Mental Health - Windsor, Canada - Canadian Mental Health Assoc.

Description

Under the direction of the Manager, Mental Health & Addictions Services, provides comprehensive community treatment, rehabilitation and recovery supports to people who are experiencing serious mental illness and addictions, and who reside in the Windsor-Essex County area.

The Mental Health & Addictions Worker strives to support people who experience mental health and/or substance use issues to live full and meaningful lives in the community; enhance their coping strategies, life skills and social skills; build a strong network of reliable and supportive relationships; have choices about where to live and work; have services that are accountable to the person supported and available as needed.

• Client orientation to services. Ensuring clients have an understanding of the services being offered as well as an understanding of processes, anticipated length of service duration, rights and expectations for participation in the program and limits to confidentiality
• Identification of client needs and risk levels through ongoing assessment of the individual through the use of the OCAN, LOCUS, Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, and other psychometric tools as clinically required
• Work with individuals to create a holistic recovery goal plan, focusing on strengths and capacities, service coordination and the needs of the individual
• Providing support on the continuum between harm reduction and abstinencebased practices developed on client choice
• Providing education about illness, symptom management, mental wellness, coping skills and/or relapse prevention strategies
• Developing, delivering and evaluating group psychoeducational programs relevant to client need
• Developing relapse prevention/wellness plans, risk mitigation plans, safety plans and providing crisis intervention as needed
• Collaborate with the CMHA and community partner interdisciplinary colleagues to facilitate continuity of client care
• Providing client advocacy and support. Assists clients to access information as well as internal/external resources, services or supports which are deemed necessary.
• Where resources do not exist or they are inadequate, advocates within system to develop or improve essential services and resources for clients
• Supporting reintegration of clients into school, work and social activities as well as the building of a healthy informal support system
• Providing lifeskill coaching to support activities of daily living and to enhance the level of the client's independence
• Developing community outreach skills and a knowledge base of community resources and services. This includes working collaboratively with community partners using a multidisciplinary approach to support client recovery
• Assisting clients in accessing financial assistance and benefits
• Assisting clients in accessing emergency and/or stable safe affordable housing.
• Engaging, educating and supporting families through the treatment and recovery process and encouraging clients to identify and include a care partner
• Liaising, when appropriate, with family and other service or health care providers involved with the client to ensure continuity of care using a 'least intrusive' approach

• Knowledge and skill acquired through the completion of Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Nursing (BScN) from an accredited university is preferred; or,
• A minimum of a three (3) year University degree in a field deemed relevant by the employer (e.g., Social Science, Psychology), combined with significant case management experience
• Registered member in good standing of a professional college deemed relevant by the employer such as the College of Nurses (preferably with Canadian Certification in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing) or the College of Social Workers or the College of Psychotherapy is considered an asset
• Two (2) years recent, relevant experience working with vulnerable populations in the judgement of the employer
• Comprehensive knowledge and skill in the functions and principles of case management
• Comprehensive knowledge of mental illness and addiction, treatment and recovery modalities and best practice approaches, as well as relevant mental health policy, legislation and regulations
• Strong knowledge of community resources
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• A valid Ontario Driver's License with access to a reliable vehicle and proof of current insurance and licensing are required for this position
• Bilingualism in both official languages at the advanced level is an asset for all agency positions.