, and supplies to individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.
- Create and establish relationships with community members and service users to build trust and rapport.
- Participated in training sessions to enhance volunteer skills and knowledge of the services provided through the City of Ottawa Community Capacity Building Training.
- Participate in fundraising efforts to support the organization (e.g. Coldest Night of the Year)
Personal Support Worker
The Ottawa Hospital, Inpatient Mental Health
Ottawa, Ontario
05.2017 - Current
- Assist patients with their activities of daily living and personal hygiene needs.
- Document patient care accurately in electronic health record systems.
- Develop positive relationships with patients and their families by demonstrating empathy, compassion, and respect for their needs.
- Transport patients to medical appointments and other destinations as needed.
- Report concerns and changes in patients' conditions to nurses and physicians to promote optimal care.
- Liaise with allied health professionals within patients' circle of care, including social workers, behavioural, recreational, and occupational therapists.
- Encourage patients to participate in therapeutic and recreational activities to promote wellness.
- Educate families about the patient's condition and provide support in difficult circumstances.
- Respond promptly to emergency situations involving patients' safety and well-being.
Practicum Student
Canadian Mental Health Association
Ottawa, Ontario
09.2025 - 12.2025
- Provided case management services to a small caseload of clients using a strengths-based approach.
- Maintained accurate case notes and documentation according to agency guidelines.
- Identified clients' goals using strengths-based assessments and develop plans for achievement.
- Aided clients in service navigation, and provided advocacy where needed.
- Participated in intake sessions with clients.
- Participated in in-house training offered by the organization, including Motivational Interviewing and Strengths-Based Case Management.
- Participated in weekly staff resource groups to discuss client concerns, referrals, and best practices.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address complex client needs, and ensure holistic care delivery.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work -
Carleton University
Ottawa, Ontario04-2026
Certificate - Personal Support Worker
Algonquin College
Ottawa, Ontario04-2017
Skills
- Empathy
- Relationship building
- Advocacy
- Cultural humility
- Community outreach
- Strength-based case management
- Crisis intervention
- Documentation accuracy
- Team collaboration
- Service navigation
Certification
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Practicum Student
Canadian Mental Health Association
09.2025 - 12.2025
Student (previous) and Volunteer
Capital City Mission Drop-In Centre
09.2024 - Current
Personal Support Worker
The Ottawa Hospital, Inpatient Mental Health
05.2017 - Current
Bachelor of Social Work -
Carleton University
Certificate - Personal Support Worker
Algonquin College