Community Mental Health Worker

**COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH WORKER**

**Toronto**

If you are looking for a career working with amazing people while helping your community thrive, then this opportunity is for you and we want to hear from you. We urge individuals that have retired, semi-retired, are returning to the workforce, those that are new to Canada, and recent graduates to also apply. At Good Shepherd, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, equal and authentic workplace.

**Get to Know Us**

The work of Good Shepherd is based on a fundamental belief in providing hope and restoring dignity to the most vulnerable members of our community. Our services include emergency food and clothing; daily hot meals; emergency shelters for men, youth, families, women and children; transitional housing and education for homeless and street-involved youth; hospice palliative care; community mental health programs; and supportive housing programs. Good Shepherd is also committed to integrating harm reduction practices into our programs and to prioritizing the rights, dignity and choices for all. This opportunity is with our Good Shepherd - **Non-Profit Homes, Toronto**.

**Culture and Values**

We _see the good_ in people, not only the challenge. We hear the warmth in their voices. We recognize that we all have potential and promise. Our programs help to tear down the barriers that have impeded our community's most vulnerable citizens and help them to establish a path to a stable and healthy life.

**_
Hospitality_**, as inspired by St. John of God is at the heart of Good Shepherd's mission. This means that we welcome all people with compassion, acceptance and a spirit of generosity; creating opportunities for transformation. Hospitality embodies our **Values**, **Responsibility, Availability, Adaptability, Quality and Dignity.**

**Why work with us?
- Be a part of a caring **TEAM THAT SUPPORTS OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY**:

- Support for continuing **EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT**:

- Staff recognition programs along with access to self-care supports and **EMPLOYEE / FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM** (EAP)
- **POSITIVE **and **ENCOURAGING**atmosphere
- Make a difference and provide **HOPE**:

- Extended Health Benefits for Full Time Permanent **POSITION**

**Role Description**

The CMHW will demonstrate a compassionate, non-judgmental and patient demeanor when working with clients to develop a level of trust so they feel secure in being supported to reach their highest level of skill development possible. This level of trust will be established and maintained by involving the client as much as possible in discussion around their goals and recovery process. The Community Mental Health Worker will:

- Provide support, information, education and referral services to tenants of the Supportive Housing Program and encourage tenants to integrate into the community. Service will be delivered using a mental health recovery focused psychosocial rehabilitation model
- Assist clients in navigating activities of daily living up to and including leisure, self-care and any other forms of support that may be relevant to tenant's goals for increased quality of life and well-being
- Encourage, provide and assist tenants in maintaining their housing in the community by providing opportunities for skill support and resource development
- Provide direct programming as needed by tenants, i.e. life skills programming, daily living skills development, conflict resolution, crisis intervention and prevention, supportive counseling, advocacy, referrals, reducing social isolation, budgeting, community building, case management, educational and vocational community opportunities
- To comply with standards of confidentiality and circle of care when assisting tenants and including community partners in their care
- Ensure service is provided in a dignified, culturally-competent and respectful manner that reflects the charism of Good Shepherd and which reflects an integrated anti-racism/anti-oppression framework
- Demonstrate a work ethic in leadership and role modelling of behaviours that demonstrates the Mission, Vision and Values of Good Shepherd Non-Profit Homes.
- Liaise with other voluntary and statutory community workers to provide support and resources for each tenant as required
- Responsible to carry an on-call cell phone for coverage during the week and weekends on a rotational basis
- Promote services based on the principles of trauma informed recovery

**Qualifications**
- This position requires a university degree, ideally in Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy or equivalent plus two years' work-related experience, particular to persons who experience mental illness and homelessness. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered
- Must be committed to principles of psychosocial rehabilitation, the Recovery model, and a harm reduction approach
- Knowledge of community resources and services in Toronto
- CPR/First Aid certification
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