Pact Mobile Mental Health Crisis Worker

**Lower Mainland Purpose Society for Youth and Families**

Position: PACT Mobile Mental Health Crisis Worker

Hours: Position 1: 4 days a week (days yet to be determined, hours will be flexible)

Position 2 3 days a week (days yet to be determined, hours will be flexible)

Location: New Westminster, B.C.

**Overview**:
The New Westminster Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT) pilot is a one-year program and will provide an alternative to the presence of police personnel at mental health crisis calls in New Westminster. The pilot teams will provide crisis support services that will integrate cultural safety protocols and holistic care options. Mobile teams comprised of a mental health professional and a peer (someone with lived or living experience) will be available during scheduled service hours under the supervision of the Co-ordinator/Case Manager. This program aims to reduce the harms experienced by people who have mental health and addictions challenges as well as Black, Indigenous, racialized, LGBTQ2+ and other marginalized individuals. The Mobile Mental Health Crisis Worker will incorporate knowledge and experiences in crisis assessment and intervention, de-escalation, harm reduction, suicide prevention, anti-oppressive practice, client-centred and recovery-oriented care, trauma-informed practice and culturally competent care to support individuals and families experiencing a crisis in New Westminster.

**Reports to**:
The PACT Mental Health Worker reports to the Co-ordinator/Case Manager or the Acting Executive Director in an emergency.

**Duties**:

- Supports police or provides an alternative to police intervention at mental health crisis situations
- Incorporates knowledge, skill and ability in crisis assessment and intervention, de-escalation, harm reduction suicide prevention, anti-oppressive practice, client-centred and recovery-oriented care, trauma-informed practice and culturally competent care to support individuals and families experiencing a crisis in New Westminster
- Provides suicide and risk assessments and interventions
- Undertakes clinical assessments of presenting issues
- Develops service plans to address immediate, intermediate and long-term client needs
- Makes referrals to other community resources as needed
- Participates in community outreach and liaison with key stakeholders and partners and maintains trusting, respectful and collaborative relationships with clients, families, colleagues, referral sources, service providers and the public
- Maintains accurate and timely clinical and non-clinical records and reports
- Participates in program evaluation as required

**Qualifications**:

- A Master’s degree in Social Services or the equivalent from a recognized university preferred, or a Bachelor’s degree with extensive employment experience
- A minimum of four years of community mental health and addictions experience
- A knowledge of the mental health classifications, issues and literature
- A strong knowledge of clinical and crisis assessments, concurrent disorders, homelessness, crisis intervention strategies, trauma-informed practice, and strengths-based models
- Understanding and knowledge of working with persons with mental health and/or addictions issues as well as an understanding of the intersectionality of systemic barriers and social determinants of health
- Knowledge of systemic and structural factors that impact Black, Indigenous, racialized and LGBTQ2S+ communities
- Knowledge of common drugs, their effects, and the toxic drug crisis
- Advanced overdose recognition and response training
- Current First Aid and CPR certification
- NVCI Training
- Ability to maintain a non-judgmental and non-stigmatizing approach is required
- Willingness to participate in on the job on-going training and outside training
- Good verbal, written communication and problem-solving skills
- Must be able to work shifts that include overnight, weekends and holidays
- **A valid driver’s license is required, access to a car is desirable**

Send your covering letter Attention: Lynda Fletcher-Gordon. The posting will remain up until the position is filled.

**Job Type**: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Ability to commute/relocate:

- New Westminster, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

**Education**:

- Master's Degree (preferred)

**Experience**:

- Community Mental Health and Addictions: 4 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

- First Aid Certification (preferred)
- CPR Certification (preferred)