Mental Health Crisis Counsellor

**Position: MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS COUNSELLOR**

**Department**:Clinical Operations

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

**Address**: 181 Higgins Avenue

**Reports to**:Director of Primary Care Clinic

**Status**: 1.0 FTE (7.5 hrs/day)

**Hours of Operation**: 8:45am - 4:30pm (at times Monday - Friday may require overtime to support patient care)

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

**Salary**: $40.916, $42.144, $43.409, $44.711, $46.052, $47.433

**Date**:Immediately

**JOB OVERVIEW**

This unique role will support AHWC as a whole between its existing 14 programs. The Clinician will be stationed in the Primary Care Clinic, however, will respond to crisis calls that arise throughout the agency programs. 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 a compassionate front-line person for community members.

**EDUCATION**
- Completion of a recognized Master’s degree from a University in Social Services, or a related health discipline 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 including people who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and persons who live with disabilities
- 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 environment, focused on harm-reduction and the journey of healing that the individual has defined for themselves
- Emphasizes culturally sensitive, culturally relevant, culturally safe, and person-centered care
- Delivers safe and clinical practices in accordance with: AHWC’s program standards, policy and procedural operations, and organizational values and; Regional Health and Provincial protocols
- Collects and has access to Personal Health Information (PHI) and must follow Manitoba and/or WRHA instructions respecting security, use, storage, and destruction of PHI
- Collaborates as required with withdrawal management services and addiction treatment age