Sumaya Nakibuuka

Compassionate and dedicated social services worker with over 4 years of frontline experience supporting marginalized, street involved and at-risk individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use, trauma and complex social needs. Extensive experience delivering client intake, crisis intervention, supportive counseling, case management, housing stabilization, life skills coaching and community referrals within emergency shelter and respite settings. Skilled in applying trauma informed anti-oppressive, harm reduction, recovery oriented and strength-based approaches to empower individuals towards independence and permanent housing.

Demonstrated ability to maintain safe shelter environments, complete accurate documentation in SMIS, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and build trusting relationships with diverse populations. Committed to the YMCA's values of accountability, inclusion, relationship building, equity and community wellbeing.

Community Shelter Worker - Homes First Society - Toronto

(2021-01)

• Provide direct support to individuals experiencing homelessness, addictions and mental health challenges and complex social needs in busy emergency shelter.
• Conduct client screening, intake assessments, admissions, orientation and discharge planning while ensuring eligibility and access to shelter services.
• Deliver supportive counselling, crisis intervention, conflict resolution and de-escalation to promote client safety and well being.
• Support clients in achieving housing stability through individualised service planning, housing navigation, life skills and community referrals.
• Process referrals to detox programs, stabilization services, healthcare providers, housing agencies and community resources.
• Monitor resident well being and respond appropriately to behavioral, medical and mental health emergencies.
• Maintain accurate case notes, resident files, shelter logs, critical incident reports and electronic documentation using SMIS.
• Promote harm reduction, recovery-oriented and trauma-informed practices while encouraging client independence and self determination.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to coordinate services and improve client outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, health and safety procedures and documentation standards.

Respite Support Staff - St. Felix Centre - Toronto

(2022-01 - 2023-12)

• Provided overnight and day time support within a low-barrier trauma-informed respite program serving individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Conducted client intakes, orientation and registration while ensuring equitable access to shelter services.
• Responded to mental health crises, overdose and emergency situations using de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques.
• Supported clients using harm reduction, anti-oppressive and culturally responsive approaches.
• Maintained detailed case notes, incident reports and shelter documentation.
• Connected participants to housing supports, healthcare, food programs and community services.

Shelter Support staff - Alpha Resources - Toronto

(2018-01 - 2019-12)

• Conducted intakes, triage and orientation for new shelter clients
• Applied conflict resolution and mediation skills in crisis situations
• Ensured safe shelter environment through monitoring and policy compliance
• Supported clients with referrals and access to community services

Diploma - Social Service Worker - Humber College

Certificate - Working in the Toronto Shelter System - Centennial College