CMHC, Mental Health and Justice

About the Job:

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Community Mental Health Counsellor - Justice will be responsible for supporting and counselling clients experiencing mental health and addiction challenges in the community. In addition, these clients may be involved with the criminal justice system (i.e. on mental health court diversion or on release from a provincial correctional facility) and are either homeless or at risk for being homeless, or are residing within one of the programs supportive housing units.

They will assess and provide a treatment plan for these clients. They will be a resource and an advocate in their comprehensive understanding of crisis management and the impact mental health and addiction challenges might have on an individual and their overall wellbeing. They will work closely with member of the Dufferin Services Team and staff associated with the criminal justice system.

Their main goals are to ensure clients with mental health and addiction challenges receive the best support possible to enable them to achieve wellness and independence, secure appropriate housing, maintain housing stability and reduce rates of re-offense. They will support individuals with mental illness who have current involvement with the criminal justice system (i.e. on mental health court diversion or on release from a provincial correctional facility) in a supportive housing program. The program will increase access to Mental Health and Justice Supportive Housing for individuals with mental illness to enhance well-being and decrease justice system participation and possible incarceration. They will focus on prevention of involvement in the criminal justice system, assist with securing and maintaining housing, and offer support services that meet the individual's diverse needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate treatment plans within a community setting
• Use standardized assessment tools and provide intensive case management
• Participate in individual goal planning to address unique needs
• Support individuals with maintaining and sustaining housing
• Prevent involvement in the criminal justice system for individuals with mental illness and addictions
• Partner with clients and their families as members of the health care team as required
• Identify risk factors to decrease harm by establishing and implementing recovery and crisis plans
• Assist clients in developing and maintaining community supports, daily living, and social skills necessary to obtain independency in the community
• Liaise with community support and partners (i.e. mental health and addiction service providers, justice partners, police, courts, landlords, primary care, and family members)
• Work independently and collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to carry out mental health recovery and support
• Understand and be able to integrate a philosophy of client-centred care into daily responsibilities
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to quality care and service delivery based on SHIP's Mission and Values
• Ensure appropriate records are kept and make sure that statistical information is maintained as per agency standards
• Adherence to agency Health & Safety Program and the Client Safety Framework in the promotion of client safety
• Perform additional duties as required/delegated by Management

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in Social Work, Health Services, Psychology or equivalent
• 2+ years of providing Mental Health assessments and/or case management
• Demonstrated knowledge of serious mental illness, concurrent disorders, and the criminal justice system
• Experience working with the homeless population is an asset
• Knowledge and best evidence-based practice for mental health services
• Excellent assessment, risk management, and crisis intervention
• Expertise in collaboration with healthcare services
• Knowledge of MS Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• A vehicle, valid driver's license, and adequate insurance coverage
• Valid Certification in First Aid & CPR
• Training in ASIST and CPI

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Hours are typically from Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm but may vary depending on client needs
• Average amount of physical effort required (Walking, Stair Climbing, etc.)
• Able to sit/stand for prolonged periods
• Able to answer and communicate telephone calls and general computer use
• Able to lift to 20lbs (product, documents, etc.)
• Vehicle travel to sites for visits/walk-throughs and open doors as required

Ship Values

• Compassion, Hope, Inclusive, Respect, Professional

Please note that we use automated screening tools as part of our recruitment process and are reviewed to support fair and equitable hiring practices

Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

UNION | 37.5 hours per week