Crisis Counselor

** JOB POSTING **

**Position: MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS COUNSELLOR**

**Department**:Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre of Winnipeg (AHWC)Clinical Operations

**Site**: Aboriginal Health & Wellness Centre of Winnipeg, Inc. (AHWC) _**in**_ the Neeginan Centre

**Address**: 181 Higgins Avenue

**Reports to**:Director of the Mobile Healthcare Clinic & Director of RAAM Clinic

**Status**: 1.0 FTE (Flexible to hire up to 2 positions in 1.0 FTE) (7.5 hrs/day)

**Hours of Operation**: 11AM-7PM Tuesday - Friday; Saturday’s 9AM-4:30PM

**Union**:Manitoba Association of Healthcare Professionals (MAHCP)

**Salary**: $39.52, $40.31, $41.12, $41.94

**Date**:Immediately

**JOB OVERVIEW**

This role will be supported between two clinics: 1) The Mobile Healthcare Clinic and 2) Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinic. Both clinics offer a point of access into the health system specifically for vulnerable and unsheltered community members, who otherwise experience inequitable healthcare access. The role will require travelling and parking near encampments, shelters, and bridges where the need is greatest, offering immediate and ongoing primary care prevention, treatment, and counselling, is the purpose of the mobile clinic.

The Mental Health Crisis Counsellor will take the initial lead on providing the acute and comprehensive and intensive brief case management, treatment, systems navigation, and counselling for individuals in mental health or psychosocial crisis seeking support. A key function will include assisting individuals to navigate the broader community system of care to access services.

Drawing from AHWC’s mission statement and values, and working as a member of a diverse, inter-professional team, this person will be a welcoming, kind, and compassionate front-line person for community members when they visit the Indigenous-led Mobile Healthcare Clinic to access supports during their healing journey.

**EDUCATION**
- Completion of a recognized degree or diploma from a University or Community College program in Social Services, or a related health discipline preferred
- Graduate degree, preferred
- An equivalent combination of education and experience as recognized by AHWC and Crisis Response Services may be considered.

**EXPERIENCE**
- Minimum of two years’ mental health experience at the para-professional level, providing crisis and trauma support services to adults with mental illness required
- Preferred experience in working with individuals experiencing a psychosocial crisis
- Understanding of Recovery Oriented Guidelines
- Basic familiarity of a range of mental illness presentations
- Basic knowledge Mental Health Programs and Services
- Familiarity with relevant aspects of the Mental Health Act, Personal Health Information Act, and Child & Family Services Act
- Familiarity with Crisis Intervention Theory and risk management responsibilities
- Understanding of Trauma Informed Care
- Understands the basic tenets of Mental Health Promotion, Suicide Prevention Initiatives, and CODI Initiatives
- ASIST and Suicide Assessment and Intervention
- Knowledge and experience in working with people with substance related concerns

**SPECIAL TRAINING**
- Mental Health First Aide and ASIST certificates or willingness to obtain
- Basic Cardiac Life Saving Certificate, preferred
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training, preferred
- Safe Food Handling Certificate or willingness to obtain
- Computer skills including Internet and Microsoft Programs (Word, Outlook)
- Working knowledge of electronic medical records (EMR), preferred
- Addiction related training, an asset

**ESSENTIAL SKILLS**
- Cognizant and respectful of the diversity of Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions
- Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple demands, and prioritize duties
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to receive and give direction
- Ability to coordinate and collaborate with resources
- Proficient at case management
- Effective problem-solving skills
- Crisis intervention and time management skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills through clear communication and positive behavior within the Respectful Workplace Policy
- Adherence to all Workplace Safety and Health regulations and Safe Work practices
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to respect and promote confidentiality

**RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES**
- Welcomes and supports all Indigenous - _First Nation, Inuit, and Métis _- and non-Indigenous community members entering AHWC / Mobile Healthcare Clinic, including people who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and persons who live with disabilities; sees to their immediate comfort
- Possesses knowledge of social issues such as poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, substance use, mental health/illness, racism, and other challenges faced by Indigenous populations in Winnipeg
- Nurtures a judgement-free, shame-free e