Mental Health Worker

Posting #:
**23684**
- Openings Remaining:
**1**
- Full/Part Time:
**Full Time**
- Reg/Temp/Casual:
**Regular**
- Union:
**OPSEU**
- Hours of Work:
**Monday to Friday**
- Time of Day:
**Days**
- Shift:
**7.5 hour**
- Open Date:
**24/01/23**
- Closing Date:
**31/01/23**

***
The primary responsibility of the Mental Health Worker - Geriatric will be to contribute to the achievement of the following mandated core program functions: intake and screening; specialized assessment; care planning, treatment and follow up; consultation, education and support; program and system development; and service and program evaluation. The position will respond to seniors and their families affected by late onset serious mental illness and/or seniors with chronic mental illness with age related complications. This is a mobile, outreach position serving seniors in a range of settings ( e.g. own home, LTCH, retirement home etc.). The Mental Health Worker position operates in a team framework and is operationalized in the context of the local and regional continuum of care that includes inpatient and outpatient services, general practitioners, long-term care facilities, and a range of other community services. The Mental Health Worker works in partnership and uses a systematic approach for the assessment of seniors with serious mental illness and complex needs to stabilize, plan interventions and optimize the current situation. This position is funded through Aging At Home.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Degree in nursing, social work, occupational therapy or a degree in related health or social science field (e.g. Gerontology, psychology) **OR** current registration in good standing with the College of Psychotherapists with a Degree in a health related discipline
- Minimum 3-5 years' experience in a comparable mobile, outreach role working with the defined population (e.g. seniors with complex mental illness)
- Demonstrated knowledge and practiced skills in geriatric psychiatry community and Long Term Care Home consultation
- Knowledge of PIECES frameworks and templates a strong asset
- Knowledge of the Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) for Dementia Care an asset and highly recommended
- Proven ability to perform comprehensive bio-psychosocial geriatric mental health assessment an establish rapport with target population ( e.g. seniors with complex mental illness and/or addiction) in various scenarios
- Demonstrated ability in conflict resolution and crisis intervention
- Demonstrated educational/presentation, facilitation and networking skills
- Understanding of basic use of psychotropic medications in the elderly, psychiatric diagnosis and formulation of a mental health assessment
- Knowledge of relevant geriatric mental health behavioural assessment, interventions and strategies is critical
- Familiarity with standardized assessment tools (e.g. Folstein, MOCA, Cornell, etc.) used in a geriatric psychiatry assessment
- Knowledge of Long Term Care and Mental Health systems and related legislation
- Ability to work collaboratively and in partnership with a trans disciplinary team and other agencies/organizations in the community
- Valid drivers license and full time use of own car is required
- Current First Aid/CPR certification
- Ability and willingness to travel (e.g. be mobile) and work in various settings/environments throughout the day (e.g. community home, LTC facility, retirement home etc.)
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Proven ability to work with mínimal supervision and able to prioritize work demands
- Basic computer ability/knowledge is required ( e.g. typing assessments and data entry)

**HOURS OF WORK**
Monday-Friday, days.

**PLEASE NOTE**:
Vaccines (COVID-19 and others) are a requirement of the job unless you have an exemption on a medical ground pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.

**_ St. Joe’s fosters an environment where we celebrate diversity, where teams reflect the diversity of the community in which we serve, enhancing the connection to patients, clients, community, and each other._