Mental Health Support Worker

ABOUT US

Metro Community Housing Association is a non-profit, community-based agency that provides support to persons living with mental illness. MCHA operates residential settings throughout Halifax and Dartmouth under the umbrella of Department of Community Services and has grown to 17 locations following the opening of our newest home in 2021. Established in 1974, MCHA manages small option homes, group homes, complex care homes, a community transition house, and residential care facility. We also offer supported apartment services to those participants living independently.

WHY MCHA

We hire and support amazing people. MCHA promotes an environment that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive of diversity. Our agency offers a rewarding career in the human services field, where employees can develop meaningful relationships with participants and make a positive impact in their daily lives.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are hiring multiple Complex Care Casual Support Workers to join our two homes in Dartmouth. The Complex Care Casuals will support participants who have multifaceted mental health and behaviour needs. This role is responsible for effective and appropriate verbal and physical crisis interventions. Our work schedule operates on a 24/7 basis; staff in these homes work mainly 12-hour shifts, rotating between days and overnight awake shifts. If you are someone who maintains resiliency during challenging times, you might be the right fit for our team.

We rely on our casual support staff to fill-in for shifts when our regular staff are unavailable. Although not guaranteed a minimum number of hours, there are typically ample shifts available since both homes are triple staffed. Casuals can accept or decline shifts based on their availability and are contacted in advance and on short notice. We are seeking casuals who are available to promptly complete training and work a minimum of 1-2 shifts per month. Our casuals are also eligible to apply for internal employment opportunities for which they're qualified, including part-time or full-time unionized positions. These positions receive a higher rate of pay, as well as shift premiums and other Collective Agreement benefits.

Areas of Responsibility:

· Participant's emotional and physical wellbeing

· Team support and safety

· Implementation of programming and behaviour plans

· Facilitation of community access and meaningful community activities

· Collaboration with support professionals

· Encouraging family/other support network involvement

· Verbal and physical crisis intervention, including physical containments

· Medication management

· Providing personal care as needed

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Diploma in Human Services OR post-secondary education in Psychology, Sociology, or other human services required
• Minimum 6 months-experience supporting individuals with disabilities and long-term mental health concerns required
• Proficient and evolving subject matter expertise supporting individuals with disabilities and long-term mental health concerns
• Demonstrated ability to support individuals using a trauma-informed, humanistic approach
• Must be willing and able to follow through on a certified physical crisis intervention model
• Must be able to work a rotational schedule, with awake overnight shifts
• Must successfully complete mandatory training, including physical containment training, as a condition of employment.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Additional Assets:

• Experience supporting persons with Borderline Personality Disorder and/or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team
• Demonstrated experience implementing support plans
• Demonstrated experience facilitating community inclusion
• Access to a reliable vehicle and the appropriate level of insurance for transporting participants

Personal Attributes:

· Strong communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal

· Well developed de-escalation strategies

· Compassionate, supportive, and empathetic

· Critical thinker, reflective, and calm under pressure

· Assertive self-starter with effective coping skills

· Ability to adapt to participant needs, with solution focused problem-solving

· Resilient when immersed in highly charged environments and subjected to targeted behaviors

· Views constructive feedback as an opportunity to learn and grow

· Understands and implements direction and instruction, including specific behaviour modification approaches

· Willingness to change their approach rather than change the participant

· Understanding that behaviours can get worse before they get better

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

· Clear criminal record check and vulnerable sector check

· Standard First Aid/CPR certification (Level C)

· Food Handlers training

· Ability to promptly complete 'Phase 1' complex care training, including in-person and online sessions with external trainers

· Ability to complete core competency training, recertifications, and other courses as required during course of employment

The rate for this position is $26.02/hour, plus 4% vacation pay.

We appreciate your interest in Metro Community Housing Association. Only those candidates selected to move forward in our recruitment process will be contacted. We are happy to make an offer of employment after a positive interview (Any offer made at that time is conditional on receiving satisfactory references, clear criminal record check. etc.). We look forward to hearing from you

Job Type: Casual

Pay: $26.02 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Flexible schedule

Application question(s):

• Are you able to work in the Dartmouth/Cole Harbor area?

Licence/Certification:

• UMAB Certificate (preferred)
• Food Handler Certification (preferred)
• Standard First Aid and CPR (Level C) (preferred)
• Driving Licence (required)

Work Location: In person