SEAN WATSON
Toronto,ON
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Shift Leader Full-Time
City of Toronto, Seaton House Hostel Program
Toronto, ON
08.1998 - Current
- Oversee and manage the Client Service Worker Team, providing direct supervision and leadership to ensure the effective delivery of services and optimal client support within a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Extensive experience supervising of various shift and daily operational needs at the Scarborough Progress Centre, Annex Program, Hostel Program, Extended Hostel, Winter Respite, Warming Centres.
- Enhance proficiency in fundamental shelter services to ensure the delivery of thorough responses, encompassing support, advocacy, assessment, and crisis planning.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team comprising of frontline staff, social workers, healthcare professionals, case managers, legal aid, peer support workers, housing support agencies, harm reduction specialists, Personal Support Worker (PSW)and support staff to address the complex needs of shelter clients.
- Monitor employee performance to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures (QA assessment, transfer logs).
- Assist in training new employees on shift operations.
- Oversee the scheduling of shelter team members for shifts, aligning staffing levels with operational requirements.
- Resolve problems with clients with focus on client growth, empowerment while promoting life skills development. Skillfully manage public feedback and complaints.
- Maintain an organize work environment by delegating tasks to staff based on operational needs and team strengths.
- Supervise and coordinate hostel program within a Harm reduction framework consistent with TSSS divisional policies and procedure
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills in addressing inquiries, requests, and concerns from clients, service providers, and the public.
- Apply advanced conflict resolution techniques to de-escalate tense situations, fostering a secure and supportive shelter environment.
- Play a key role in monitoring policy and program activities, recommending options and implementing changes for continuous improvement.
- Manage the administrative components of shelter operations, managing the allocation of client funds, coordination of TTC tokens and taxis vouchers, while adhering to established protocols.
- Participate in budgetary considerations, maximizing the allocation of resources for optimal program outcomes.
- Foster a culture of innovation by using data insights to drive strategic initiatives and enhance overall shelter practices including updating resident meetings, and client feedback.
- Demonstrate success in developing and implementing client-centric programs and initiatives within shelter environments (led the initiation and launch of the recreational initiative: basketball program).
- Proven ability to identify and address the unique needs of clients, fostering a positive impact on their well-being while enhancing the overall shelter experience through strategic planning and program development.
- Enforce safety protocols and compliance with relevant regulations.
- Demonstrate skills, techniques, and knowledge in resource negotiation strategies.
- Provide crisis management, conflict resolution and counselling.
- Demonstrate proficiency in supporting individuals facing psychological, employment, family breakdown, substance use, housing, financial and various challenges encompassing emotional, social, and economic aspects.
- Participate in the enforcement and implementation of disciplinary procedures within the organizational framework, contributing to the maintenance of a professional and compliant work environment.
- Engage actively in labor relations, facilitating the resolution of workplace issues (contributed to: grievance process, issue identification, information gathering, problem-solving, mediation, documenting and reporting).
- Negotiate the complexities of a unionized environment, addressing labor-related matters and ensuring compliance with collective agreements.
- Demonstrate expertise in navigating and ensuring compliance with key legislation governing shelter operations (including, Toronto Shelter Standards, Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Employment Standards Act (ESA), Human Rights Code, Ontario Works Act, ONtario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Housing First Priorities, Ontario Fire Code, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), Mental Health Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) Confronting Anti-Black Racism, Housing TO, TSSS Workplan).
- Committed to maintaining high client service standards, fostering effective partnerships to optimize service delivery.
- Forged strategic partnerships to drive organizational growth and community engagement partnerships.
- Expertly managed crisis intervention protocols, ensuring swift and effective responses to emergency codes.
- Actively contribute to ensuring a culturally inclusive environment (for 2SLGBTQ+ clients, seniors, asylum-seekers, Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC groups), prioritizing safety and a welcoming atmosphere. Implemented affirming practices to support individuals with diverse identities and experiences.
- Daily implementation of harm reduction strategies within the shelter system, prioritizing the well-being and safety of individuals through measures such as needle exchange programs, overdose prevention, and education on safer substance use practices.
- Proactively addressed and confronted anti-Black racism, fostering an inclusive environment through education, awareness, and policy development (CABR data reporting).
- Champion diversity and inclusion initiatives, fostering an equitable and welcoming environment for all stakeholders
Client Service Worker
Seaton House
Toronto, ON
1999 - Current
- Demonstrate strength in providing client support through the application of trauma-informed approaches, effective advocacy, thorough assessment, and crisis intervention.
- Leverage a strengths-based approach to enhance communication, foster collaboration, and achieve positive outcomes within a multidisciplinary team.
- Conduct routine daily assessments of health and safety patrols, facilitated systematic linen purges, personal hygiene, provided assistance in meal line operations, and executed scheduled locker purges in adherence to established protocols.
- Execute comprehensive initial assessment during the intake process to evaluate and establish supports and services.
- Facilitate client engagement in community-related undertakings, including housing appointments, legal proceedings, and medical consultations, ensuring seamless coordination and support throughout the process.
- Administer Naloxone and provided educational sessions to clients and peer workers, contributing to heightened community preparedness in its usage.
- Exhibit advanced proficiency in problem-solving, crisis intervention, and the application of effective verbal de-escalation techniques to manage and diffuse potentially challenging situations.
- Directed the strategic coordination of client workflow to optimize the efficiency of operational processes.
- Lead debriefing sessions for clients and staff following incidents to foster open communication and provide support.
- Systematically log incident reports, record client interactions, and document observations in SMIS promptly, while upholding strict confidentiality standards.
- Evaluate and assist in addressing clients', medical, financial, and emotional requirements, while strategically referring them to pertinent community health, housing, and social support services.
- Demonstrate seasoned experience in delivering proficient support during medical emergencies, fire alarms, and critical incidents.
- Effectively communicate and navigate politically sensitive situations while handling inquiries, both in person and over the phone, from the public seeking emergency shelter or general information.
Education
Social Services
Centennial College
Toronto, ON01-2003
Diploma - Harm Reduction Program
York University
Toronto, ONTRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Skills
- Strong innovative leadership & management skills
- Strategic organizational planning & change
- Excellent analytical skills and attention to details
- Effective conflict resolution
- Critical thinking
- Time & priority management
- Extensive experience Problem-solving
- Strong oral & written communication
- Employee engagement
- Demonstrated experience in motivating and training individuals
- Team-building and capacity building
- Community development & outreach
- Crisis Intervention training (CTI)
- Diversity, inclusivity, accessibility and equity
- Harm reduction framework
- Sound knowledge of collective agreements
- Occupational Health & Safety
- Proficient in microsoft applications
Timeline
Shift Leader Full-Time
City of Toronto, Seaton House Hostel Program
08.1998 - Current
Client Service Worker
Seaton House
1999 - Current
Social Services
Centennial College
Diploma - Harm Reduction Program
York University
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
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