Crisis Support Worker

Services and Housing In the Province (**SHIP**) is a Provincial leader in the broader public sector that builds strategic partnerships and programs that support the fundamental rights for Housing and Health Services throughout the Peel Region, Dufferin County, and surrounding areas.

Our commitment to increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness is at the forefront of every employee we hire. We value compassion, hope, inclusiveness, respect, and professionalism.

Our organization has supported the region for over 35 years and employs over 300 passionately engaged employees ranging from office administration, nurses, and service health specialists to housing specialists all dedicated to the community, clients, and families.

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Crisis Support Worker will be responsible for supporting individuals in a residential setting on a short term basis who are experiencing a mental health and/or addiction crisis and who are in conflict with the criminal justice system. The program is intended to divert persons from incarceration, the justice system, and/or unnecessary hospitalization by providing them with voluntary community crisis accommodation and support.

The individual will be responsible for coordinating services, advocating on behalf of, and developing plans to support recovery and stabilization of our clients. The individual will also ensure support is received to de-escalate and stabilize the initial crisis, and to connect clients with the services and supports they need to enable stable, community living that address their health and wellbeing over the longer term.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Provide support to individuals with serious mental health and/or addiction challenges in a short term residential environment as well as crisis mediation, advocacy, and/or coordination of services with various care partners from the mental health, addictions and justice system
- Maintain a conducive environment to allow for psychological stabilization, person centered support that operates 24/7
- Carry out preliminary assessment, intake, and admission processes of clients
- Develop individual person centered service plans addressing the immediate short term needs, along with clinical and psychosocial supports
- Develop and implement best recovery based strategies in partnership with clients
- Liaise with community support and partners (i.e. mental health and addiction service providers, justice partners, police, courts, landlords, primary care, and family members) for client’s recovery and reintegration by accessing income supports, work with families, crisis intervention/prevention, advocacy, referrals to other services, etc.
- Provide crisis support and counseling
- Ensure appropriate records are kept and make sure that statistical information is maintained as per agency standards
- Support for the appropriate use of medication
- Staff adheres to agency Health & Safety Program and the Client Safety Framework in the promotion of client safety
- Some light housekeeping duties are required
- Perform additional duties as required/delegated by Management

**Qualifications**:

- Post-Secondary education, University Degree in Social Work, Health Services, Social Services or equivalent
- 3+ years’ experience with Mental Health
- Excellent proven experience with the mental health population while collaborating with partners and other community resources is essential
- Knowledge and commitment to the values of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery oriented practices
- Knowledge of mental health and addictions/justice support services
- Individual and group counselling skills
- Excellent assessment, risk management, and consultation skills
- Knowledge of psychiatric symptomology and psychiatric medication as well as suicide assessment and intervention
- Excellent time management, communication, people management, etc.
- Proven ability to work with multiple internal teams to create successful synergies
- Able to work with mínimal direction or supervision
- Solid understanding of selling skills and techniques
- Highly flexible, with solid interpersonal skills that allow one to work effectively in a diverse working environment
- A valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s license and a vehicle with adequate insurance coverage is required
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office software (e.g. Excel, Word, etc.)
- CPR, CPI and ASSIST certification

**Working Conditions and Physical Requirements**:

- Shift work (Days, Evenings, Overnights, Saturday - Sunday) with the ability to work excess/overtime hours where required
- Able to sit for prolonged periods of time
- Able to answer and communicate through telephone calls and general computer use
- Able to lift up to 20lbs (products, documents, etc.)
- Able to react and respond quickly under escalated situations to ensure client and staff safety
- Vehicle