Mental Health Worker

**Mental Health Worker**:
**Position Details**:
**Department**: Connect - Mental Health and Addiction Program
**Employee Type**: Regular, Full Time
**If Temporary, Number of Weeks**:
**Union**: OPSEU
**Openings Remaining**: 1

**Schedule**:
**Work Days**: Monday to Friday
**Time of Day**: Days
**Shift**: 7.5 hour
**This position may be scheduled at any of the following sites**: West 5th Campus (Hamilton Mountain)

**Application Dates**:
**Opening Date**: 21/03/23
**Closing Date**: 28/03/23 Applications must be received online by 12:00 midnight on the Closing Date

**Position Description**:
***:
Central Access is an exciting new service at St. Joseph's in the Mental Health and Addiction Program. The service will be responsible for all intake functions for outpatient referrals. The primary responsibility of the Mental Health Worker will be to contribute to the achievement of the following mandated core program functions: intake and screening; dispositioning; supportive counselling; care planning; education; system navigation; program and system development and evaluation. The position will respond, support and educate patients and their families affected by mental illness and/or addictions. The Mental Health Worker will work closely with outpatient clinics and other areas of the hospital, in addition to community stakeholders. The Mental Health Worker position works collaboratively with members of the interdisciplinary team to identify and prioritize an individuals needs, assess and respond to risk, and identify and optimize care options including inpatient and outpatient services, general practitioners, and a range of community services. The Mental Health Worker works in partnership and uses a systematic approach for screening and dispositioning patients with mental illness and/or addictions.

**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
- Registration with a regulated healthcare College, required.
- Minimum 3-5 years' experience in a mental health and/or addictions healthcare setting.
- Current First Aid/CPR certification
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to be used in course of employment
- Demonstrated knowledge and practiced skills in intake assessment, care planning, supportive counselling, and system navigation in mental illness and/or addictions for youth, adults and seniors.
- Demonstrated knowledge and practiced skills in conducting a risk assessment, intervening when required and providing necessary supports.
- intake experience in mental health and addictions required
- Current and demonstrated knowledge of mental health illnesses and/or addictions symptoms, required.
- Knowledge of social, attitudes, characteristics and behaviors of mental illness and emotional disturbances and/or substance abuse, required.
- Current and demonstrated knowledge of motivation interview techniques and/or interventions, highly recommended.
- Demonstrates superior knowledge in engaging with patients and/or families who may be reluctant to seek help and establish rapport in various scenarios.
- Demonstrated educational/presentation, facilitation and networking skills.
- Understanding of basic use of psychotropic medications.
- Ability to work collaboratively and in partnership with an interdisciplinary team and other agencies/organizations in the community.
- Ability to ensure continuity of care between services and development of coordinated care plans to promote community integration for service users.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrates a strong recovery-oriented, client-focused philosophy in all interactions.
- Demonstrated ability in conflict resolution.
- Current and demonstrated knowledge of Mental Health Act, Healthcare Consent Act, Substitute Decisions Act, and Privacy Legislation.
- Maintains own competency in accordance with relevant professional standards.
- Demonstrates and role models an awareness of and commitment to personal and professional development
- Maintains membership in professional organizations as related to area of expertise and knowledge.
- Good work performance and attendance record is essential.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Reviews and screens referrals to identify the appropriate service for assessment and/or treatment. Requires extensive knowledge of St. Joe's MHAP services, as well as community resources.
- Build effective internal partnerships to support care planning, care transitions, and support SJHH system development.
- Identify and develop partnerships with external stakeholders to support the needs of the client, family and service provider. Represent SJHH program in the community, as required.
- Assesses for aspects of RISK and intervenes as appropriate. Provides secondary support to crisis inte