Early Intervention Mental Health Specialist

**About the Job**:
Reporting to the Program Manager, the Early Intervention Mental Health Specialist will be responsible for providing support and counselling to clients in a transitional home who are experiencing the first signs and symptoms of psychosis. They will act as primary case manager for a caseload as well as consulting on similar mental health challenges and be considered an expert on providing treatment while collaborating with colleagues to determine the appropriate plans of care.

They will operate within a community center and transitional housing program that is focused on providing services to the community and youth between the ages of 16-24 who are at risk of homelessness.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Conduct assessments for clients who are experiencing early signs of psychosis and provide counseling to those with complex challenges
- Develop plans of care to meet objectives with an emphasis on life skills and potential mentorships
- Develop and facilitate life skill programming, psycho-social and psycho-education to residents
- Lead the development of educational programs on mental illness while consulting with team members and community mental health services
- Assist youth with coping mechanisms to physical and emotional barriers
- Assist clients in developing and maintaining community supports, daily living, and social skills necessary to obtain independency in the community
- Various residential tasks for daily operation
- Work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to carry out recovery and support
- Understand and be able to integrate a philosophy of client-centered care into daily responsibilities
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to quality care and service delivery based on SHIP’s Mission and Values
- Ensure appropriate records are kept and make sure that statistical information is maintained as per agency standards
- Adhere to agency Health & Safety programs and the Client Safety Framework
- Perform additional duties as required/delegated by Management

**Qualifications**:

- Post-secondary education in Social Services or equivalent
- 2+ years’ experience supporting Youth and/or the Homeless population or equivalent
- 1+ years' experience with Mental Health assessment and/or treatment
- Knowledge of MS Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
- A vehicle, valid driver’s license, and adequate insurance coverage
- Valid Certification in First Aid & CPR
- Training in ASIST and C
- Knowledge of MS Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
- A vehicle, valid driver’s license, and adequate insurance coverage
- Valid Certification in First Aid & CPR
- Training in ASIST and C

**Reporting Function**:
The Early Intervention Mental Health Specialist will report directly to the Program Manager. They will work with both internal and external partners and will interact with all levels within the organization. They will have no supervisory responsibilities.

They will be a support system, resource, and an advocator for the team and Company.

**Working Conditions and Physical Requirements**:

- Shifts are typically from Monday - Friday, 3:30 pm-12 am, but may vary depending on client needs
- Average amount of physical effort is required.
- Able to sit/stand for prolonged periods
- Able to answer and communicate telephone calls and general computer use
- Able to lift up to 20lbs (product, documents, etc.)
- Vehicle travel to sites for community engagement and open doors as required.
- Required to work statutory holidays

**Ship Values**

Compassion, Hope, Inclusive, Respect, Professional

**About Us**

Services and Housing In the Province (**SHIP**) is a Provincial leader in the broader public sector that builds strategic partnerships and programs that support the fundamental rights for Housing and Health Services throughout the Peel Region, Dufferin County, Region of Waterloo and surrounding areas.

Our commitment to increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness is at the forefront of every employee we hire. We value compassion, hope, inclusiveness, respect, and professionalism.

Our organization has supported the region for over 35 years and employs over 300 passionately engaged employees ranging from office administration, nurses, and service health specialists to housing specialists all dedicated to the community, clients, and families.

**Accessibility**

SHIP commits to ensuring that our organization is an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace that reflects our values as an organization and the diversity of those we serve. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to everyone and accept applicants from all backgrounds.

As an Organization, we strive to be equitable and inclusive in all that we do. Equity is a core value and we are committed to providing an inclusive selection process. We encourage applicants from equity-deserving communities including