Mental Health

**Job Title**: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Worker

**Reports to**:Program Manager

**Classification**: Grid 13

**Job Summary**:
The Adult Mental Health and Substance Abuse Worker is responsible for working in collaboration with program clinical partner(s) to provide life skills and support services to adults who may experience one or more of the following: long-term homelessness, has been unable to maintain housing, substance use, brain injury, mental health disorders, justice involvement, and/or street entrenchment.

Position with ACYAS encompasses the responsibility of transporting the person served to appointments, activities, or other crucial commitments. Due to this core duty, a valid class 5 British Columbia driver's license is a requirement of employment for this position

**Qualifications: Education, Training & Experience**
- Diploma in Addictions, Mental Health, Social Services, or Human Services
- Two (2) years of recent related experience
- Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
- First Aid Level 1 (required)
- Class 5 BC Drivers License (required)

**Skills & Abilities**:

- A working knowledge of various mental health disorders, brain injuries, homelessness, and substance use
- Knowledge, appreciation, awareness, and sensitivity of Indigenous history and culture.
- A thorough knowledge of the complexities of working with diverse populations.
- Has an awareness of own attitudes, beliefs, biases, and assumptions about others.
- Ability to recognize and manage one’s own behaviors, moods, and impulses to create an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment.
- Ability to tolerate stress and deal with a wide range of medical, mental health, behavioral and emotional challenges, and barriers.
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Excellent decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills when working independently and during a crisis.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries with both clients and colleagues

**Key Responsibilities**:
1. Working collaboratively with the clinical team to assess, develop and implement clinical treatment plans and safety plans.

2. Engaging participants using a trauma-informed, person-centered approach to support emotional, social, physical, and mental health growth and stability through individual interactions and skill building, facilitation of group activities and meetings, conflict mediation, and crisis intervention.

3. Work in collaboration with the clinical team to work within a harm reduction model of care for participants which includes providing support and skill building for safe use and community survival skills.

4. Assist participants with personal care, which may include person(s) with diverse abilities and personal care associated with substance use, mental health, and long-term homelessness.

5. Respond to sudden changes and sometimes volatile behaviors that may be a result of mental health or substance use, using non-violent crisis intervention and trauma-informed de-escalation strategies. This may also include overdoes responses.

6. Administer, store, and dispose of medication; support participants to make and attend appointments which may include transportation; provide one-to-one life skills support and training.

7. Facilitate group activities, house meetings, and life skills groups

**Job Types**: Full-time, Casual

Pay: From $30.75 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Schedule:

- 12 hour shift
- Day shift
- Night shift

Supplemental pay types:

- Overtime pay

**Education**:

- AEC / DEP or Skilled Trade Certificate (preferred)

**Experience**:

- Support Worker: 2 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

- BC Class 5 Driver's License (required)

Work Location: In person