Mental Health Support Worker

**ABOUT US**

**Metro Community Housing Association** is a non-profit, community-based agency that provides support to persons living with mental illness. MCHA operates residential settings throughout Halifax and Dartmouth under the umbrella of Department of Community Services and has grown to 15 locations following the opening of our newest home in 2021.

Established in 1974, MCHA manages small option homes, group homes, complex care homes, a community transition house, and residential care facility. We also offer supported apartment services to those participants living independently.

**WHY MCHA**

We hire and support amazing humans. MCHA promotes an environment that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive of diversity. Our agency offers a rewarding career in the human services field, where employees can develop meaningful relationships with participants and make a positive impact in their daily lives.

Our front-line staff partner with participants to encourage community engagement, enhance personal development, and provide both emotional and physical support in a home setting. We meet people where they’re at and strive to create safe spaces where participants can receive equitable treatment while building their autonomy. If you are someone who is patient, resilient, and has a positive attitude, you might be the right fit for our team.

**POSITION OVERVIEW**

MCHA will be opening a new location in Dartmouth in mid-January 2025, and we are currently hiring for casual Mental Health Support Workers. The successful applicants for this posting would need to be willing and able to complete required training courses between the 6th and 11th of January in preparation for a mid-January start date.

We rely on our casual support staff to fill-in for shifts when regular employees are unavailable for work. Our homes are open 24/7, with various shift times depending on location. Our casuals do not have a set schedule and aren’t guaranteed a minimum number of hours, although there are typically ample shifts available given the size of our staff teams. Casuals can accept or decline shifts based on their availability and are contacted in advance and on short notice.

**Areas of Responsibility**:

- Assisting with all activities of daily living, including meal preparation, cleaning, and laundry (needs vary depending on location)
- Maintaining accurate documentation and record keeping
- Ensuring participants take medications as required
- Providing a supportive environment and developing positive rapport with participants
- Planning leisure and recreational activities
- Responding appropriately in times of participant crisis/emergency
- Providing personal care if/when needed
- Becoming familiar with functioning of the home, in accordance with policies, procedures, and provincial regulations
- Completing mandatory training

**Qualifications**:

- Post-secondary education in human services or related field (completed or in progress) **OR **2 years equivalent experience in an RRW level position
- Work or volunteer experience in human services sector considered an asset.
- Understanding of mental health disorders and symptoms considered an asset.
- Basic computer skills (Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, online training).
- Positions in our Supported Apartment Services Department require a vehicle, current safety inspection, and 6A endorsement or $2,000,000 in liability insurance coverage.

**Personal Attributes**:

- Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to create respectful dialogue with individuals who experience mental illness
- Effective de-escalation and conflict resolution skills
- Sound judgement and ability to make responsible decisions in time of participant crisis
- Ability to connect with participants with compassion, while maintaining professional boundaries
- Capable of working with mínimal supervision, both individually and within a team
- Professional written communication skills
- Even-tempered, with solid problem-solving and motivational skills
- Reliable, adaptable, and able to successfully manage stress
- Portrays positive image when representing the agency

The rate of pay for this position is $21.41/hour. The rate for overnight sleep shifts is $152.00/night.

Successful applicants must be able to provide a clear criminal record check including vulnerable sector search. Valid First Aid & CPR training, and proof of education is also required before beginning employment.

**Job Type**: Casual

Pay: $21.41 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Wellness program

Schedule:

- 10 hour shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Holidays
- Morning shift
- Night shift
- Weekends as needed

Application question(s):

- Are you able to work in the Woodside area of Dartmouth?

Licence/Certification:

- Standard First Aid and CPR (Level C) (preferred)
- Food Handler Certification (preferred)
- Driving License and your own vehicle (preferred)

Work Location: In person