Mental Health

The Mental Health & Addictions Worker will provide services to Gillian’s Place clients with varying mental health and/or substance use challenges or concerns. Within the context of the organization’s mission, vision, and values, the Mental Health & Addictions Worker will provide education, support, and counselling to clients and advise colleagues when required. This program will operate within a harm reduction framework. Services will include initial and ongoing screening and assessment, as well as providing support and opportunities focusing on recovery and well-being, evaluating the effectiveness of the case management plan, and making changes as needed. As with all employees of Gillian’s Place, the Mental Health & Addictions Worker has a strong understanding of gendered violence and a commitment to providing superior service to our clients.

**Responsibilities**:

- Case management for clients with mental health and/or addictions
- Mental health assessment to determine needs and recommend relevant supports
- Evaluate the effectiveness of case management by monitoring behavioural changes, assessing the client’s progress, and readjusting plans as necessary
- Provide mental health counselling and coping strategies for various mental health diagnoses
- Provide counselling regarding the use and effects of alcohol and drugs to shelter and outreach clients
- Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of client-centred mental health and addictions interventions, practice methods, and professional skills
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of crisis management and the impact of trauma on mental health and addiction issues
- Provide information regarding and referrals to community resources, treatment centres, social service networks, and organizations
- Connect clients to funding agencies available to assist clients in accessing needed support services and community resources
- Support clients who live at Gillian’s Place to follow through on their case plans and provide counselling support on issues of abuse as needed.
- Provide counselling support to individuals and groups
- Execute crisis intervention, de-escalation, and active listening skills
- Stay up to date on Gillian’s Place safety and emergency procedures, ensure the safety of clients and the shelter, and manage emergencies as necessary
- Assist in preparing Family and Children Services Reports, per Duty to Report requirements, which involve documenting and reporting any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.

**Qualifications**:

- A relevant undergraduate degree or college diploma
- Specialized training in mental health and addictions
- Minimum of 3 years of proven success in directly supporting people with mental health challenges and addictions
- Extensive knowledge of gendered violence and counselling people who have experienced abuse
- Current vulnerable sector police check
- Current First Aid and CPR certification
- ASIST certification
- Certificate or relevant education/experience in de-escalation
- DBT and solution-based therapy would be considered an asset
- Valid Ontario driver's license and use of own vehicle
- The ability to communicate in a second language would be considered an asset.

Pay: $26.00-$28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Wellness program

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Weekends as needed

Application question(s):

- Do you have ASIST Certification?
- Do you have a certificate or relevant education/experience in de-escalation?

**Experience**:

- mental health/addictions counselling: 3 years (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-09-14