Mobile Mental Health Worker- Regular Full Time

In this position, you will engage in collaborative work within the community, with**: HAMSMaRT, Refuge Newcomer Health, Shelter Health Network, Canadian Mental Health Association and Good Shepherd, Hamilton** as part of the **Primary Care Access and Attachment Team (PCAAT). **This team will be focused on connecting with vulnerable populations to increase access and attachment to Primary Care.

The Mobile Mental Health Worker will be working within PCAAT, a community-based hub of interdisciplinary professionals providing on-the-spot care to clients, collaborating with their circles of care, and improving overall health outcomes of marginalized individuals. In this position you will be employed by Good Shepherd, with day-to-day operational accountability to both Good Shepherd and your Program Site. At Good Shepherd, our services include emergency food, transitional housing and education for homeless and street-involved youth; hospice palliative care; community mental health programs; and supportive housing programs.

The work of PCAAT is based on a fundamental belief in promoting hope and dignity to the most under-served members of our community. You will be working with our patients/clients, visitors, and staff by providing comprehensive primary healthcare services, including health promotion, disease prevention, treatment of injury and illness, consultation, and support.

Good Shepherd and PCAAT are committed to integrating Harm Reduction into our all of our services and to prioritizing the rights, dignity, and choices of those who use substances. By integrating a Harm Reduction framework within PCAAT, we can decrease barriers to service and better support some of our community's most marginalized members.

**How You Will Make an Impact**
- To provide rapid crisis assessment, development and implementation of risk management plans (identifying specific needs and appropriate actions, resources and timeframes) for individuals determined to need mental health supports.
- To provide crisis intervention/de-escalation and exercise good judgment and risk management during crisis and/or life-threatening situations.
- To participate in risk assessments and seek consultation and assistance as needed to ensure the safety and dignity of all those served by the program.
- To collaborate with PCAAT in the development of individualized plans, driven by the client's self-identified needs and goals while remaining cognizant of the client's current stage of treatment and readiness for change.
- To support each client in addressing pressing needs by providing emotional support, skill training, creative problem solving, encouragement, positive feedback and practical assistance.
- To facilitate and participate in the development and review of case planning with the client, program staff and relevant support systems to ensure an integrated approach to service delivery.
- To provide crisis counseling, education, and support to clients and members of their immediate support systems in a manner that is consistent with their level of knowledge and understanding of mental health needs.
- To educate and inform clients about available resources and services and support them in making self-referrals as appropriate.
- To identify, organize, and link clients to community resources and provide flexible, time-limited support and advocacy to facilitate community tenure and crisis resolution.
- To maintain up-to-date knowledge of community resources, internal policies and procedures, agency protocols and share relevant information regarding these with other staff.

In addition, the role involves triaging, communicating, and collaborating with hospitals and community health services, allied social services, and facilitating connections with primary care physicians as needed. Collaborating with fellow PCAAT members and community stakeholders, providing supportive counseling, navigating systems, and participating in community activities.

**What You'll Bring to Our Team**
- A degree or diploma in social work, social service work, nursing, or a related field, plus 2 years experience in a community mental health, addictions and/or crisis intervention setting or equivalent.
- An extensive knowledge of community resources and supports in the City of Hamilton.
- A demonstrated knowledge and skills in suicide, risk assessment and behavior management.
- A demonstrated knowledge of crisis intervention, de-escalation strategies and interventions and an ability to remain calm in crisis situations.
- CPR/First Aid certification and WHMIS training or willingness to be trained.
- Experience working with mental health, addiction, and concurrent disorders
- Experience and sensitivity in working with culturally diverse populations including individuals newly arrived in Canada
- Committed to intersectional anti-racist/anti-oppressive practice, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care
- Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
- Outgoing and a