Mental Health

**Program and Position Summary**:
The Mental Health and Substance Use Specialist will be a member of the Supportive Housing

Team providing support to tenants who call Options Bytown home. This position will provide enhanced crisis intervention as well as pro-active steps to support tenants to maintain their housing. The Mental Health and Substance Use Specialist will work in collaboration with members of the Supportive Housing Team as well as community partners to identify clients who are at risk due to mental health or substance use. This position requires a significant understanding of substance use and mental health as well as evidence based treatment practices to address associated issues.

**Main Duties**
- Review client background information and conduct mental health and substance use assessments to determine level of risk and support needs
- Provide support services to tenants who are seriously affected by substance use or mental health
- Lead the process of case planning and assist tenants in the development of life skills that support maintaining their tenancy
- Develop plans of actions, implementation, and follow ups of client goal plans
- Mediate crisis situations using non-violent crisis intervention techniques
- Liase with community partners on a routine basis to provide wrap around supports to tenants
- Support tenants in locating and utilizing community resources as related to mental health and/or substance use
- Maintain on-going and up-to date case notes and progress records on tenants, including
- documenting support plans and risk assessments

**Education and Experience**
- Degree in Social Work(BSW); Social Service Work, or related health discipline
- A minimum of three years experience working directly with individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, and/or concurrent disorders
- Experience in clinical assessment, with a strong preference for mental health or substance use assessments
- Experience advocating for individuals who are substance reliant considered a strong asset

**Knowledge and understanding**
- Significant understanding of substance use, mental health, and concurrent disorders
- Demonstrable knowledge and experience regarding harm reduction principles
- An awareness of the issues faced by individuals living in community housing
- Knowledge and ability to screen and assess for risk over overdose and withdrawal
- Expertise in non-violent crisis intervention and de-escalation
- Knowledge of relevant legislation such as the Mental Health Act and Community Treatment Orders.

**Skills and Language requirements**
- Ability to organize, prioritize and meet deadlines
- Ability and willingness to work with a culturally diverse population
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Ability to work independently, and in collaboration with others
- Ability to establish and maintain mutual respect with tenants
- Documented evidence of formal training such as NVCIS
- Current unrestricted registration with regulatory body if applicable
- Mental health and substance use certification considered an asset
- Complimentary training, education, and work experience are considered assets
- Ability to converse in languages in addition to English is considered a strong asset

Accessible formats and communications are available for applicants on request by contacting our Human Resource Officer.

**Salary**: $55,000.00-$60,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday