Intervention Crisis Specialist

**OVERVIEW**

The Crisis Intervention Specialist is a member of the Mental Health Services Team, who provides comprehensive psychiatric assessment, stabilization, and solution focused treatment and planning for individuals in acute distress presenting in the Emergency Department. In addition this role supports requests from inpatient units for psychiatric consult or provides brief solution focused follow up to Outpatient clients as required.

The Crisis Intervention Specialist collaborates with staff and physicians from Emergency, Mental Health Services, MCIT and the community to collect relevant information and make suggestions for appropriate care and follow-up.

**_This position is for a full time Monday to Friday day shift (7:30am - 3:30pm) Crisis Intervention Specialist position._**

**PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Provides a trauma informed holistic crisis assessment, de-escalation, intervention, and stabilization working closely with ER staff and security services as appropriate. Demonstrated crisis intervention skills for both telephone and person-to-person situations.
- Collaborates with inpatient teams, outpatient services in Mental Health Department, community primary care physicians and other community agencies to develop the most appropriate plan of care. Liaise with members of inter-professional team to ensure excellence in client care.
- Delivers patient/ family focused care with an emphasis on assessment, education, prevention, maintenance, and restoration of health in a supportive and culturally sensitive manner.
- Acts as a liaison between the Emergency Department and mental health in-patient unit in order to facilitate admission, transfer, resource planning and discharge with follow up where required.
- Facilitates and provides a comprehensive report on current situation, completed assessments, Mental Status Examination and helps identify areas of risk (ie suicide or self harm) to in-patient units for new admissions.
- Facilitates the development of clinical assessment knowledge and skills of students including PGY1/Family Practice/Allied Health Professionals/ Nurses/ Child and Youth Workers.
- Provide consultation and clinical support as required to colleagues and community agencies on an individual basis to facilitate resolution toissues.
- Provides appropriate referrals and resource information to patients/ families / guardians/ supports.
- Attends and contributes to educational rounds with Mental Health and Emergency Services.
- Contributes the collection of data for statistical purposes or service improvement as required.

**EDUCATION**
- Graduate of a recognized diploma/ degree program in nursing with a certificate in Mental Health/Psychiatry (certificate preferred) or Masters of Social Work degree from accredited University.
- Current Registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario or Member of Ontario College of Certified Social Workers (OCCSW).

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- A minimum of 5 years experience in a Mental Health/ Psychiatric services environment; 3 years in an Emergency Psychiatric setting preferred.
- Demonstrated excellence in crisis intervention clinical skills including emergency psychiatric/ mental health assessments, risk assessments, and safety plans as required.
- Demonstrated experience in crisis intervention for high-risk populations, including Children and Adolescents required.
- Strong skills in individual and family counseling, psychoeducation, clinical assessment, case management, and treatment are essential.
- Excellent knowledge related to addictions, substance use disorders, withdrawal protocols and community resources related to addiction treatment/ medicine.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Mental Health Reform, Privacy and Consent to Treat Act and issues related to same required.
- Demonstrated ability to manage high volume and varied work assignments with accuracy and flexibility and in a timely fashion.
- Working knowledge of the network of the inpatient services and community-based resources for children and adults with mental health needs.
- Demonstrated experience in developing community linkages and liaisons.
- Demonstrated knowledge of community resources and referral pathways is an asset.
- Knowledge and sensitivity to work in a culturally diverse environment and strong patient and customer focused philosophy in all interactions.
- Demonstrated evidence of flexibility and excellent relationships with others in an interdisciplinary team required.
- Demonstrated excellence in problem solving techniques, conflict resolution, and a willingness to contribute and to becoming creating high performing teams.
- Demonstrates understanding and compliance with patient and staff safety policies and procedures that foster a safe and inclusive environment for all.
- Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to function as part of a team and/or independently.
- Excellent work and attendance record required.
- All employees of Michael Garron Hosp