Mental Health Worker

**Position Details**: **Posting #**: 27000 **Department**:Niagara Geriatric Outreach Program **Employee Type**:Regular, Part 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**: Niagara Seniors Mental Health Outreach (St. Catharines) **Application Dates**: **Opening Date**: 30/01/24 **Closing Date**: 06/02/24 Applications must be received online by 12:00 midnight on the Closing Date **Position Description**: ***: 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/addiction and/or seniors with chronic mental illness/addiction 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, primary care practitioners, long-term care homes, 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, addiction and/or behavioural issues and complex needs to stabilize, plan interventions and optimize the current situation. **QUALIFICATIONS**: - Degree/diploma in nursing (RN), Degree in Social Work or 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 - Current registration with your college in good standing: College of Nurses (RN), Ontario College of Social Workers & Social Service Workers, College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario or College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario - Minimum 3-5 years' experience in a comparable mobile, outreach role working with the defined population (e.g. seniors with complex mental illness, addictions and/or behavioural issues) - Demonstrated knowledge and practiced skills in geriatric psychiatry community and Long Term Care Home consultation and follow up - Knowledge of PIECES frameworks and templates a strong asset - Knowledge of the Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) for Dementia Care an asset and highly recommended - Working knowledge and understanding of HNHB LHIN Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) cross sector strategies and initiatives - 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, addiction and 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 - Current First Aid/CPR certification - Valid drivers' license and full time use of own car is required - 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 and work in a fast-paced environment - Basic computer ability/knowledge is required (e.g. typing assessments and data entry) **RESPONSIBILITIES**: - Provide "community outreach" assessment, treatment/intervention, education, advocacy and support to older adults with complex disorders (emotional, behavioural, cognitive, psychosocial and physical) and their care providers - Liaison with community agencies and other residential settings (e.g. Long Term Care, assisted living, retirment home), and health and social service providers to ensure comprehensive, integrated, responsive service delivery - Leadership in community educati