Community Mental Health Worker

Position Overview

The Community Mental Health Worker (CMHW) is a clinician who provides psychosocial assessment, consultation and evidence‑informed counselling intervention, and psychosocial rehabilitation to individuals referred to the mental health program for mental‑health related problems. Through the application of therapeutic skills that promote and build on individual strengths, the CMHW assists the individual/family to maximize independence, self‑responsibility and personal wellness, community integration, and social justice. Depending on individual needs and particularly when working with individuals with enduring mental illness, the CMHW applies case management functions focusing on functional assessment and skill development, relapse prevention, and rehabilitation.

Services are based on the principles of recovery, empowerment, self‑determination and responsibility and are part of a continuum of mental health services. Clinicians operate within a collaborative care structure and provide time‑limited, goal‑oriented, change‑focused interventions and/or consultations that are based on informed consent, voluntary participation and within individual capacity. The CMHW requires a diverse and comprehensive knowledge base about trauma‑informed psychiatric care as well as other adopted mental health therapies and the ability to possess and integrate crisis management and suicide intervention skills. The CMHW exercises the appropriate level of initiative and independent judgment in determining work priorities, work methods to be employed and actions to be taken on unusual matters.

The CMHW, as part of the Adult program portfolio, works in an integrated team approach within a framework of mental health clinical practice, including consultation, assessment, and therapeutic interventions/treatment. The CMHW collaborates with primary health care providers, specialists, families, and services/agencies involved with the adult as required in supporting individuals in their personal recovery where they live, learn, work and socialize.

The CMHW works to the full scope of practice and engages in ongoing education to maintain competency congruent with Southern Health‑Santé Sud policies, professional standards of practice, the appropriate college and code of ethics and the Regulated Health Professions Act. The position functions in a manner that is consistent with the mission, vision and values and the policies of Southern Health‑Santé Sud.

Experience

• Minimum two (2) years’ experience providing evidence‑based therapy to adults. 3‑5 years preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years supervised counselling experience.
• Experience and training in trauma‑informed care, Brief Treatment models, CBT, DBT, etc.
• Experience in providing mental health services for adults or children and adolescents or adults with serious mental illnesses, or seniors’ mental health.
• Experience in completing psychosocial assessments and mental status examinations.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Graduate of an accredited post‑secondary education in Health‑Related Social Sciences (e.g. BSW, BScMH, BScPN, BN, RPN). Other relevant educational qualifications and experience may be considered.
• Master’s degree an asset – qualified as a Psychiatric Nurse, Occupational Therapist (MOT), Clinical Social Worker (MSW), Family Therapist (MFT), Masters of Counselling Psychology (MACP), or equivalent.
• Training and demonstrated skill in clinical assessment and case formulation, psychotropic medications, psychopathology, and individual/group/family/systems intervention.

Certification/Licence/Registration

• Active licence and registration to practice as required by professional association and provincial legislation.
• Certificate in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST).

Qualifications and Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of all aspects of mental health service.
• Advanced mental health psychosocial assessment skills and knowledge of appropriate evidence‑informed therapeutic counselling models, approaches and interventions.
• Advanced knowledge of human developmental theory and mental health concerns typically identified for various populations across the age spectrum, including signs and symptoms of mental illness.
• Knowledge of recovery principles in the treatment of mental illness.
• Knowledge of co‑occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of commonly prescribed psychotropic medications for mental disorders across the age spectrum.
• Knowledge of mental health self‑help and client and family engagement in mental health treatment.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and standards in Manitoba such as the Personal Health Information Act.
• Proficiency with MS Office suite and oth